Super Bowl producer Jesse Collins said Jay-Z hand-picks the halftime performers every year.
Super Bowl producer says Jay-Z picks halftime show performer
Super Bowl producer Jesse Collins was interviewed by Variety on Monday (September 16). During the interview, Collins discussed his experience working on some of television’s biggest shows, including the Emmys and Grammys. He also took a moment to fully address how much of an influence Jay-Z has on who performs at halftime shows at big games.
“That was Jay’s decision,” Collins said. “It’s great that he’s made it every year since we’ve been on the show. He always gets it right!
Dionne Harmon, formerly of Jesse Collins Entertainment, also added that this was the first time working with K-Dot’s team.
“This is our first time working with a team of artists,” Harmon said. “We’ve actually been preparing for it a few times, but this is the first time Kendrick’s team and us have been together since the announcement.”
Collins then chimed in again, saying Super Bowl favorite Lil Wayne admitted earlier this week that he felt “hurt” after not being selected to play in New Orleans in 2025.
“We love Wayne,” Collins said. “There’s always a lot of possibility in Vegas as to who gets to perform. But I think we’re going to have a great show with Kendrick and I think everyone is going to enjoy the halftime show. I Know Kendrick is going to work really hard to put on a great show.
Collins’ comments come after Kendrick Lamar’s announcement that he would perform at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans divided the hip-hop community. Considering Weezy is from New Orleans, many rappers including Nicki Minaj, Juvenile, and more felt that Tunechi should grace the midfield stage.
Nicki seems to have become particularly hostile towards Jay-Z, hurling insults at X earlier this month that many believed were directed at the Roc Nation mogul. This sparked an online discussion about who chooses the Super Bowl halftime show each year.
READ MORE: Even though Jay-Z has overcome all the 2025 Super Bowl hate, is he worth it?
Rap world divided over Super Bowl picks
While some continue to blame Jay-Z, it’s worth noting that Hov’s Roc Nation serves as the NFL’s live music strategist. To make matters worse, fans also pointed out that Lil Wayne has expressed his desire to perform in big games multiple times over the past year.
“[Not being picked] It hurts,” Wayne said in a video earlier this month. “It hurts. I blame myself for not being prepared for disappointment. Because I automatically put myself in that position, like someone told me that was my position.
“It breaks my heart and I’m just trying to get myself back together,” he added.
