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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show had people talking—for all kinds of reasons. Some loved it for the artistry, the message, and the cultural depth. Others just wanted a good performance and didn’t really connect with the deeper meaning. And then there were those who straight-up didn’t like it, whether because of the style, the political elements, or the fact that it wasn’t what they expected from a halftime show.
And you know what? That’s okay.
This episode of Five with Fry dives into what happens when art doesn’t cater to everyone—and why that can be a good thing.
The Many Ways People Experienced the Show
People had very different takeaways from Kendrick’s performance. There were the folks who just enjoyed it as a performance, without thinking too hard about it. Then, there were those who caught the deeper references and appreciated all the Easter eggs woven into the show. Others didn’t get it at all, and some were frustrated that it didn’t feel like a “Super Bowl halftime show” to them.
But here’s the thing: not every piece of art, performance, or entertainment is designed for every single person. And that’s something we don’t always handle well.
Everything Isn’t Meant for Everyone—and That’s a Good Thing
A mom shared a great perspective online about teaching her kids that not everything is meant for them. Some shows? Not for kids. Some foods? Not to their taste. Some music? Not their vibe. And that’s completely fine. The same goes for art and performances—sometimes, something just isn’t made with you in mind.
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of those things that carries big expectations. A lot of people want it to be their kind of entertainment. And if it isn’t? Well, the reaction can be intense. But rather than immediately dismissing something as “bad,” what if we took a step back and thought, Maybe this wasn’t for me—but who was it for? And why did they love it?
What’s Really Behind the Backlash?
There were a few common complaints about Kendrick’s performance:
- The sound was bad. Okay, but was it the acoustics that were off, or was the whole performance not to your liking?
- It wasn’t universal enough. But is any performance truly universal? Every halftime show leans into a specific genre, culture, or audience.
- It was too political. Kendrick Lamar is known for weaving social and political messages into his work. For some, that made the performance even more meaningful. For others, it was a turn-off. But art has always been political—this is nothing new.
When we really examine these reactions, they say a lot about our expectations of entertainment. We often expect performances to cater to us personally, and when they don’t, we react strongly. But what if we challenged ourselves to engage with art that pushes us outside our comfort zone?
Engaging with Art Beyond Our Own Experiences
Remember: we don’t have to like everything to appreciate it. There’s value in taking a step back, doing a little research, and trying to understand why a performance resonated with others. It doesn’t mean you have to love it. It just means recognizing that different people connect with different things—and that’s what makes art so powerful.
So next time you watch a performance that doesn’t quite land for you, ask yourself: Was this just not for me? If the answer is yes, that’s okay. Your moment’s coming, and in the meantime, someone else is getting to enjoy theirs.
Listen to the Full Discussion
Curious to hear more about the different perspectives on Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show? Tune in to this episode of Five with Fry for a deep (and fun!) dive into how we experience art, why some performances feel alienating, and how we can broaden our appreciation for different forms of expression.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
