Kendrick Lamar's performance at Super Bowl labeled as the 'worst halftime show ever'

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans ignited mixed reactions, with some critics branding it the "worst halftime show ever."

Fresh off his Grammy wins, the 37-year-old rapper took the stage before the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, rather than riding his recent success, Lamar’s set became a lightning rod for debate—particularly due to his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake.

Lamar opened his performance atop a car before launching into a setlist featuring HUMBLE., DNA., Euphoria, Man at the Garden, Peekaboo, Luther, All the Stars, and TV Off. The show also featured surprise appearances from SZA, DJ Mustard, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson.


A key highlight of the night was Lamar’s performance of Not Like Us, a track widely seen as a diss aimed at Drake. Addressing the crowd, he remarked, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” This statement quickly fueled online discussions, with many interpreting it as a direct challenge to the Canadian rapper.

Drake had previously taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging the company prioritized financial interests over artist well-being while promoting Not Like Us. Though Lamar was not directly named in the lawsuit, the song’s controversy has only deepened their rivalry. Before the Super Bowl, Drake’s legal team issued a statement condemning the song’s themes, asserting, “There is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world. We are confident that the evidence we present at trial will expose UMG’s prioritization of corporate profits over the truth.”


Despite the backlash, Lamar’s performance dominated social media. Supporters hailed it as a decisive moment in his battle with Drake, with posts flooding platforms declaring, “Drake getting destroyed on national TV” and “Kendrick owns Drake.”

Adding to the online buzz, fans likened Lamar’s presence to the anime character Goku from Dragon Ball Z, a comparison further amplified by Crunchyroll, which humorously backed Lamar in the ongoing feud.

One X user wrote, "The was hands down the worst Super Bowl halftime show I have seen in my lifetime!"


While the Super Bowl remains centered on football, Lamar’s halftime show underscored the event’s broader cultural impact. Whether his rivalry with Drake escalates further, one thing is certain—this performance will be remembered for years to come.