Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop’s most celebrated artists, took center stage at Super Bowl 2025, making history as the first solo hip-hop headliner. However, rather than receiving universal praise, his performance ignited a wave of backlash. Critics and fans alike took to social media, calling it the “worst halftime show ever.”
Despite the high expectations surrounding his performance at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, many viewers felt the show lacked energy and failed to live up to the spectacle that the Super Bowl halftime show is known for. From controversial song choices to unexpected disruptions, Lamar’s set quickly became one of the most divisive halftime performances in recent memory.
Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: What Went Wrong?
Lamar stepped onto the stage fresh off his Grammy wins for “Not Like Us”, a track aimed at fellow rapper Drake. The performance began with Lamar standing atop a car, exuding his signature intensity as he delivered a medley of his greatest hits. But as the set unfolded, many fans felt something was missing.
While Lamar’s storytelling ability has always been his strength, some viewers criticized the show’s lack of dynamic visuals and high-energy moments—elements that past performers like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Prince had mastered. The absence of elaborate choreography, surprise guest appearances, and extravagant stage effects left some feeling underwhelmed.
A significant portion of the criticism stemmed from the decision to perform “Not Like Us”, a song that takes direct shots at Drake, even referring to him as a “certified pedophile” in the original lyrics. Although Lamar censored the controversial line for the live performance, the inclusion of the diss track still sparked debate.
Security Incident Disrupts the Halftime Show
In addition to the mixed reception of the performance itself, an unexpected security breach further complicated the show.
During Lamar’s set, a man waving a Palestine flag attempted to storm the stage, momentarily causing confusion among onlookers. Security swiftly intervened, preventing the disruption from escalating. While television cameras did not broadcast the incident, many inside the stadium witnessed the commotion unfold in real time.
This unscripted moment added to the controversy surrounding the performance, with some speculating whether it contributed to the overall sense of unease that fans felt watching the show.
A Vision That Didn’t Translate on Stage
Lamar entered the performance with a clear artistic vision—to fuse his Los Angeles hip-hop roots with the rich cultural influences of New Orleans. During a pre-show press conference, he spoke about his creative journey, stating:
“This is me. This is Kendrick Lamar, 37 years old, and I still feel like I’m elevating.”
However, while Lamar’s storytelling prowess has made him one of hip-hop’s most respected figures, translating that into a high-energy halftime performance proved challenging. Unlike previous halftime shows, which featured larger-than-life productions and commercial appeal, Lamar’s set leaned heavily into raw lyricism and stripped-down visuals—something that didn’t resonate with all viewers.
Fans Slam Lamar’s Halftime Show as ‘Boring’ and ‘Underwhelming’
Following the performance, social media erupted with mixed reactions. While some die-hard fans praised his commitment to authenticity and storytelling, many casual viewers were left unimpressed.
One Twitter user wrote: “This has to be the worst Super Bowl halftime show ever. No energy. No excitement. Just Kendrick standing around rapping.”
Another chimed in: “Kendrick Lamar is a great artist, but this was not the time for a deep lyrical performance. The Super Bowl needs a SHOW, not a spoken-word session.”
However, some fans defended Lamar’s artistic choices, arguing that his performance was never meant to be a pop spectacle.
“People are mad because Kendrick didn’t do some flashy, over-the-top pop performance. But that’s not who he is. He stayed true to himself, and I respect that,” one supporter posted.
Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Moment as a Solo Hip-Hop Headliner
Despite the backlash, Kendrick Lamar still made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
While he previously performed in Super Bowl 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent, this was his first time leading the show on his own. Before the event, Lamar emphasized the importance of putting hip-hop at the forefront:
“It puts the culture at the forefront, where it needs to be, and not minimized to just a catchy song or verse.”
His decision to use the Super Bowl stage as a platform for deeper artistic expression—rather than just an entertainment spectacle—was a bold move, but one that divided audiences.
Ongoing Legal Issues and Setlist Controversy
Beyond the criticism of the performance itself, Lamar’s setlist choice was reportedly the subject of legal discussions leading up to the event.
According to reports, there were concerns about Lamar performing “Not Like Us” due to ongoing legal disputes related to the song’s controversial lyrics. However, insiders claimed that Lamar was adamant about including the track, despite the potential pushback.
“He won’t back down,” a source told The US Sun.
While Lamar ultimately adjusted the lyrics for the live broadcast, the inclusion of the track still fueled controversy and further cemented the show’s divisive reception.
The Road Ahead: Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour
Despite the mixed reviews of his Super Bowl performance, Kendrick Lamar isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He is set to embark on the Grand National Tour with SZA, kicking off on April 19 in Minneapolis and concluding on June 18 in Washington, D.C.
Lamar has spoken highly of SZA’s talent, saying:
“I’m honored to be next to her talent.”
With a string of Grammy wins under his belt and a tour on the horizon, Lamar remains one of the most influential artists in hip-hop. However, his Super Bowl performance will likely remain one of the most debated halftime shows in history.
Final Thoughts: A Performance That Missed the Mark?
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was not your typical flashy, mainstream production. Instead, it was a bold statement—one that showcased his lyrical depth and storytelling ability. However, the subdued staging, controversial song choices, and lack of high-energy moments left many viewers disappointed.
While some praised his artistic integrity, others felt he missed the mark for such a massive stage. In a Super Bowl setting where spectacle and showmanship reign supreme, was Lamar’s halftime show too subtle for its own good?
One thing is certain—whether you loved it or hated it, everyone is talking about it.
