The Super Bowl halftime show is a once-a-year event in which some of the biggest names in music take the stage. This year, Kendrick Lamar, joined by SZA, performed. Millions across the country watched it from the comfort of their homes, some unfamiliar with Lamar’s music and others who are big fans, which created a mix of reactions and observations from students at Plant High School. The following share their responses to the halftime show.
“I loved it. I loved SZA’s performance, but if you’re not a fan of Kendrick Lamar, you will find the show boring,” said senior Eillianna Valkenburg. “Seeing Serena Williams was also really cool,” she added.
Senior Rico Gordon had a deeper look into the performance. “Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime was great. Besides playing his popular songs, he also delivered a message to American society. One where he displayed how American culture and society are built on top of African American culture,” Gordon said.
He explained that Lamar’s line, “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.” Lamar references the time when African Americans were promised freedom from slavery, but it never happened. Even now, Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed Uncle Sam, fully represented how American society views the African American community,”
Gordon continued. “Even though this country was built on the backs of African Americans, American society still wants them to conform to its ideals, even when they are just not the same.”
Sophomore Charlotte Morris, another student, had a different take on it. “I thought it was good, although I wish SZA had done more; she was only there briefly,” she shared.
While this year’s Super Bowl halftime show may not have resonated with all its viewers, it inspired some to look deeper into the theme and message Lamar intended to share. In contrast, others wished for more from the performance, particularly SZA. Whether celebrated or critiqued for its cultural significance, the show impacted those who resonate with Lamar’s music and message.