Lil Wayne recently expressed his disappointment at not being selected to perform the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans.
During an Instagram Live, Lil Wayne shared his journey of “getting over” himself as he navigates the aftermath of the NFL’s decision to draft Kendrick Lamar over him at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025.
The rapper, who is said to have mustered up the courage to face the challenge without collapsing, expressed his gratitude to those who stood by him, supported him, and admitted: “Your words became my arms when I tried to collapse.”
However, the “Lollipop” hitmaker admitted, “It hurt. It hurt a lot. You know what I’m saying. It hurt a lot,” and admitted that he wasn’t ready for the announcement.
“I blame myself for not being prepared for the disappointment and automatically putting myself in that position; like someone told me that was where I was supposed to be. But I think there’s nothing better than that. That stage and that stage in my city. So it hurts. It hurts,” he added.
“But I think it’s no better than the venue, the stage, the podium in my city, so it hurts. It hurts a lot,” the 41-year-old rapper said.
“But you all have been amazing. I feel bad not having this opportunity and when I feel bad, you remind me that I am nothing without you,” he added.
When speaking about the missed opportunity, Lil Wayne expressed, “I feel like I let everyone down by not getting that chance, but I’m working hard and trying. Thank you guys.”
This week’s revelation has sparked outrage among Lil Wayne’s friends and fans, who say the star should have been chosen as the headliner for the Super Bowl.
READ MORE: Lil Wayne’s rare Hot Boys lyric notebook auctioned for $5 million after 5-year ownership dispute
In X, fans supported the “Love Me” rapper, with @bstrat515 suggesting, “Turn that pain into a #1 hit or a diss song…”
@vashi1999 wrote, “Wow, that was a tough turn for Lil Wayne. It’s hard to see a dream slip away, but let’s hope he comes back stronger.”
“I feel so bad for him, he’s actually a GREAT rapper,” wrote @BARBlEBLUNT, while @Gracebal0 said, “Celebrities are people too, he’s allowed to feel sad.”
This comes as Lil Wayne is also facing criticism for not letting Kendrick Lamar, the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performer, “shine”.
@soneslovesoshi said, “please let Kendrick shine for once.”
@flowzki tweeted, “I feel bad for Wayne but he didn’t even congratulate the little man for winning against him despite knowing full well he’s been a lifelong fan of his! Man… that’s ridiculous entitlement.”
READ MORE: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 59 Performance Sparks Backlash; Fans Want Lil Wayne
Tags Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Super Bowl Halftime Show