Best and Worst Moments of the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
This year, rap superstar Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. This wasn’t his first rodeo, either. He also took to the stage in 2022 for an ensemble act that included rap gods like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent.
He had one of the best introductions from yet another legend, Samuel L. Jackson, as well as an assist from Sza and the one and only Serena Williams. His performance wouldn’t have been everybody’s cup of tea, but it had a lot going for it. So, let’s break it all down.
Samuel L. Jackson: Best
Kendrick Lamar had a nice tee-up to his performance. He was introduced by Samuel L. Jackson who just so happened to be dressed up like Uncle Sam. No doubt that was a conversation starter in thousands of living rooms all across the nation. Throughout Lamar’s performance, the camera panned over to Jackson multiple times, showing a screen legend having a grand ol’ time.
Drake Lyric: Worst
We don’t know if you feel the same way, but we could kind of do without allusions to child abuse. No doubt, Lamar’s smash hit “Not Like Us” has been on everyone’s playlist since it was released in May of last year.
But, his takedown of Drake includes the moment when he called him a “certified pedophile.” To which, Lamar has a fat lawsuit on his hands from Drake’s team. Thankfully, Lamar left that word out as the Halftime Show played all over the world.
To be fair, Kendrick supposedly wasn't supposed to include the controversial diss track and had multiple teasers throughout his performance as the intro to the song played then changed - until it didn't. Jokingly, Samuel L. Jackson had a line “You’re almost there, don’t mess this up", clearly knowing what was about to come. Soon followed by Kendrick's backup female singers cautioning for the performance “you really ‘bout to do this?” Then he did.
Serena Williams: Best
The girl’s got moves. When we saw Serena busting some moves throughout Lamar’s performance, we felt like getting up and dancing, too. It makes you wonder, “What can’t Serena do?” She looked like a million bucks and had us tapping our feet.
Interestingly, though, she used to be linked with Drake. She's his ex to be exact. It makes you wonder where and when she started chatting with Kendrick – and where she stands with Drake today.
Protestor Waving Flags: Worst
You can’t help but wonder how a security breach like that could happen, but it did. A protestor waving Palestinian and Sudanese flags made it all the way to the stage before security caught up with him and removed him from the venue. Sure, you can label him “crazy” and go down that route.
But, beyond that, many of us are tired of politics/war coming up in our moments of escapism – which is the main reason why we love the entertainment industry.
Sza: Best
Speaking of, “What can’t she do?” Sza gave Lamar a major assist during his performance. Not only can the girl sing, but she busted out some choreography that had us tilting our heads at the TV like a puppy watching the Puppy Bowl. Like Serena, Sza also has some history with Drake, as if Kendrick hadn't rubbed it in enough.
Best of all, if you liked what you saw, you can catch it on replay as the two prepare to go out on tour from April of this year through June.
What Did You Think?
What did you think of Lamar’s performance? Did you stay put to watch it or use it as an opportunity to go heat up the next round of wings?
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