Viewers Say the 2025 Super Bowl's Halftime Performance Was 'Ruined' – Here's Why

Millions expected a spectacular Super Bowl LIX halftime show, but Kendrick Lamar's performance sparked a heated debate instead.

Kendrick Lamar took center stage at Super Bowl LIX's halftime show on February 9, 2025, delivering a high-energy performance that quickly became a topic of debate among viewers.

The rapper, known for his intricate lyricism and commanding stage presence, performed some of his biggest hits, including "Humble," "Squabble Up," and "Not Like Us," a track widely recognized as a diss toward fellow rapper Drake.

As a special moment in the performance, Lamar was joined onstage by R&B star SZA. The two artists, who previously collaborated on Lamar's No. 1 album GNX, performed together, adding another layer of excitement to the show.

The official Apple Music Halftime Show Instagram page celebrated the moment, sharing posts like "IT'S K-D-O-T..." and "@KendrickLamar and @SZA are the moment." Clips from the performance, including a video of Lamar rapping "Humble," quickly circulated online.f

Despite the star power and bold setlist, the show received mixed reviews from fans. While some appreciated Lamar's artistry, others were less impressed, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment.

On Instagram, some viewers criticized the performance. One user wrote,"Might be the worst halftime show of all time [sic]." Another commented,"This halftime show was boring."

Reddit users also weighed in with similar sentiments. One viewer shared,"I was excited for it, and found this utterly underwhelming." Another said,"Turned the channel during this [sic]." A third comment read,"In front of the president [sic] …"

Over on X (formerly Twitter), reactions varied, but criticism was prevalent. One person wrote,"Kendrick ruined the sb halftime show. Sza too fine to ruin anything [sic]."

Another user commented,"I find Kendrick Lamar cringe. His voice is gimmicky to me. His whole Art [sic] feels cartoonish. Not sure how else to say this. And I don't think Drake is exceptional by the way."

"Kendrick Lamar so mid, his voice so annoying [sic]," another viewer posted. One user asked,"Tell me I'm not the only one needing subtitles for this!!" Another added,"Lil Wayne should have been the halftime performer. Kendrick was straight-up mumbling."

The halftime performance continues to be a hot topic, with fans debating whether Kendrick Lamar's unique style was fitting for such a massive stage.

Beyond the performance itself, Lamar's jewelry choice became a topic of discussion. The rapper was spotted wearing a chain featuring a lowercase letter "a," which quickly led to online speculation about its meaning.

Some fans interpreted it as a subtle jab at Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham. Others believed it referenced Lamar's song "Not Like Us," which contains the lyric, "Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A minor," referring to a musical note. The debate took off on social media.

One user asked,"what does the lowercase 'a' that kendrick lamar is wearing on his chain mean [sic]?" Another pointed out,"Ya'll catch the lowercase 'a' chain?!? The pettiness from Kendrick Lamar is unmatched [sic]."

"The fact that Kendrick's chain is 'a-minor' is the icing on the cake," one fan wrote. Another added,"The chain… a minor… Kdot next level petty [sic]."

"not kendrick being shady with the chainnnn [sic]," someone else posted. One user commented,"Kendrick Lamar wearing a lower case A (a minor) chain is diabolical work."

The discussion led to divided opinions. "The 'a' chain is from the logo of Kendrick’s company (PGlang) not 'a-minor'… " one user explained. Another countered,"I didn't think I needed to explain this, but no, it was an 'a minor' chain. It was a pgLang chain."

Some speculated it was a deeper message. "If we're being honest it seemed like Kendrick Lamar's whole superbowl performance was based around Drake. The songs, the shade, him bringing out Serena Williams, down to the 'A' chain around his neck standing for 'Aubrey'. That proves who the GOAT really is [sic]."

Kendrick Lamar'sSuper Bowl halftime show sparked intense debate, with fans split over his performance, song choices, and even his jewelry, keeping the discussion alive well after the game.