The Super Bowl is a cherished event in the United States, celebrated not just for the thrilling game itself, but also for the stellar halftime shows. This year, fans were particularly eager to witness Kendrick Lamar’s performance. However, his show sparked more criticism than praise.

Many fans were left unimpressed, quickly labeling the performance as the most disappointing in Super Bowl history.

Speculation had surrounded whether Kendrick would receive payment for the gig, and it was later clarified that he wouldn’t. Still, few could have predicted the backlash his performance would incite among viewers.

In 2024, Kendrick had struck a chord with audiences at his Juneteenth Pop Out concert in Los Angeles, delivering his track “Not Like Us” repeatedly to great applause. He could have easily crafted a similarly engaging set for his brief 13-minute halftime show, yet it seems the magic wasn’t recaptured this time.

During the performance, Kendrick focused on elements of his often-publicized rivalry with Diss. Despite not including a contentious track where he targets the star, potentially due to legal concerns, he did surprise the audience by bringing on stage his ex, Serene Williams, infusing the show with unexpected drama.