Lil Wayne Speaks Out After Super Bowl Halftime Snub, Reveals Heartbreak Over Losing to Kendrick Lamar

Lil Wayne has voiced his deep disappointment following the NFL’s announcement that Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans. The rap legend, who hails from the same city, took to Instagram on September 13 to express his emotions, revealing just how much the decision hurt.

In an emotional video, the 41-year-old rapper admitted, “It hurt a lot” not to be chosen for the performance, especially since the event will be held in his hometown on February 9 at Caesars Stadium. “I thought there was nothing better than that spot, on that stage, on that platform,” Wayne confessed, adding, “It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together.”

Lil Wayne had been openly lobbying for the chance to perform during the big game, making the NFL’s decision to select Lamar all the more painful for him. Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, has been involved in selecting artists for the halftime show since 2019. Despite Wayne’s hopes, the NFL went with Los Angeles native Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for 2025.

The announcement has ignited controversy among music fans and industry insiders. Wayne’s close collaborator and former protégé, Nicki Minaj, even weighed in, sharing her frustration over the decision.

The backlash has continued to grow as fans question why Wayne, one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation, wasn’t given the spotlight for such a monumental event in his hometown. While Roc Nation, the NFL, and Apple Music have yet to comment on the matter, Wayne’s emotional response has left many fans rallying behind him in the wake of the controversial decision