Noel Gallagher dismisses Kendrick Lamar's halftime show as nonsense
- Noel Gallagher expressed strong disinterest in Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, switching it off midway.
- The show recorded over 133.5 million viewers, marking it as a significant cultural event.
- Gallagher's comments reflect his ongoing criticisms of hip-hop performances at major music events.
In the United States, during the Super Bowl's halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar, Noel Gallagher openly expressed his disinterest and dissatisfaction with the performance. Gallagher, known for his candid opinions as a member of the band Oasis, admitted to switching off the show, which had just achieved record-breaking viewership, drawing over 133.5 million audiences. He described his experience as having witnessed a confusing spectacle with numerous performers emerging from a vehicle, refusing to engage further with the program. Gallagher stated that he rarely watches halftime shows due to his lack of interest in the artists typically featured. Kendrick Lamar's halftime show was critically acclaimed and hailed as significant in the broadcast history, being recognized as one of the most important rap performances to grace the Super Bowl stage. Despite Gallagher's dismissal, critics, like Mark Beaumont, highlighted the cultural importance of the performance, suggesting that its impact would resonate well beyond its entertainment value, perhaps even challenging political norms. Noel Gallagher was also noted for his past criticisms of hip-hop artists in other contexts, notably when he slammed the Glastonbury Festival for booking Jay-Z as a headliner, which he felt undermined a tradition rooted in guitar music. His strong opinions have indicated a clear preference for his musical genre, which may contribute to his dismissive stance toward Lamar's performance. The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved significantly over recent years, attracting a more diverse and younger audience. Kendrick Lamar's show is a part of a trend towards including hip-hop and pop artists, aiming to boost viewership and engagement among younger demographics as part of an initiative led by Roc Nation, a company headed by Jay-Z. The contrasting views between Gallagher and supporters of the halftime show highlight the ongoing debate around the direction of live performances within the context of major sporting events.