Cardi B SL₳MS Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance; “I Was Bored” | HO

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans has been the talk of the entertainment world, but not everyone was impressed. While the 2025 Super Bowl was packed with on-field excitement, with the Philadelphia Eagles securing a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, it was Kendrick’s halftime show that sparked the most controversy. His performance ignited a wave of reactions across social media, ranging from memes to critiques, with some praising the show’s artistic direction while others found it underwhelming and even boring.

Kendrick’s halftime show took place during one of the most watched televised events in the world. In 2023, Rihanna’s halftime performance reached 121 million concurrent viewers, surpassing the 113.06 million who watched the actual Super Bowl. This enormous audience meant that Kendrick’s performance had to contend with a massive cross-section of viewers, many of whom may not have been familiar with his music or style. The show featured seven tracks, including DNA., Euphoria, and HUMBLE., and was enhanced by appearances from SZA, DJ Mustard, and a surprise guest appearance from Serena Williams.

While some praised Kendrick’s artistry and bold performance, others were less than thrilled. Comedian Theo Von criticized it as dull and uninspired. Online reactions were notably polarized, with many viewers shifting their focus from the music to Kendrick’s ongoing feud with Drake. Some felt that by bringing the feud into his performance, Kendrick had overshadowed the music itself, making the show more about his rivalry than his artistry.

Now, Cardi B has weighed in on the controversy. The rapper, known for her candid opinions, took to Instagram to share her thoughts. Underneath a video clip of Kendrick performing, she left a comment that read: “I wanted to love it, but I just wasn’t that interested. A little bored.”

Her reaction has sparked further debate, with many fans echoing her sentiment. Some have argued that Kendrick’s performance should have been more bombastic and lively, incorporating elements of spectacle that past halftime shows have excelled in. Others believe that the halftime show should be reserved for pop stars rather than rappers, arguing that artists like Kendrick struggle to engage a stadium-wide audience in the way that more theatrical performers do.

However, Kendrick’s supporters were quick to defend him. They pointed out that his performance was a bold statement, staying true to his artistic vision rather than catering to mainstream expectations. To them, the halftime show was an opportunity for hip-hop to be represented authentically, and Kendrick’s approach was a testament to the genre’s evolution on such a grand stage.

A Performance Overshadowed by Feud?

One of the biggest criticisms of Kendrick’s show was his decision to include Not Like Us, his Grammy-winning diss track aimed at Drake. While he omitted some of the track’s most controversial lyrics, he did not shy away from the song’s confrontational energy. At one point, he even flashed a knowing grin at the camera as the crowd chanted along. This moment alone sparked endless discussion online, with many debating whether he had crossed a line by using the Super Bowl platform to escalate his rivalry with Drake.

For some, this move diminished the significance of the performance, making it seem more like a personal statement than a celebratory halftime show. Critics argued that the Super Bowl is meant to be a unifying event, and Kendrick’s decision to bring his feud into the spotlight disrupted the celebratory nature of the occasion.

Industry Reactions and Fan Division

The response from industry figures has been mixed. Taylor Swift, Eminem, and Jay-Z all praised Kendrick’s halftime show, calling him the right artist for the job. However, Cardi B’s reaction added fuel to the fire, as her criticism echoed the sentiments of a significant portion of viewers who felt the performance fell flat.

Even some hip-hop fans admitted they had expected more. Kendrick’s ability to deliver electrifying performances has been well-documented, yet some felt that his Super Bowl set lacked the energy needed to captivate such a broad audience. Others, however, maintained that his show was not about spectacle but about artistry, and those who failed to appreciate it simply did not understand his vision.

Cultural Impact and the Future of Hip-Hop at the Super Bowl

The debate surrounding Kendrick’s halftime show raises larger questions about the future of hip-hop at the Super Bowl. While the genre has become more integrated into mainstream culture, some still question whether rap performances can translate effectively to a setting as grand as the Super Bowl halftime show.

Past hip-hop halftime performances, such as the 2022 show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, were widely celebrated for blending nostalgia with mainstream appeal. Kendrick’s show, however, took a different route, focusing more on artistic integrity than crowd-pleasing theatrics. This divergence has left fans divided on whether hip-hop should continue to take center stage at future halftime shows or if pop acts are better suited for the spectacle.

Final Thoughts: Was Cardi B Right?

Cardi B’s comment—“I wanted to love it, but I just wasn’t that interested. A little bored.”—resonated with many who felt that Kendrick’s show did not live up to expectations. While his performance had its highlights, including impressive visuals and star-studded guest appearances, it failed to capture the universal acclaim that past halftime shows have achieved.

Nevertheless, Kendrick Lamar remains one of the most influential artists of his generation. His halftime performance, whether loved or criticized, was undoubtedly a defining moment in Super Bowl history. Whether this controversy will affect how the NFL selects future halftime performers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kendrick’s show has sparked conversations that will be remembered for years to come.

Your Thoughts?

Do you agree with Cardi B’s assessment that Kendrick’s halftime show was underwhelming? Should the Super Bowl halftime show stick to pop stars, or should hip-hop continue to have a place on the biggest stage in entertainment? Let us know in the comments!