Super Bowl LIX halftime show explained

Sbnumeral:LIX
Date:February 9, 2025
Location:New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Venue:Caesars Superdome
Headliner:Kendrick Lamar
Sponsor:Apple Music
Producer:Jesse Collins, Roc Nation
Director:Hamish Hamilton
Last:LVIII
(2024)
This:LIX
(2025)
Next:LX
(2026)

The Super Bowl LIX halftime show, officially known as the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, is the upcoming halftime entertainment of Super Bowl LIX, which is scheduled to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. It will feature American rapper Kendrick Lamar as the headline performer. The show will be televised nationally in the U.S. by Fox, Fox Deportes, and NFL+.[1]

Background

Selection process

The process of deciding a headline performer for the Super Bowl halftime show is disputed.[2] According to the Charlotte Observer, it begins with a panel that includes the National Football League's (NFL) director of entertainment, members of its production company, and the halftime show's director and producer. A short list of potential performers is created and given to the Super Bowl's host city, who makes the final decision.[3] However, members of its host committee claimed that a headline performer is solely picked by the league, and they are notified on who was chosen in the same manner as the general public.[4]

On August 13, 2019, the NFL announced a partnership with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and his entertainment company Roc Nation to be named the league's live music entertainment strategist.[5] In that role, Jay-Z and his firm became co-producers and consultants of the Super Bowl halftime show, allowing them to be involved in selecting music for NFL usage and choosing entertainers to perform in televised promotional spots throughout the season.[6] "We really wanted to start to focus on leading to culture," Seth Dudowsky, the league's head of music, explained. "Whether that’s the culture of the city, what’s happening in culture at large and then focusing on it so that what we’re doing feels culturally relevant and using that platform for artists to be able to be themselves and show their art on stage. We want them to feel empowered."[7]

Artists in contention

Kendrick Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige, with 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak serving as special guests.[8] The first halftime show to be centered entirely around hip hop music,[9] it was met with critical acclaim and won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including a historic win for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).[10] Lamar's "thrilling" and "electrifying" performance was highlighted by several critics.[11] [12] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called it "stunning — ecstatically liquid in flow, moving his body with jagged vigor."[13] Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield opined that he deserved an entire slot to himself.[14]

Lil Wayne publicly campaigned to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, especially one hosted in his hometown of New Orleans.[15] He was an initial candidate to perform, according to Stephen A. Smith for ESPN.[16] "I'd kill that shit," Wayne exclaimed in an interview with Rolling Stone's Andre Gee. "We wouldn’t even worry about the game after that. Everybody knew that one kid [who] was watching the halftime show, but that’d be one of the first Super Bowls that they’ll be like, 'Both teams were out on the field watching the halftime show.'" By February 2024, Wayne was not given the call from the NFL, but he remained hopeful about his chances.[17] "We all praying, we keeping our fingers crossed," he told YG. "I'm working hard. I'm going to make sure this next album and everything I do is killer, so I want to just make it hard for them not to highlight the boy."

Headliner announcement

On September 8, 2024, before the first full slate of regular season matches went underway, the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Lamar as the headlining act for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.[18] He is expected to be the first solo rapper to headline the performance, and the first rapper to lead the festivities multiple times.[19] Lamar shared the news by posting a promotional trailer on YouTube, which was directed by his longtime creative partner Dave Free.[20] The one-shot trailer shows him on a football field in front of a large American flag throwing footballs through a passing machine at off-screen players. As he shouts motivational remarks to them, he introduces himself as the headliner.

Reception

The decision to have Lamar headline the halftime show polarized the rap industry.[21] Media outlets described Lil Wayne not being chosen as the headliner as a snub, and he admitted the announcement "broke" him.[22] [23] Birdman,[24] Boosie Badazz,[25] Cam'ron,[26] Mase,[27] Master P,[28] and Nicki Minaj condemned Jay-Z for the "egregious" selection and accused him of factoring in his complicated relationship with Lil Wayne and other artists under his record label, Young Money Entertainment.[29] [30] On the other hand, Charlamagne tha God,[31] Fabolous,[32] Fat Joe,[33] and Jay Electronica defended Jay-Z, noting that he was not the only one involved in deciding the headliner.[34] Funkmaster Flex and Juvenile placed the blame on the NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell for their negligence towards people of color.[35] [36]

Critics were more positive about Lamar's announcement, praising it as a historic and full circle accomplishment that ties to the beginning of his escalated feud with Drake. The editorial staff of HipHopDX, led by Elliott Wilson, opined that he was the right choice, citing his legacy, catalog, and showmanship as prime examples.[37] Justin Sayles of The Ringer believes the halftime performance is the capstone of a year that has seen Lamar "ascend to the highest levels" of popular culture, and seen Drake "sink to the lowest levels" of his career.[38] David Dennis Jr. of Andscape declared the announcement as a final, definitive reminder that Lamar has completed "one of the most undeniable one-sided victories in rap history."[39] USA Today's Mike Freeman argued that it showcased a prominent example of Jay-Z's influence on the NFL's mostly conservative owners by "unabashedly injecting Black culture into the league's Super Bowl bloodstream."[40]

