Super Bowl producer defends Jay-Z amid headliner uproar

During the past week, Kendrick Lamar And Lil Wayne has been at the center of conversations around 2025. Super Bowl Halftime Show. Fans, celebrities, and even Tunechi shared their disappointment that Wayne wasn’t the main host of the New Orleans show. Jay-Z’s name and role with the NFL were also part of the conversation. Now, the halftime show producer, Jesse Collinshas publicly supported Jay’s decision.

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Super Bowl Halftime Show Producer Endorses Jay-Z & Kendrick Lamar

IN a piece of paper In an interview published by Variety on Monday (September 16), Jesse Collins shared his thoughts on the reaction to the halftime show. He specifically mentioned Jay-Z and Kendrick, expressing their love for a show that he predicts will be a success.

Collins has been an executive producer on the SB show since 2021, according to the source. He joined the show’s production team nearly two years after Jay and Roc Nation signed on to advise the main players during the offseason in August 2019. Jesse confirmed that Jay-Z is the one directing the plays and that he supports them, including K. Dot’s upcoming performance.

“It was Jay’s decision,” Collins told Variety. “He’s been on every year since we did that show and it’s been amazing. He’s always made the right choice!”

Additionally, Jesse Collins also addressed the disappointment of Wayne and his fans when he was chosen as the main host. He asserted that there was no motive against the ‘Lollipop’ superstar and that Kendrick would take the stage!

“We love Wayne,” Collins reportedly said. “There are always odds in Vegas on who gets to perform. But I think we’re going to have a great show with Kendrick, and I think people are going to love the halftime show. I know Kendrick is going to work incredibly hard to put on a great show.”

Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj seemed to find some kii in Jeese’s comments to Variety. The ‘Pink Friday 2’ artist dropped a laughing emoji in response to a post by X that read as Collins said.

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Summary of mixed reactions to the Super Bowl

As suggested, people have been divided over who will headline the 2025 show for more than a week. Some, like Master P and Nas, have singled out Kendrick and predicted his performance. Meanwhile, others, like Nicki Minaj, Birdman and Wayne’s ManagerWayne’s absence from the show was seen as a denial of his legacy. As mentioned, even Wayne expressed his disappointment with not getting the chance.

The NOLA native said not being chosen as the main host “hurt a lot.” He also blamed himself for not being “mentally prepared” to be dropped. However, Lil Wayne did not directly mention Kendrick in his message.

“I thought there was nothing better than that venue, that stage, and that stage in my city. So that hurts, it hurts so much. But you guys are amazing. It makes me feel like shit not having this opportunity, and when I feel like shit, you guys remind me that I am shit without you.”

Kendrick Lamar has yet to publicly comment on the mixed reactions to his promised performance. His fans seem to think he’s still focused on keeping his foot in Drake’s neck. Last week, he released an untitled track expressing his disgust with the state of culture and music and affirming his refusal to reconcile.

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