Photo: Getty Images
JAY-Z previously considered Lil Wayne to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans, but ultimately picked Kendrick Lamar for the job thanks in part to his "incredible year."
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez spoke about the process of selecting the Super Bowl headliners during an interview NOLA.com published on Thursday, January 30. She explained how JAY-Z sends Perez and their team a shortlist of artists who he'd like to see onstage during the big game. From there, they work out the logistics and pick the right artist for the performance. Although Kendrick was selected, Perez said Weezy was on Hov's list.
“I didn’t choose the artist, but I do believe that definitely there was consideration [for Lil Wayne],” said Perez.
“[JAY-Z] comes back with ideas," she explained. "It really starts with his thinking. It’s easier for him. It’s almost like a chef picking the specials for the evening. He comes up with the shortlist, and we work our way through that.”
Perez said there are several things that the team factors into their decision. They consider the theme of the show, examine the "pulse of the times," and tap into who everyone is listening to. They know people don't all listen to the same thing and not everyone will like their selection. Yet, their main goal is to bring generations together and embrace the culture of whichever city is hosting the Super Bowl. Roc Nation feels like K.Dot can do that even if he's not a native of New Orleans. NOLA native Jon Batiste will sing the National Anthem while Trombone Shorty and Christian pop singer Lauren Daigle will perform "America the Beautiful."
“He’s had an incredible year, very deserving of the attention,” Perez explained. “The Grammys also acknowledged that. That’s part of the consideration.”
“New Orleans is so rich in culture,” she added. “We have to take into consideration (that) whoever is going to perform can speak to music culture, regardless of age. It has to nod to real music, regardless of the genre. And Kendrick does that. Kendrick’s richness and culture is really a nod to New Orleans.”
Lil Wayne and his fans publicly voiced their disappointment when Kendrick was announced as the headliner. He said he was "hurt" by the decision, which sparked a response from the Compton native on his song "wacced out murals" from his recent album GNX. Fans believed Lamar had ignited a new beef with Drake's good friend, however, Wayne eventually spoke to Lamar about the situation and wished him well.
We'll see if Kendrick Lamar performs the song during his set at the Super Bowl next month. SZA is already confirmed to join him, but fans believe Ab-Soul might be involved along with other surprise guests. The big game is going down on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.