Author: Anthony Farrior

Taylor Swift currently reigns as one of the top pop artists due to several key factors. Her songwriting talent plays a major role—her ability to write relatable, emotional lyrics that resonate with diverse audiences is unmatched. From her early country days to her transitions into pop, indie, and even folk, Swift has shown genre versatility that keeps her music fresh and appealing to different demographics​(Harvard Gazette)​(Explee).

Additionally, her connection with fans is profound. Swift maintains a strong bond with her fanbase, known as “Swifties”, by engaging with them directly through social media and empowering them with messages of self-love, heartbreak, and personal growth. This engagement fosters a deep sense of community and loyalty​(Harvard Gazette)​(Explee).

Swift’s cultural impact also extends beyond music. She is a fashion icon and a role model for aspiring artists, with her advocacy for owning her work inspiring many in the industry. Furthermore, her blockbuster Eras Tour, on track to become the highest-grossing tour of all time, has been an economic force, boosting cities across the world​(PINKVILLA)​(Harvard Gazette).

Winning big at the 2024 MTV VMAs, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Award, further solidifies her dominance in the pop world​(PINKVILLA).

Overall, her adaptability, fan engagement, and cultural influence continue to place her at the pinnacle of the music industry.

Alright, so Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl in New Orleans over Lil Wayne makes a lot of sense, especially when you look at what Kendrick’s been up to recently. First off, Kendrick’s been on fire with his latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, which dropped in 2022. That album was a massive success, critically acclaimed for its raw storytelling and deep dive into topics like personal growth, mental health, and societal pressures. It hit number one on the Billboard charts and had singles like “N95” and “Silent Hill” that became instant hits. Kendrick’s always been known for blending thought-provoking themes with mainstream appeal, and he continues to do that effortlessly.

And not only that—after Mr. Morale, he’s been busy too. He went on his worldwide The Big Steppers Tour, which was one of the most talked-about tours last year. Plus, he dropped the track “The Hillbillies” with Baby Keem in 2023, showing that he’s still pushing boundaries creatively, mixing up styles, and staying relevant. He even dropped a short film for the track “We Cry Together” from Mr. Morale, showcasing his continued artistry in both music and visual storytelling.

Now, why not Lil Wayne? Wayne is a legend, especially in New Orleans, no doubt. He’s got classic albums like Tha Carter III and Tha Carter IV, and he’s been a huge influence on modern rap. But Kendrick’s recent momentum puts him in a prime spot for something like the Super Bowl. Wayne’s last big project was Tha Carter V in 2018, and while he’s still active—dropping I Am Music in 2023, a compilation of his greatest hits—his current output hasn’t been as front-and-center in the culture as Kendrick’s has been.

Also, the Super Bowl halftime show is all about reaching the widest possible audience, and Kendrick’s mix of chart-toppers, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance makes him the perfect pick right now. His music speaks to more than just hip-hop heads—it reaches across generations, different backgrounds, and even political lines. That’s exactly what the NFL wants for its big stage. Lil Wayne, while loved and respected, has a more niche appeal at this point in his career.

In short, Kendrick’s recent projects, massive tour, and cultural presence make him the right choice for this moment, while Lil Wayne remains a hometown legend with a lasting legacy, even if this Super Bowl isn’t his stage.