Lil Wayne opens up about his feelings of disappointment regarding the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, where Kendrick Lamar was selected as the headliner over him. The announcement came as a surprise to many, especially considering that the event is scheduled to take place in Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, the veteran rapper, now 41, expressed the emotional toll of being overlooked for such a prestigious opportunity. He candidly stated, “Not being picked hurt — it hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot.” Wayne admitted that he had high hopes for the performance, reflecting on how he may have set himself up for disappointment by assuming he was a likely choice for the slot.
“I thought there was nothing better than that spot on, on that platform, on that stage in my city, so it hurt,” he continued. The emotional weight of the situation prompted him to take time before speaking out, as he wanted to address his fans without being overwhelmed.
Wayne took the opportunity to thank his supporters, acknowledging their encouragement during this tough time. “Thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love and the support out there. Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back,” he remarked, emphasizing how much he values his fans.
Kendrick Lamar, who was announced as the performer on September 8, has received his share of attention for the selection, stating that the NFL “got the right one” and aims to showcase rap as a powerful genre during the halftime show. This decision has ignited discussions among fans, many of whom believed that Wayne and his peers from Cash Money Records, also hailing from New Orleans, would be the favorites for the performance.
While Wayne expressed his heartbreak over the decision, he remains focused on his future. He concluded his emotional message by promising his fans that he wouldn’t let this setback deter him. “I’m working on me and I’m working, so thank you,” he affirmed, signaling his determination to push through.
The rapper’s openness has resonated with countless fans and fellow artists alike, with Chance the Rapper and Machine Gun Kelly publicly showing their support in the comments of his post. The wave of encouragement reflects the strong bond between Wayne and his loyal fanbase, who continue to stand by him in the face of adversity.
This chapter in Wayne’s career is a reminder of the complexities of fame and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, especially when it involves significant moments such as the Super Bowl.
