Lil Wayne addressed his fans on Friday about not being chosen to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans. This statement followed the NFL’s recent announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the event.
In an emotional Instagram video, Wayne took a moment to explain his delayed reaction, revealing the depth of his disappointment with the decision. “First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” he shared while dressed in a red, white, and blue track jacket.
Wayne candidly expressed his feelings, stating, “That hurt. It hurt a lot… I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown.” He shared how he had pictured himself on that prominent stage and felt a profound sense of loss when he learned he would not be performing. “I thought that was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt,” he admitted.
Despite his disappointment, Wayne expressed gratitude for his supporters, who helped him navigate through the tough news. “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 said.
Wayne acknowledged the backing he received from fellow artists, friends, and fans, who he said played a crucial role in his resilience. “Thanks to all of my peers, my friends, my family, my homies on the sports television and everybody repping me,” he remarked, emphasizing how their encouragement inspired him.
Several New Orleans artists, including Master P and Juvenile, have voiced their dissatisfaction with Wayne being overlooked. Kendrick Lamar, who previously performed at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, has not yet responded to the criticism regarding the NFL’s decision. He is scheduled to take the stage at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.