After Lil Wayne voiced his disappointment over not being selected as the Super Bowl halftime performer in his hometown of New Orleans, questions arose about how the decision is made.
Super Bowl halftime producer Jesse Collins shed light on the process in a September interview with Variety, revealing that Jay-Z ultimately makes the final choice on who performs. “It’s a decision that Jay makes,” Collins explained. “Since we’ve been on board with the show, he’s made the choice every year, and it’s always been the right one.”
In 2019, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entered a partnership with the NFL. As part of the deal, Jay-Z took on the role of the league’s live music entertainment strategist and helped with social justice initiatives.
On September 7, the NFL, Apple Music, Roc Nation, and Kendrick Lamar announced that the rapper will perform at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Lamar, who recently won five Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, will be joined onstage by SZA.
Producer Jesse Collins expressed confidence in Lamar’s performance. “We love Wayne,” he said, referring to Lil Wayne. “There’s always speculation about who will perform, but I think Kendrick is going to put on an amazing show that everyone will love.”
Jay-Z also shared his excitement about Lamar’s role. “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist,” Jay-Z said. “He has an unmatched ability to define and influence culture globally. His impact extends far beyond music.”
Lamar previously performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022, alongside Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent for Dr. Dre’s star-studded performance.
Following the announcement of Lamar’s selection, Lil Wayne, 42, shared his feelings of disappointment in an Instagram video. He expressed how difficult it was to come to terms with not being chosen to perform in his hometown. “It hurt a whole lot,” he said. “I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage in my city.”
Wayne thanked his fans for their support, admitting that he wasn’t mentally prepared for the letdown.
In December, after Lamar’s selection, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation faced legal challenges. A woman filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted her in 2000 when she was 13 years old. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, denied the allegations, calling them “heinous.” The court later ruled that the accuser could remain anonymous.
Despite the lawsuit, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the league’s relationship with Roc Nation would remain unchanged. “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s strong response,” Goodell said. “Our preparations for the next Super Bowl are continuing as planned.”
Read more:
