Kid Rock abruptly halts performance, exits stage after urging audience to clap: ‘I’m out’
Kid Rock remarked: “People are quick to criticize, but this guy essentially came out with a rebellious attitude, catering to those who unapologetically appreciate his work.”
The 54-year-old singer expressed that he believes Lamar, 37, is unconcerned about others’ opinions, stating, “That’s pretty much been my approach throughout my career. I have to admire it.”
Kid Rock, a supporter of President Donald Trump, then elaborated on his perspective, acknowledging former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice in the United States.
Kid Rock attributes Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show to Colin Kaepernick
Kid Rock mentioned to Maher, “I’ve yet to hear a satisfactory explanation: how did Lamar secure that performance? Jay-Z,” referring to the agreement between Roc Nation’s owner, the billionaire rapper, and the NFL, initially revealed in 2019 and extended last October.
“What’s the story there? I believe Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a Bundt cake, a six-pack of beer, and a ‘thank you’ note accompanied by a substantial sum of money because if not for his protest during the national anthem, which stirred controversy, including mine, I don’t think this opportunity would have manifested,” Kid Rock remarked.
All of the tracks featured in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 59 halftime show
Before Maher could respond, Kid Rock asserted that Lamar’s selection for the halftime show symbolized the explosion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) due to the NFL’s purported efforts in these areas. With Jay-Z overseeing the booking, Lamar’s performance seemingly transformed DEI into an improvised explosive device (IED).
An IED is a makeshift bomb. The acclaimed rapper Lamar, a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, often lauded as one of the greatest artists in hip-hop, has amassed 22 Grammy victories from 57 nominations. In contrast, Kid Rock has received five Grammy nominations without securing a win.
Lamar, who rose to prominence with his impactful second album “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” experienced a breakthrough year that propelled him to widespread fame. His diss track “Not Like Us” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart last year, marking his first No. 1 hit, and he triumphed in all five categories he was nominated for at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including two wins in the prestigious “Big Four” categories for record of the year and song of the year.
Throughout “Real Time,” Kid Rock further elaborated on his stance, momentarily leaving Maher speechless, a rare occurrence.
“It was as though all Black individuals or people of color were directly addressing his audience in the inner city, predominantly Black individuals. It felt so exclusive,” Kid Rock remarked, expressing
The halftime show has been a staple of the Super Bowl since its inception in 1967. Over the years, it has featured a lineup of iconic performers who have left a lasting impression on viewers. In 2020, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez delivered a spectacular performance that dazzled audiences around the world. The following year, The Weeknd took the stage for a memorable Super Bowl Sunday show. In 2022, the halftime show brought together Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige in a group medley paying tribute to the hip-hop genre. The following year, in 2023, Rihanna graced the stage with a show-stopping performance, while Usher took the spotlight as the halftime show performer for Super Bowl 58. Kid Rock recently praised Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show as a celebration of diversity, marking yet another unforgettable moment in Super Bowl history.
