Conan O’Brien, hosting the 97th Academy Awards for the first time set the Dolby Theatre alight with his sharp wit but one particular joke stole the spotlight. The late-night legend made a savage dig at rapper Drake while referencing Kendrick Lamar’s headline grabbing Super Bowl halftime performance leaving the star-studded audience in shock.

During his halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick Lamar performed his scathing diss track Not Like Us, widely believed to target Drake. The track stirred massive controversy, especially for its lyrics hinting at serious allegations. Lamar strategically dropped the most controversial line from the live performance but the message was clear.

O’Brien couldn’t resist capitalizing on the viral moment during his Oscars gig. As the ceremony hit its halfway mark, he quipped,

 “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”

 The room filled with a mixture of laughter and gasps, as the audience caught the unexpected reference.Social media erupted moments after the comment aired. While some viewers praised O’Brien’s fearless humor, others questioned whether the joke crossed a line. One user wrote, “Ok, that was actually pretty funny,” while another commented, “Drake getting roasted at the Oscars, Grammys, AND the Super Bowl? 2025 is not his year.”

The Drake and Lamar feud has been simmering for years but recent jabs from both sides have escalated tensions. The Super Bowl performance was a bold power play from Lamar, with subtle digs and high-profile cameos — including Serena Williams and SZA, both rumored to have past ties to Drake.

With O’Brien’s Oscars punchline, the rap rivalry has officially crossed into Hollywood’s biggest night, proving that not even the glitz and glamour of the red carpet can shield celebrities from a perfectly timed roast.

Whether the joke will reignite the feud remains to be seen but one thing is certain O’Brien’s Oscars debut will be remembered for more than just his hosting skills.