Roc Nation CEO Calls Kendrick Lamar the ‘Right Person’ for Super Bowl Halftime Show at ‘This Moment’

The rapper will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, with special guest SZA.

Kendrick Lamar on stage in a large, crowded arena, with dramatic lighting and smoke effects.

Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez has explained why Kendrick Lamar is the “right person” to perform at the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans next month.

In an interview released by NOLA.com on Thursday, Perez revealed several details about the halftime show, including that Lil Wayne was considered as the headlining act and that adding SZA as a special guest was Lamar’s idea.

“Kendrick is the right person for the show at this moment,” she said, adding that the decision was made after considering a number of factors centered on “when,” “who,” and “why.” Perez also noted that Lamar, a native of Compton, California, is well-suited for a Super Bowl in New Orleans because of the major year he had.

“He’s had an incredible year, very deserving of the attention,” Perez said of Lamar. “The Grammys also acknowledged that. That’s part of the consideration for the halftime show. Kendrick’s richness and culture is really a nod to New Orleans.”

So, where does that leave someone like Lil Wayne? “I didn’t choose the artist, but I do believe that definitely there was consideration,” Perez said of the New Orleans native. She added that “Kendrick is the right person for the show at this moment.”

Perez shared that Jay-Z presents a shortlist of possible halftime show performers. “He comes back with ideas. It really starts with his thinking,” she said. “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 recalled Jay being especially involved with the selection of the artists for the pregame performances where Louisiana is represented through and through.

Jon Baptiste, who was born in Metairie, will be singing the national anthem. New Orleans native Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews will perform “America the Beautiful” alongside singer Lauren Daigle, who was born in Lake Charles and grew up in Lafayette.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be performed by New Orleans-born singer Ledisi.

Last year, Lil Wayne expressed disappointment for not landing the Super Bowl performance gig. In December, he revealed he gave Kendrick words of encouragement regarding the upcoming show and told him he better “kill it.” The Super Bowl will take place at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.