Serena Williams made waves through the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show when she joined Kendrick Lamar on stage for a memorable efficiency of “Not Like Us,” leaving many viewers with blended reactions.
The tennis legend’s look not solely caught consideration due to her dance strikes but in addition because of the connection between the track and her previous relationship with rapper Drake.
Dancing queen! Serena Williams steals the present from Kendrick Lamar ‘ s halftime present
Stephen A. Smith’s Tremendous Bowl scorching take
Whereas Williams’ cameo raised eyebrows, it was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith who drew important consideration together with his candid remarks on the matter.
On Monday’s First Take, Smith weighed in on the second, remarking, “If I am married and my spouse goes to affix trolling her ex, return to his ass, ‘trigger clearly you do not belong with me. What you nervous about him for and also you’re with me? Bye. Bye.”
His feedback have been rapidly met with resistance from his co-hosts, who tried to steer the dialog in a unique route.
Regardless of Smith’s robust stance, co-host Ryan Clark responded humorously, saying, “If you happen to have been with Serena Williams, you are going to be a stored man in any case.”
Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe additionally got here to the protection of Alexis Ohanian, Williams’ husband, stating that Ohanian had made his personal fortune, due to his founding of Reddit and subsequent sale of the corporate.
The stress round Williams’ efficiency throughout Lamar’s diss monitor was partly rooted in her historical past with Drake.
The rapper’s track “Too Good” included a line many interpreted as a reference to Williams, whom he briefly dated in 2011.
The choice to carry out a track that features jabs at her previous relationship sparked debate over whether or not the second was a innocent nod to her historical past or an indication of unresolved emotions.
Whereas Smith’s preliminary response steered he disapproved of Williams’ actions, it appeared that his perspective softened after the dialogue.
Alexis Ohanian later took to X, posting a supportive message for Kendrick Lamar, congratulating him on the halftime efficiency.
The drama surrounding the efficiency continued as viewers debated whether or not Serena’s participation was merely playful or if it mirrored lingering tensions together with her ex.
Williams, nevertheless, remained enthusiastic in regards to the expertise, sharing on social media, “Let’s go Tremendous Bowl halftime,” expressing her pleasure about being a part of the historic efficiency alongside Kendrick Lamar.
Whether or not it was a second of pure enjoyable or calculated trolling, it actually sparked dialog.
