Kid Rock’s Take on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Shocks Bill Maher
Published: Feb. 15, 2025, 8:02 a.m. ET
Bill Maher, known for his quick wit and sharp commentary, found himself momentarily speechless during the latest episode of Real Time on HBO. The cause? Kid Rock’s controversial comments on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
During the show, Maher, alongside former Rep. Tim Ryan and New York Times columnist Pamela Paul, delved into a discussion about Lamar’s show. The rapper’s performance, featuring only artists of color, had sparked mixed reactions, particularly among critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and a critic of DEI policies, shared his thoughts on Lamar’s halftime show. His response left Maher and viewers alike in a state of shock and contemplation.
The musician, known for his rock and country music, admitted that while Lamar’s performance wasn’t his personal preference, he respected it for its unapologetic celebration of hip-hop culture. Kid Rock, who revealed his deep-rooted love for hip-hop, acknowledged the significance of Lamar’s artistic expression.
Reflecting on the performance, Kid Rock highlighted Lamar’s boldness and disregard for public opinion. He drew parallels between Lamar’s approach and his own career, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision, regardless of outside criticism.
In a surprising turn, Kid Rock linked Lamar’s halftime show to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He suggested that Kaepernick’s controversial kneeling during the national anthem played a role in Lamar landing the prestigious halftime slot. The musician humorously proposed that both Jay-Z and Lamar should thank Kaepernick with a Bundt cake and beer for paving the way for their performance.
Kid Rock’s bold statements didn’t stop there. He went on to describe Lamar’s halftime show as a symbol of DEI in action, praising the NFL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. His candid remarks, teetering between admiration and amusement, left Maher and the audience in disbelief.
The episode’s “Overtime” segment captured Maher and his guests engaging in a lively discussion on various topics, including the impact of Lamar’s performance and the broader implications of diversity in mainstream media.
As the episode concluded, viewers were left pondering Kid Rock’s unexpected perspective on Lamar’s halftime show and the complex interplay between music, culture, and societal dynamics.
Only time will tell how Kid Rock’s comments will resonate with audiences and spark further conversations about representation, artistic freedom, and the evolving landscape of entertainment in the modern era.
