Cardi B has revealed that she turned down the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, explaining that she didn’t feel it was the right time in her career. The rapper, now 32, shared that while the invitation was an honor, she wanted to take on the stage only when she had more hits under her belt and greater experience to deliver a show worthy of the occasion.
She described the decision as one of confidence and preparation, stating that she would rather wait until she felt ready to “eat that up” instead of stepping in too early. The announcement comes as she prepares for the release of her highly anticipated second album, Am I the Drama?, which drops on September 19.
Turning Down the Stage Before
This isn’t the first time Cardi B has passed on the Super Bowl spotlight. In 2019, she declined the opportunity in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the NFL quarterback who became a cultural figure after kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
At the time, Cardi B explained that her refusal was about standing behind someone who had sacrificed his career for a greater cause. The decision drew attention as a statement of principle, highlighting her willingness to put values before one of the most visible platforms in entertainment.
Building Her Next Chapter
Since her breakout, Cardi B has made a name for herself as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, not only reached No. 1 on major charts but also became the first album by a female rapper to have every track certified platinum or higher. It later earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, cementing her place in music history.
Now, with Am I the Drama?, Cardi B is ready to show a new side of her artistry. Unlike her debut, which was packed with collaborations, the upcoming project features fewer guest appearances, carefully chosen to align with her vision. She has expressed strong confidence in the album, saying success for her will come if people are still talking about the music in the middle of the night, long after its release.
For Cardi B, the focus has shifted from chasing industry milestones to creating a body of work that resonates authentically. While the Super Bowl stage may come in the future, for now, her sights are firmly set on delivering music that defines her evolution as an artist.