When Lil Wayne expressed his disappointment at not being chosen to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans, it stirred up questions about the process behind the decision-making. Halftime show producer Jesse Collins shed some light on the matter in a conversation with Variety, revealing that the final say on the performers rests with Jay-Z. With the Philadelphia Eagles set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this year, Jay-Z has consistently made the call on the halftime show acts, with Collins praising his track record of making excellent choices.
Following a partnership between Jay-Z and Roc Nation with the NFL in 2019, which positioned him as the league’s “live music entertainment strategist” and involved him in social justice initiatives, the stage was set for a groundbreaking collaboration. On September 7, a joint announcement by NFL, Apple Music, Roc Nation, and Kendrick Lamar revealed that the acclaimed artist will headline the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show on February 9 at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Grammy-winning Lamar, with five recent wins including prestigious categories like song of the year and record of the year, will be joined by SZA for the highly anticipated performance.
In response to the decision, Collins expressed confidence in Lamar’s ability to deliver an exceptional show, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the upcoming halftime spectacle. Jay-Z echoed this sentiment, praising Lamar as a unique talent whose impact transcends music.
While the news of Lamar’s selection was met with enthusiasm, Lil Wayne took to Instagram to express his disappointment at not securing the coveted halftime spot. Despite the setback, Wayne recognized the outpouring of support from his fans and acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation.
As anticipation builds for Kendrick Lamar’s headline performance, the Super Bowl halftime show continues to be a subject of intrigue and excitement, showcasing the convergence of music, culture, and sports on a global stage.
It was alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted a woman in 2000 when she was just 13 years old. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, took to Roc Nation’s X account to issue a detailed response, vehemently denying the accusations and condemning them as “heinous.” In a ruling made later that month, it was decided that the accuser could maintain anonymity. Following the revelation of the lawsuit, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the allegations would not impact the NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation. Addressing the matter after the league’s winter meetings in Texas, Goodell acknowledged, “We are aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s strong response to them. We understand that litigation is ongoing. However, as far as we are concerned, our relationship with Roc Nation, including our preparations for the upcoming Super Bowl, remains unchanged.” This article was originally published by People.
