Taylor Swift Fans Left Disappointed as Kendrick Lamar Skips "Bad Blood" at Super Bowl Halftime Show

The world of music and sports collided on a Sunday evening in New Orleans as Kendrick Lamar took to the stage for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. While the performance was nothing short of spectacular, it left a significant faction of viewers feeling let down—Taylor Swift fans. The reason behind this disappointment? The absence of what many hoped would be a show-stopping moment: a collaborative performance of "Bad Blood" featuring Taylor Swift herself.

For years, "Bad Blood" has been a cultural phenomenon, blending Kendrick Lamar’s sharp lyrics with Taylor Swift’s iconic vocals. The track, part of Swift’s 2014 album 1989, is a dark, edgy anthem that explores themes of betrayal and rivalry. Its music video, featuring a star-studded cast, only added to its legend. The chemistry between Swift and Lamar on the song is undeniable, and fans have long hoped for a live rendition. But as the halftime show unfolded, those hopes were dashed.

Social media was quickly flooded with reactions. "You have countless Swifties watching the Super Bowl and you couldn’t simply ask Taylor for the rights to your version of ‘Bad Blood.’ Pathetic!" one fan tweeted. Another lamented, "Not me being so delusional I thought Taylor Swift might perform ‘Bad Blood’ with Kendrick Lamar." The sentiment was clear: fans felt a golden opportunity had been missed. "Just really feel like Bad Blood would’ve brought a little razzle dazzle to the halftime show," another fan wrote, echoing the collective sigh of disappointment.

The Road to Super Bowl LIX: Kendrick Lamar’s Journey to the Halftime Show

The path to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was a long and anticipatory one. Back in September 2024, Apple Music and the NFL made the official announcement via Instagram that the 37-year-old rapper would be headlining the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in February 2025. The announcement was met with widespread excitement, not just from Lamar’s fans but from football enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Lamar himself shared the news on social media with a video of himself tossing footballs on a field, accompanied by a message to his fans: "My name is Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Are you pulling up? I hope so… let’s get it… I wouldn’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans."

The buildup to the halftime show was significant, not only because of Lamar’s immense reputation as one of the best rappers of his generation but also due to the timing of the performance. Lamar’s 2024 was marked by a highly publicized feud with fellow rapper Drake, another titan of the music industry. Throughout the year, the two artists traded barbs in their respective tracks, each aiming to outdo the other in a series of dazzling diss tracks. Lamar’s "Family Matters" and "Euphoria," as well as Drake’s responses, kept the music world on edge, with fans eagerly dissecting every lyric and predicting who would emerge victorious.

In May 2024, Lamar dropped the song "Not Like Us," a scathing rebuttal that many deemed as the final nail in the coffin of the feud. On the track, Lamar accused Drake of being a "pedophile" who had a preference for underage girls, a claim that Drake vehemently denied. Despite the controversy, "Not Like Us" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered over 216 million views for its music video on YouTube. The feud not only kept Lamar in the headlines but also reminded fans of his unmatched skill as a lyricist and his ability to weave provocative narratives into his music.

The Super Bowl Performance: What Went Down

When the day of the Super Bowl finally arrived, expectations were sky-high. Lamar’s fans were eager to see how he would translate his complex, narrative-driven music into a live performance on one of the world’s biggest stages. The halftime show did not disappoint; it was a visually stunning, high-energy event that showcased Lamar’s artistry and stage presence. However, for some viewers, it was the absence of a particular moment that overshadowed the entire performance: the absence of "Bad Blood."

"Kendrick had the opportunity to do the most iconic thing & bring Taylor out for ‘Bad Blood’ but he didn’t smh," one fan tweeted, expressing a sentiment shared by many. "Kendrick Lamar totally missed out on the opportunity to break the internet and perform ‘Bad Blood.’ Old mate failed the world," another fan wrote. These reactions were not just about the absence of a song; they were about the missed potential to create a cultural moment—to bring together two of the biggest names in music on one of the largest platforms in entertainment.

The Legacy of "Bad Blood" and Why It Matters

"Bad Blood" holds a special place in pop culture history. When it was released in 2014, it was an instant hit, thanks in large part to its star-studded music video featuring Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and even Lena Dunham, among others. The song itself is a testament to the power of collaboration, blending Swift’s polished pop vocals with Lamar’s raw, gritty rapping. The result was something unique—a track that felt both deeply personal and universally relatable. Over the years, "Bad Blood" has become a fan favorite, and the idea of a live performance has only grown more exciting with time.

For Swifties—a term affectionately used to describe Swift’s devoted fanbase—the absence of "Bad Blood" was more than just a disappointment. It felt like a missed opportunity to celebrate not just the song itself but the artistic partnership that brought it to life. "I thought for sure there was a chance Taylor would make a surprise appearance," one fan shared. "It would’ve been epic." These sentiments reflect not just a love for the song but also a desire to see two artists come together and create something special.

In many ways, the disappointment over "Bad Blood" is a testament to the enduring legacy of the song and the power of collaboration in music. When two artists come together to create something memorable, it can resonate with fans in ways that solo efforts often cannot. For many, seeing Swift and Lamar share the stage would have been a reminder of the magic that happens when creative forces unite.

The Bigger Picture: Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, and the Art of Collaboration

The reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show highlights something broader about the role of collaboration in music and pop culture. When artists come together to create something special, it can become a defining moment in their careers and a source of joy for their fans. The absence of such a moment, especially when it’s highly anticipated, can leave a void that’s hard to fill.

For Lamar and Swift, "Bad Blood" represents more than just a song; it’s a symbol of the power of collaboration to transcend genres and bring people together. The song’s success was not just about the music itself but about the way it brought together two artists from different worlds and allowed them to shine in their own ways. It’s this kind of synergy that fans love to see, and it’s what makes live performances so exciting.

The disappointment over "Bad Blood" also speaks to the high expectations fans have for their favorite artists. When they invest in the music and the stories behind it, they naturally want to see those stories come to life in meaningful ways. For many fans, the Super Bowl halftime show represented the perfect opportunity for Lamar to revisit a pivotal moment in his career—one that not only showcased his talent but also highlighted his ability to collaborate and connect with others.

Lessons Learned: The Power of Fan Engagement

Ultimately, the reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show offers a valuable lesson for artists and event organizers alike: the power of fan engagement cannot be underestimated. When fans are invested in an artist’s work, they have high hopes for what that artist will deliver. Meeting—or exceeding—those expectations can create moments that are remembered for years to come. Missing those opportunities, on the other hand, can leave fans feeling let down.

For Kendrick Lamar, the Super Bowl halftime show was undoubtedly a success by most measures. His performance was dynamic, visually stunning, and a testament to his talent as a performer. However, the absence of "Bad Blood" and the lack of a potential collaboration with Taylor Swift left a noticeable gap in the experience for many viewers. It’s a reminder that while artists may have their own vision for their performances, engaging with the desires of their fans can go a long way in creating truly unforgettable moments.

As the music world moves forward, there’s no doubt that Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift will continue to make waves with their respective careers. Whether they choose to revisit "Bad Blood" or embark on new collaborations remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when artists listen to their fans and embrace the power of collaboration, they have the ability to create moments that resonate far beyond the stage.