Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez recently shared that Lil Wayne was in the running to headline this year’s Super Bowl before Kendrick Lamar ultimately secured the spot.

In an exclusive interview with NOLA.com ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans (February 9), Perez detailed the decision-making process, calling Lamar the “right” choice. When asked about Wayne missing the chance to perform in his hometown, she responded, “I didn’t choose the artist, but I do believe there was definitely consideration.”

Perez also addressed Wayne’s disappointment after being passed over for the halftime show—a dream he had openly expressed, hoping to perform in New Orleans so his mother could see him on the iconic stage.

“Aww. I actually didn’t know he had said that,” she remarked. “We love that everybody wants to be on the stage, that we’ve completely shifted the conversation to fighting for it versus boycotting. We’ve come a long way.”

Kendrick Lamar: JAY-Z’s Halftime Pick, A Cultural Powerhouse

The Roc Nation CEO elaborated on why Kendrick Lamar is the undeniable choice to take center stage at the iconic event: “Kendrick is the right person for the show at this moment. He’s had an incredible year, very deserving of the attention,” she said. “The Grammys also acknowledged that. That’s part of the consideration for the halftime show. Kendrick’s richness and culture is really a nod to New Orleans.”

Furthermore, Perez also revealed JAY-Z’s hands-on role in selecting Super Bowl performers: “He comes back with ideas. It really starts with his thinking. It’s easier for him. It’s almost like a chef picking the specials for the evening. He comes up with the shortlist, and we work our way through that.”