The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated entertainment events worldwide. Featuring legendary performances from icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Dr. Dre, it has become a cultural phenomenon.
This year, Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamarand his former Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate SZA will take center stage at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. However, one surprising fact often shocks fans-these high-profile artists won’t receive a performance fee from the NFL.
Why don’t Super Bowl half-time performers get paid?
Despite the grandeur of the show, the NFL does not pay artists for their performances. Instead, they receive a small union-mandated wage – approximately $1,000 per day.
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This practice has been in place for years, with previous headliners like Shakira, Usher, and Beyoncé also performing without a hefty paycheck. However, the NFL does cover all production costs, which can range from $10 million to $20 million.
These expenses include lighting, stage design, wardrobe, travel, and accommodations, ensuring a visually stunning spectacle.
In some cases, artists even contribute their own money to enhance the production. The Weeknd reportedly spent 7 million dollars of his own funds to perfect his 2021 performance. This raises an important question-if artists aren’t paid, why do they still agree to perform?
The answer lies in the immense exposure the halftime show provides. With an audience of over 100 million viewers, artists see an immediate surge in music streams, album sales, and concert ticket purchases.
For instance, after performing at the 2017 Super Bowl, Lady Gaga’s sales spiked by 1,000%. Similarly, Shakira’s and Jennifer Lopez’s streams increased by 230% and 335%, respectively, after their 2020 show.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA are likely to experience a similar boost. Lamar has already announced his Grand National Tour, strategically timed to capitalize on the Super Bowl hype. With such a massive platform, performing at the Super Bowl is less about the paycheck and more about leveraging the moment for long-term success.
