Lil Wayne addressed his feelings on Friday regarding his exclusion from the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown, New Orleans. This statement follows the NFL’s announcement that Kendrick Lamar will headline the performance.
In an emotional Instagram video, Wayne explained the reason for his delayed response, revealing the impact the decision had on him. “First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” he stated.
Wearing a red, white, and blue track jacket, the rapper communicated the significant disappointment he felt after hearing he wouldn’t be taking the stage. “That hurt. It hurt a lot… I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown,” Wayne admitted. He shared that he had imagined himself performing and felt the loss keenly, saying, “I thought that was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt.”
Despite his sadness, Wayne expressed gratitude to his supporters for their encouragement during this time. “But y’all are f—ing amazing. It made me feel like s—t not getting this opportunity, and when I felt like s—t, you guys reminded me that I ain’t s—t without y’all,” he noted.
He also recognized the support he received from fellow artists, family, and fans, saying, “Thanks to all of my peers, my friends, my family, my homies on the sports television and everybody repping me.” Wayne emphasized that their backing provided him with the strength to move forward.
Artists from New Orleans, such as Master P and Juvenile, have voiced their disappointment regarding Wayne’s omission from the show. Kendrick Lamar, who previously performed at the 2022 halftime show, has not yet publicly addressed the criticism regarding the NFL’s decision.
Lamar is scheduled to perform at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.