"I caught that shade" — Internet reacts as Rihanna says Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl is "meant to be"

Rihanna recently came in support of Kendrick Lamar for headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show next year. During the launch of the singer's Fenty x Puma Avanti shoe on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Entertainment Tonight‘s Kevin Frazier asked what she thought of Lamar's much-anticipated performance. The songstress replied:

"It’s a diamond on a ring finger, honey. It’s meant to be."

As Rihanna's interview where she expressed her excitement for Kenny's upcoming Super Bowl performance made rounds on the internet, netizens were quick to react. One X user noted:

"I caught that shade-"

Many agreed with the Fenty Beauty founder's view stating K. Dot is more than qualified. One user even commented, "Loyalty," referencing the pair's 2017 collab. Here are some comments seen under @PopBase's post on X:

"Kendrick really is the obvious choice. He created good kid, maad city…. there’s really no other qualification someone needs," one wrote.

"Loyalty Loyalty Loyalty," another added.

"On Drake’s birthday girl omfg," @kimmiebabyyf1 commented.

However, others were not so happy with the singer's comments.

"Sounds Scripted," a user remarked.

"We don't doubt him but he's not that good Riri be honest," another person wrote.

"Why yall asking the makeup lady about music?" another stated.

---

Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023

During her interview, Rihanna questioned if ET's Frazier had any doubts about Kendrick Lamar's performance. The interviewer clarified that he thought it's going to be amazing but wanted RiRi's insight, considering she headlined a previous halftime show herself.

Rihanna at Super Bowl LVII (Image via Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Umbrella hitmaker stated that the Compton rapper "deserv(ed)" the honor to headline the Super Bowl 2025 and praised him, stating:

"Kendrick Lamar is the one that’s supposed to do it right now. He’s gonna crush it. We should never doubt him. He’s an amazing artist, top-tier."

The Don't Stop the Music singer continued:

"He had an incredible year. He actually brought so many people together. It’s to be celebrated. That’s what culture is. He deserves it. I cannot wait to see it. Kendrick, thank you."

During the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023, Rihanna announced that she was expecting baby No. 2 (Riot) with partner A$AP Rocky. Her 13-minute performance featured her singing her iconic tracks like We Found Love, Diamonds, and Work. RiRi and Rocky are now parents to two sons: RZA, 2, and Riot Rose, 1.

Rihanna previously rejected performing at the NFL Super Bowl in support of Colin Kaepernick. For the unversed, the footballer had kneeled during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. In its aftermath, he was never signed to a team.

In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar announced he was set to perform at Super Bowl LIX via a video posted on Instagram. It featured the Compton rapper standing in front of the American flag, shooting footballs from an automatic passing machine, stating:

"Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos."

Like Rihanna, Lamar, too, expressed his support for Kaepernick in his 2017 collaboration with Mary J. Blige on the cover of American Skin (41 Shots). During his 2017 speech at the Forbes Under 30 summit, he again praised the footballer for his move.

---

Kendrick Lamar previously performed at Super Bowl 2022 with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent.

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for February 9, 2025.