However, some commentators found it hypocritical of Lamar to headline the performance given his reputation as a socially aware rapper and the NFL's troubled history with social justice initiatives. Gee argued that by partnering with a corporation that "ran to Black music when they needed to distract the country from their racial biases," he and other artists who have "won favor by feigning pro-Blackness" are helping the league enforce and propagandize the American Empire, and throw dirt on Colin Kaepernick's fight.[41]

Development

Creative direction for the performance will be provided by Lamar and Free's company, PGLang. It will be produced by Diversified Production Services (DPS) and directed by Hamish Hamilton. Jesse Collins, Jay-Z and Roc Nation will executive produce the telecast for a sixth year; the latter agency will also serve as strategic entertainment advisors.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bassam . Tom . March 23, 2021 . The NFL's new broadcast rights deals: Billions of dollars, evolving contracts and streaming plans . September 9, 2024 . SportsPro . en-GB.
  2. Web site: Inman . DeMicia . September 10, 2024 . How Is The Super Bowl Halftime Performer Chosen? . September 10, 2024 . Vibe . en-US.
  3. News: Santiago . Evan . February 14, 2022 . How Super Bowl halftime headliners are chosen and why they work for free . live . https://archive.today/20240909164520/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-people/article258383208.html . September 9, 2024 . September 13, 2024 . The Charlotte Observer.
  4. Web site: Dennis Jr . David . September 10, 2024 . Lil Wayne’s absence is the elephant in the room at the Super Bowl halftime show . September 10, 2024 . Andscape . en-US.
  5. News: Belson . Ken . Sisario . Ben . August 13, 2019 . N.F.L. and Jay-Z Team Up on Music and Social Justice Campaign . registration . live . https://archive.today/20220215042242/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/sports/nfl-and-jay-z-team-up-on-music-and-social-justice-campaign.html . February 15, 2022 . September 13, 2024 . . 1553-8095.
  6. News: Maske . Mark . August 13, 2019 . NFL partners with Jay-Z on Super Bowl halftime entertainment, social justice initiative . subscription . live . https://archive.today/20240909192028/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/13/nfl-is-partnering-with-jay-z-entertainment-social-justice-initiatives/ . September 9, 2024 . September 13, 2024 . . en-US . 0190-8286.
  7. Web site: Landrum Jr . Jonathan . January 31, 2024 . From marching bands to megastars: How the Super Bowl halftime show became a global spectacle . September 13, 2024 . . en.
  8. News: McIntosh . Steve . February 14, 2022 . Super Bowl: Dr Dre and Eminem pack in the hits at half-time show . September 9, 2024 . . en-GB.
  9. News: Tannenbaum . Rob . February 10, 2022 . How Hip-Hop Inched Its Way to the Super Bowl Halftime Stage . subscription . https://archive.today/20220210174105/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-hip-hop.html . February 10, 2022 . September 9, 2024 . . 0362-4331.
  10. Web site: Grein . Paul . September 3, 2022 . Super Bowl Halftime Show, Adele, The Beatles: Get Back & Other Big Winners at 2022 Creative Arts Emmys . September 9, 2024 . . en-US.
  11. Web site: Perry . Kevin E G . February 14, 2022 . Super Bowl 2022 halftime review: Dr Dre oversees performance from hip-hop royalty . September 9, 2024 . The Independent.
  12. Web site: Wood . Mikael . February 13, 2022 . Dr. Dre leads giant win for hip-hop in electrifying, ambitious Super Bowl halftime show . subscription . September 9, 2024 . . en-US.
  13. News: Caramanica . Jon . Jon Caramanica . February 13, 2022 . Rap Takes Over Super Bowl Halftime, Balancing Celebration and Protest . subscription . live . https://archive.today/20220214045449/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/arts/music/super-bowl-halftime-show-review.html#selection-523.0-523.69 . February 14, 2022 . September 9, 2024 . The New York Times . 0362-4331.
  14. Web site: Sheffield . Rob . Rob Sheffield . February 14, 2022 . Every Super Bowl Halftime Show, Ranked From Worst to Best . September 9, 2024 . Rolling Stone.
  15. Web site: Gee . Andre . June 9, 2023 . Lil Wayne Is So Prolific He Hardly Remembers Tha Carter III . live . https://archive.today/20230609160729/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-wayne-interview-carter-anniversary-1234766396/#selection-2219.22-2219.265 . June 9, 2023 . September 10, 2024 . Rolling Stone . en-US.
  16. Web site: Bachar . Zach . September 12, 2024 . Stephen A. Smith: Lil Wayne Was Considered for NFL's Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show . September 13, 2024 . . en.
