The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was always bound to be a spectacle, but few could have predicted the firestorm Kendrick Lamar’s performance would ignite.
As the Grammy-winning rapper took center stage at Caesars Superdome, conservative commentators and politicians wasted no time expressing their outrage, branding the show as “incomprehensible,” “trash,” and even a political statement against former President Donald Trump’s growing support among Black voters.
Lamar, known for his lyrical depth and social commentary, delivered a career-spanning medley featuring hits like Humble and All the Stars. His performance was laced with symbolism, from the commanding introduction by actor Samuel L. Jackson to the surprise appearance of Serena Williams—an athlete once rumored to be romantically linked with Drake, the target of Lamar’s scathing diss track Not Like Us.
Samuel L. Jackson, in classic fashion, set the tone before Lamar took the stage. “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?” he asked, clearly anticipating the backlash to come.
MAGA Meltdown Begins
The conservative response was swift and unforgiving. Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh called it “easily the worst halftime show” he’d ever seen. “Nobody can even understand what he’s saying,” he lamented. Former Representative George Santos was less nuanced: “The Super Bowl Halftime show was absolute TRASH!” he posted on X.
Disgraced Florida congressman Matt Gaetz took things further, suggesting the show was a direct political maneuver. “The halftime show you just watched is clearly the regime’s response to Trump’s historic gains with Black men,” he claimed.
Michael Knowles, another right-wing pundit, at least found a silver lining. “This halftime show is gibberish, but at least it appears to be patriotic,” he posted, though he did not elaborate on what part of Lamar’s performance he found patriotic.
Trump Walks Out, Others Join the Criticism
Reports from CNN’s Brian Stelter suggested that Trump himself left his luxury box at the Superdome before the performance ended. His close associate, comedian Theo Von, offered a more subtle critique, calling the show “boring.”
Charlie Kirk dismissed the music outright: “Not my style.”
Ben Shapiro, who once dabbled in rap himself, had a more sarcastic take. “Kendrick Lamar has a beautiful voice and a beautiful accent. The only problem is, I can’t understand a word he’s saying.”
Some critics took their rhetoric to the extreme. Right-wing figures Eric Daugherty and Benny Johnson labeled the show “Black nationalist” and bizarrely accused Lamar of being a “mumbling pagan Satanic cultist.”
Alternative Half-Time Show Suggestions
Conservatives had their own ideas about what a real halftime show should look like. Benny Johnson suggested, “The halftime show should have been The Village People with President Trump doing the Trump Dance center stage.” Jack Posobiec posted a nostalgic clip of Creed’s 2001 Super Bowl performance, writing, “This is what a real halftime show looks like.”
Support for Lamar’s Performance
Outside the MAGA echo chamber, reactions were far more positive. Actor Ben Stiller praised the set as “the best halftime show ever.” Tennis champion Coco Gauff appreciated the artistry, saying, “Well thought-out. I’m a Kendrick fan forever.” Rapper Doechii congratulated both Lamar and guest performer SZA, writing, “So proud of y’all. So inspired.”
Lamar’s set was widely seen as a victory lap after his recent Grammy wins, reaffirming his place in music history. SZA joined him for a performance of their collaboration Luther, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night.
Meanwhile, another performance also fueled debate: Grammy-winning singer Ledisi’s rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black national anthem. While many saw it as a powerful moment, some conservatives predictably took issue with its inclusion.
The Bigger Picture
The outrage over Lamar’s performance reflects a broader culture war in America. Conservative critics, who have long railed against hip-hop’s presence in major events, seemed particularly unsettled by Lamar’s politically charged artistry. Yet, his performance resonated deeply with many, cementing his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
For better or worse, the Super Bowl halftime show once again proved to be more than just entertainment—it was a statement.
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I am sorry the conservative people do not understand marketing!! That is what the half time show was all about. Reaching the largest number of viewers with the desired message. Not making everybody feel cozy and comfortable. Perhaps the cozy and comfortable works at the collegiate level but professional sports are all about marketing. If one doesn\’t like what they were selling, turn the TV off. Hey guys, it was rap!! To the white bread audience, rap is always incomprehensible. They were targeting a very different audience. I would think most Americans have watched enough Tv to know when the message is not directed towards them. That is when they would normally head towards the kitchen to get a snack or another beer. Example. Not all Americans love opera, so they don\’t watch opera. Same deal here. Typical of conservatives, who think everybody should feel/believe as they do.Prof. Larry Schlatter
To this da who thinks his stupid self knows everything about conservatives go back to your moms basement!