Super Bowl Halftime Show Reaction

Kendrick Lamar graced the field during halftime at Super Bowl LIX and took every opportunity to speak his mind during the show.

With the entire country’s eyes on him, the rapper used his halftime performance as a chance to make a political statement as well as some direct callouts to Drake, following their feud.

To the audience’s surprise, Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, was there to introduce Lamar’s set and then went on to interrupt and make different remarks throughout the performance.

On the surface, this halftime show was not very exciting, but it seemed that the rapper’s goal was more so to be symbolic and deliver an important message, and that he did.

Lamar used storytelling to make a pointed statement towards the current political atmosphere in America, with “Uncle Sam” calling the performance “too loud” and “too reckless,” while telling the artist to “tone it down.”

The metaphors taking stabs at the government went on throughout his entire set, but another statement the Grammy winner made was his direct callout to Drake.

Lamar and Drake had a very public feud that resulted in diss tracks being released all around. Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us” just won multiple Grammy awards, including the coveted award for Song of the Year.

He closed his halftime performance with “Not Like Us” which trailed into “tv off,” as producer Mustard and tennis player, who is also Drake’s ex, Serena Williams joined him on stage.

Entertainment wise, some fans were underwhelmed with Lamar’s performance during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, but the statement he made was important and truly captivating on its own. -Sarah Gavlak

Sarah Gavlak is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.

Thank you Sza!

Sza was the perfect addition to the halftime show. Her microphone was on and her voice was effortlessly beautiful.

A lot of fans didn't know some of Kendricks songs, or care enough to sing along but when Sza was on the screen it was hard to look away and not admire her.

She’s absolutely gorgeous and her red outfit matched the vibe of the performance and fit her like a glove.

Sza joined Kendrick on songs like “luther” and the most anticipated “All the Stars”.

“All the Stars” has captured fans' hearts since Black Panther, and was nice to see performed live with both artists.

Fans would have loved to see her perform one of her solo songs, but it makes sense that she didn't because she was a special guest to Kendrick.

Sza made the performance much more entertaining, and was the highlight of the halftime show. - Gabrielle Marston

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.