  17. Web site: Turner-Williams . Jaelani . September 9, 2024 . Clip of Lil Wayne Saying He Wants to Do Super Bowl Resurfaces: 'We Keeping Our Fingers Crossed' . September 10, 2024 . . en.
  18. Web site: September 8, 2024 . NFL in his DNA: Kendrick Lamar will play SB LIX . September 9, 2024 . ESPN. . en.
  19. Web site: Gaydos . Ryan . September 8, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar headlines Super Bowl LIX's halftime show . September 9, 2024 . . en-US.
  20. News: Scribner . Herb . September 8, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar to headline 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show . September 9, 2024 . . en-US . 0190-8286.
  21. Web site: Lee . Chantelle . September 9, 2024 . Some Are Criticizing Kendrick Lamar Headlining Super Bowl . September 10, 2024 . . en.
  22. Web site: Kaufman . Gil . September 13, 2024 . Devastated Lil Wayne Admits Super Bowl Halftime Snub ‘Broke’ Him: ‘It Hurt a Lot’ . September 13, 2024 . Billboard . en-US.
  23. Web site: Johnson . Arianna . September 13, 2024 . Lil Wayne Reacts To Super Bowl Halftime Snub: ‘It Broke Me’ . September 13, 2024 . Forbes . en.
  24. Web site: Mahadevan . Tara . September 9, 2024 . Birdman Appears to Vent Frustration With Super Bowl Halftime Show Not Selecting Lil Wayne, Demands ‘Respek’ . September 10, 2024 . Complex . en.
  25. Web site: Nevares . Gabriel Bras . September 9, 2024 . Boosie Badazz Rants Against Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show . September 10, 2024 . HotNewHipHop . en.
  26. Web site: Bennett . Jessica . September 9, 2024 . Cam’ron Slams Kendrick Lamar Being Booked For Super Bowl Over Lil Wayne As “Egregious” . September 9, 2024 . . en-US.
  27. Web site: William Cowen . Trace . September 9, 2024 . Cam’ron and Mase Criticize Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Announcement: ‘Egregious… Hating at This Age Is Crazy’ . September 10, 2024 . Complex . en.
  28. Web site: Fitzgerald . Trent . September 8, 2024 . Master P Salutes Kendrick Lamar as Super Bowl Headliner But Thinks Lil Wayne Should Be Part of Celebration Too . September 9, 2024 . . en.
  29. Web site: Gee . Andre . September 9, 2024 . Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and More Slam Jay-Z Over Super Bowl Halftime Show . September 10, 2024 . Rolling Stone . en-US.
  30. Web site: Johnson . Arianna . September 9, 2024 . Nicki Minaj And Others Seemingly Call Out Jay-Z For Picking Kendrick Lamar For Super Bowl Over Lil Wayne: What To Know . September 10, 2024 . . en.
  31. Web site: Sadler . Armon . September 11, 2024 . Fat Joe, Fabolous, And More Defend JAY-Z In Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Controversy . September 12, 2024 . Vibe . en-US.
  32. Web site: Brown . Preezy . September 10, 2024 . Fabolous Defends JAY-Z Amid Scrutiny Over Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner . September 12, 2024 . Vibe . en-US.
  33. Web site: Williams . Aaron . September 11, 2024 . Fat Joe Thinks ’It’d Be No Hip-Hop’ At The Super Bowl If Not For Jay-Z . September 12, 2024 . . en-US.
  34. Web site: Coleman II . C. Vernon . September 11, 2024 . Jay Electronica Goes Off in Rant Defending Jay-Z, Calls Out People 'Slave Cooning Over a Football Game' . September 12, 2024 . XXL . en.
  35. Web site: Mahadevan . Tara . September 9, 2024 . Funkmaster Flex on Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Halftime Show Criticism: 'We Gotta Stop Blaming Jay-Z' . September 10, 2024 . Complex . en.
  36. Web site: White . Andrew . September 10, 2024 . Juvenile Responds to Lil Wayne Not Being Chosen to Perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show: 'My Hatred Is Toward the NFL' . September 12, 2024 . Complex . en.
  37. Web site: September 12, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar Deserves To Headline The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show . September 13, 2024 . . en.
  38. Web site: Sayles . Justin . September 8, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Is the Final Nail in Drake’s Coffin . September 9, 2024 . . en.
  39. Web site: Dennis Jr. . David . September 9, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show announcement is bigger than his victory over Drake . September 10, 2024 . . en-US.
  40. Web site: Freeman . Mike . September 9, 2024 . Kendrick Lamar halftime show another example of Jay-Z influence on NFL owners . September 9, 2024 . . en-US.
  41. Web site: Gee . Andre . September 9, 2024 . The NFL Doesn't Deserve to Be in on Kendrick's Moment -- But He Let Them . September 10, 2024 . Rolling Stone . en-US.

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