'So Disappointed': Users React to SZA Performing at the Halftime Show – Video

After complaining about the fact that Kendrick Lamar was set to perform at the Super Bowl, netizens are weighing in on SZA's performance during the event.

On February 9, 2025, iconic rapper Kendrick Lamar lit the Super Bowl Halftime stage ablaze with his electric show. Joining him was fellow superstar SZA, whose performance seemed to rub social media users the wrong way, as they believe she may have been lipsyncing.

Taking the stage in an eye-catching red ensemble, the "Snooze" musician captured the roaring crowd's attention with her smooth vocals as she sang along to her and Lamar's popular song, "luther."

Adding to the ambiance of the performance were the talented backup dancers accompanying SZA. The singer was also later joined by Lamar, who sported a striking blue, black and denim look, for the duet portion of their track.

Although SZA, who styled her hair in voluminous curls—the vibrant color of which, complemented her outfit—hit all her notes, social media users made speculations about her performance.

"It actually wasn't on……I really like SZA but her microphone wasn't on at all," asserted an Instagrammer, replying to a headline confirming that SZA's mic was switched on.

Similar comments ensued, with another observer opining, "Why is everyone acting like SZA was an amazing performer, she still hasn't proven to me that she can really like sing. The amount of autotune and vocal correction 😭." A social media user added, "Lip Syncing getting praised now? Lmao."

"Sza can't sing 🤷🏽‍♀️lol," added someone else, while another spectator chimed in with, "So disappointed, it was painful to watch." "Girl wasn't even singing," remarked a user on X, echoing the public consensus. Bringing Lamar into the mix, another wrote, "Sorry but sza [sic] and Kendrick aren't big enough for the Super Bowl."

A netizen who agreed with the lipsyncing opinions, but praised SZA's qualities as a performer, said, "You know what I like about her? She's actually GOOD at lip-syncing When others artists have done it recently (whether its b/c they’re sick or any other rzn) they act like they BARELY know the song &forget they need to open their mouth WIDE during big notes SZA did it super well [sic]."

While the "Good Days" musician received a lot of flak for her performance, there were some who complimented her. "I thought the Super Bowl LIX half-time performance was good. SZA has that soothing voice. 😁🤙," swooned a fan.

As mentioned prior, SZA performed with Lamar, who headlined the Halftime Show. Like the "Broken Clocks" artist, Lamar gave his all during his performance. After an energetic greeting from legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson, cameras panned out to show Lamar rapping on a vehicle situated on stage.

From that moment onwards, the "Not Like Us" artist dazzled the crowd with vibey and showstopping renditions of his class hits—new and old.

His signature style mixed with the structured movements of the energetic dancers, striking lights adding to the visual effects, and comedic interjections from Jackson made for an iconic performance.

Lamar's historic moment follows previous critical comments made by social media users after they initially learned he would headlining the Super Bowl.

The Instagram announcement was followed by a playful teaser trailer, courtesy of official Halftime Show sponsor Apple Music, which also revealed that Grammy-winning artist SZA would be joining him for the performance.

In the black-and-white teaser, Lamar was shown pacing across a massive football field while chatting casually on the phone. "This field a lot bigger than what it looks," he remarked, seemingly taking in the sheer scale of the venue.

The lighthearted moment quickly escalated when SZA, who had been lurking nearby, surprised Lamar by dousing him with a water cooler filled with sparkling blue liquid.

Her mischievous grin added a dose of humor to the scene, which left fans eager to see the pair's chemistry play out on one of the world's biggest stages.

SZA later shared her excitement on Instagram, posting, "Taking the stage with @Kendricklamar!" The announcement marked a significant milestone for Lamar, who headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show for the first time in his career.

However, it wasn't his first time gracing the Super Bowl stage, as he previously performed as a guest during the star-studded 2022 Halftime Show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

"Kendrick deserves it," one social media user shared. Another wrote, "Back in like 2016 I said Kendrick is the GOAT, I'm happy he has proven me right every step of the way."

A third typed, "It's cool. I love Kendrick but never found him to be the most fun live performer. Seems like he can't rap all his verses with that same passion live."

A fourth person added, "I mean it's fine I suppose but I don't watch football so I probably have no stake /: he has no scandals, generally well-liked, better than TS or something like that lol."

While many fans expressed excitement over the announcement, not everyone looked forward to the rap icon's then-upcoming performance.

"As a Gen Z member, I'm not a fan of him. I would appreciate it if it were Ice Cube, Chris Brown, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Ciara, or Janet Jackson (she deserves a 2nd chance imo [sic])," commented one person.

"Why does he get to be there twice? I pay no attention to that kind of music," another shared, while someone else added, "Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music IMHO."

A fourth social media user wrote, "Huge disappointment. Not a fan of Kendrick Lamar at all and this will be the first halftime show I won't care if I miss." A netizen wrote, "It'll be the only Super Bowl halftime I have skipped can't stand his voice [sic]."

Lamar and SZA were not the only performers who took the stage during Super Bowl LIX. The NFL had also enlisted four Louisiana-born artists to contribute to the night's entertainment. Jon Batiste, a jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist, performed the national anthem.

Previously divulging his enthusiasm about the opportunity, Batiste stated, "I'm excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it."

Meanwhile, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty teamed up and delivered a rendition of "America the Beautiful." Additionally, R&B legend Ledisi performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing," rounding out a lineup that celebrated Louisiana's rich musical heritage.

However, the announcement of Lamar as the halftime headliner sparked disappointment from one of Louisiana's most prominent rappers. Lil Wayne, widely regarded as a favorite to headline the 2025 Super Bowl, shared his thoughts in an emotional Instagram video.

"First of all, I wanna say forgive me for the delay," he began, visibly struggling to compose himself. "I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking. I'mma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love, and the support out there."

Wayne candidly expressed his feelings on learning of Lamar's selection for the coveted slot. "I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position," he explained.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, the rapper added, "But I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt."

Kendrick Lamar, who became aware of Wayne's sentiments, seemingly addressed them in his own way— through his music. On November 22, 2024, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper surprise-released his sixth album, "GNX." In the opening track, "Wacced Out Murals," Lamar acknowledged Wayne's disappointment.

"Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down / Whatever though, call me crazy, everybody questionable," he rapped in the second verse, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective on the situation.