Lil Wayne has once again voiced his frustration about missing out on the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, a performance he had long hoped to bring to his hometown of New Orleans. During his annual Lil Weezyana Fest, Wayne openly shared with the crowd how performing at the Super Bowl halftime show was a dream of his—a dream he feels was unfairly “ripped away” this year.
Back in September, the NFL announced that Kendrick Lamar would be taking the stage for the coveted halftime performance. This choice was particularly notable given Lamar’s recent high-profile feud with fellow artist Drake, which had escalated over the months, eventually culminating in a heated exchange of diss tracks. Many fans and critics alike believed Lamar came out on top in the rivalry, adding to his current momentum and visibility in the music world.
Music critic David Dennis Jr., writing for Andscape, broke down why Lil Wayne’s fans saw his omission as a snub. Given his deep connection to New Orleans and his extensive catalog of hits, Wayne would seem like a natural choice for a Super Bowl performance in his own backyard. His legacy and influence in the rap scene have been undeniable, with a career spanning over two decades. As Dennis noted, the Super Bowl halftime show isn’t always about who’s trending at the moment; many past performances have celebrated iconic artists for their lifetime contributions to music, whether or not they were currently topping the charts.Following the announcement, Lil Wayne took to Instagram Live to express his disappointment. He shared with his fans just how much the decision hurt him, and his emotions were palpable.
“I told myself I wanna be on stage at the Super Bowl in front of my mom and I worked my a** off to get that position,” he told the crowd. “It was ripped away from me but this moment right here… they can’t take this away from me.”
For him, it wasn’t just about missing out on a high-profile gig—it was about missing the chance to represent his city on one of the world’s biggest stages. His connection to New Orleans runs deep, and the Super Bowl performance would have been a way to honor his roots while bringing his music to a global audience.
While Kendrick Lamar undeniably holds considerable sway in the music industry right now, popularity hasn’t always been the main factor in determining the halftime performer. In fact, the NFL has often used the Super Bowl halftime show as a platform to honor iconic artists, many of whom might not be chart-toppers at the time. These performances serve as tributes to their enduring impact on the industry and are often more about celebrating legacy than current fame.
Looking ahead, there’s still hope for Lil Wayne to achieve his dream. The Super Bowl will inevitably return to New Orleans, giving him another opportunity to shine. However, that chance won’t come anytime soon, as the NFL has already locked in host cities for the next three Super Bowl games, and New Orleans is not on that list. This means that for now, Lil Wayne will have to wait for another opportunity to potentially take the stage and represent his city.
In the meantime, fans of both Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar will continue to discuss and debate the NFL’s decision. For many, Lil Wayne’s passion for his city and his influence on the music scene make him an ideal candidate for such a high-profile moment. His career has not only shaped the world of hip-hop but has also inspired a generation of artists who grew up listening to his work. A Super Bowl performance would serve as a fitting acknowledgment of his impact.
As for Kendrick Lamar, his upcoming Super Bowl appearance solidifies his current position at the top of the music world, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his artistry on an international stage. While this may not sit well with Lil Wayne and his fans, it highlights the competitive nature of the music industry, where only a select few get to occupy these career-defining moments.
For now, Lil Wayne remains hopeful, holding onto his dream of one day performing at a Super Bowl in New Orleans. Until then, he’ll continue to inspire and entertain his fans, proving that even setbacks like this one can’t dull his passion for music and his city.
