The stage is set for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. While many fans eagerly anticipate the battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, a significant number of viewers are opting out of watching the event entirely. From the controversial halftime show to disputes over team selections, let’s dive into the reasons why some fans are skipping the biggest sports event of the year.

Controversy Over Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show has sparked heated debates, thanks to the selection of Kendrick Lamar as the main performer. While many fans are excited to see Lamar take the stage, others are disappointed by the choice.

Lamar, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, previously performed as a guest during the 2022 halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. However, some fans argue that he should not be getting another opportunity so soon.

Mixed reactions flooded social media:

• “Kendrick deserves it! He’s the GOAT.”
• “I love Kendrick, but I never found him to be the most fun live performer.”
• “Why does he get to be there twice? I pay no attention to that kind of music.”
• “Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music.”

For some, the increasing presence of rap in Super Bowl halftime shows has been a dealbreaker, leading them to skip the event altogether.

Lil Wayne’s Disappointment Over Being Snubbed

Lil Wayne, one of Louisiana’s biggest musical legends, had been widely expected to headline this year’s halftime show. The fact that he was overlooked—especially in his home state—left many of his fans furious.

Wayne himself addressed the disappointment in an emotional Instagram post:

“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position.”

This snub has led many New Orleans locals and die-hard Wayne fans to boycott the Super Bowl entirely, claiming that the NFL ignored an opportunity to showcase Louisiana talent on football’s biggest night.

NFL’s Decision to Feature Louisiana Musicians in Pre-Game Festivities

To balance the backlash, the NFL announced a lineup of Louisiana-born artists who will perform before the game. These include:

• Jon Batiste – Performing the national anthem.
• Lauren Daigle & Trombone Shorty – Performing America the Beautiful.
• Ledisi – Singing Lift Every Voice and Sing.

While this decision was welcomed by some, others argue it’s a weak attempt at damage control, saying Louisiana talent should have been highlighted during the halftime show instead.

Feud Between Kendrick Lamar and Drake Adds Fuel to the Fire

Rumors are circulating that Kendrick Lamar plans to perform his diss track “Not Like Us” during the halftime show, taking direct shots at Drake. The two rappers have had an ongoing feud for years, and many believe this would be one of the most controversial Super Bowl halftime performances in history.

According to The U.S. Sun, there is nothing legally preventing Kendrick from performing the song, despite claims that the lyrics take personal jabs at Drake. If this happens, it could overshadow the game itself and further divide music fans.

Boycotts Over NFL’s Handling of Officiating and Team Selections

Beyond the halftime controversy, some fans are refusing to watch Super Bowl 2025 due to what they perceive as unfair officiating throughout the season.

There have been numerous complaints about referee calls that determined key games, with accusations of favoritism toward certain teams. Some fans believe the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl run was paved with questionable penalties that benefited them, leading to calls for a boycott of the big game.

Additionally, many Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions fans have expressed frustration over their teams being “robbed” of a Super Bowl appearance due to controversial plays.

Political Backlash and NFL Protests

Another reason some viewers are refusing to tune in is the ongoing political involvement in sports.

• Some believe the NFL has become too political, accusing the league of pushing social justice narratives over focusing on the game itself.
• Others are boycotting due to past protests during the national anthem, despite the NFL making attempts to avoid controversy this year.
• A section of the audience believes that the NFL is catering too much to corporate sponsors, rather than prioritizing the fans.

This political divide continues to push certain fans away from the league, leading to an increase in boycotts year after year.

Streaming vs. Traditional Viewing: Changing Habits

Even for those who are still interested in the Super Bowl, some are choosing not to watch it live on cable TV. With the rise of streaming services and highlights available online minutes after they happen, many viewers feel that watching a full four-hour broadcast is unnecessary.

Super Bowl LIX will be available to stream on platforms such as:

• Fox Sports app (iOS & Android)
• Tubi
• FoxSports.com
• NFL+
• Hulu + Live TV
• YouTube TV
• FuboTV
• Sling TV

Some fans argue that they don’t need to dedicate their entire evening to watching the Super Bowl when they can catch highlights later.

Final Thoughts: A Divided Super Bowl Audience

While Super Bowl LIX is expected to attract millions of viewers, the controversies surrounding it are undeniable. From Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance to Lil Wayne’s snub, accusations of unfair officiating, and political backlash, this year’s game has sparked significant debate.

Whether fans tune in or boycott, one thing is certain—Super Bowl LIX will be one of the most talked-about events of 2025. The only question is: Will you be watching?