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Lil Wayne Breaks Silence On Not Being Chosen As Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner: “It Hurt…”

BY Dora Abena Dzaka September 15, 2024 10:28 AM EDT

Public opinion has been divided over Kendrick’s announcement as the featured artiste for the Apple Music Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show. 

Several hip-hop fans believed that other performers would have been more deserving of the honor.

Lil Wayne is one candidate that fans and music industry professionals thought would be a more fitting performer for the event, especially considering that Super Bowl LIX will be held in New Orleans, the home of the rap legend.

The fact that Lil Wayne has openly pushed for the chance to play during the Super Bowl Halftime Show and that Kendrick has already played with Dr. Dre in 2022, makes the choice appear even more divisive.

Wayne told his fans on Thursday, September 12, that; he was “broken,” which is why it took him some time to even articulate his feelings. 

Along with blaming himself for having expectations, he expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him.

“First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” he began. I’m going to say thank you to every voice, every opinion, and all the care, love, and support out there. Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”

Speaking to his initial feelings on the decision, he continued;

“It hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot. I hold myself accountable for not psychologically preparing for a letdown and for mentally placing myself in that situation just because I was told it was my role. So I blame myself for that.”

Wayne continued by expressing gratitude to his support system and reminding them that without them, he would not be the person he is today.

But it hurt because I felt there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt,” he added.

“It hurt a whole lot. But y’all are f**king amazing. 

It made me feel like sh*t not getting this opportunity, and when I felt like sh*t, you guys reminded me that I ain’t sh*t without y’all. and that’s an amazing reality.”

Through it all, Lil Wayne assured his fans that he’s “tryna put me back together.” 

He went on to say, “I feel like I let everyone down by not getting that opportunity. But I’m working on me, and I’m working. So, thank you.” 

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