Artists Don’t Get Paid for Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show – Here’s Why

Despite being one of the most sought-after entertainment stages, the Super Bowl halftime show does not pay its performers. Rather, there is a significant benefit to the opportunity that extends beyond financial gain.

Even though it features some of the biggest names in the world and draws enormous crowds, the Super Bowl halftime show does not compensate its performers. But there’s a particular explanation for it.

Over time, what started out as a way to amuse Super Bowl spectators during the midgame break developed into a significant event.

When Michael Jackson’s performance in 1993 drew more views than the actual National Football League championship game, the change was irrefutable. The halftime show was reinvented in that moment, becoming a cultural event as much awaited as the triumph.

The Super Bowl halftime show has grown into a must-see event, with each year offering another eagerly awaited performance, thanks to that pivotal moment.

That tradition will be carried on with Super Bowl LIX, which will take place at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. In September 2024, Kendrick Lamar was revealed as the main act.

SZA, a Grammy winner and long-time collaborator, will take the stage with him, according to a new confirmation from Apple Music, the official halftime show sponsor.

The evening’s entertainment will also showcase Louisiana talent, with SZA and Kendrick Lamar scheduled to play at the halftime show. Before kickoff, Jon Batiste, a jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, will play the national anthem.

With his performance of the national anthem, the five-time Grammy Award winner hopes to leave a lasting impression, thus his upcoming performance is filled with purpose.

He recently stated in an interview that he was “excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it.” “It’s all about togetherness,” he said when questioned about potential collaboration with Lamar, although he kept specifics confidential. That’s the secret.

A recurrent idea among Super Bowl performers is reflected in Batiste’s approach to the performance. Even though the event is large, halftime performers are not paid. Lamar will not receive payment for his performance, even though it could appear that he would receive a sizable payment for his set.

In a previous interview, entertainment lawyer Lori Landew stated, “Artists understand that the Super Bowl halftime show is a unique chance to make an ideological statement through their performance, including the songs they sing, what they wear, who joins them onstage, and the gestures they make.”

According to her, many artists view the performance as an opportunity to entertain a large audience and show off their skills to millions of people, but others may view it via a political or cultural prism.

At the Super Bowl, “the halftime show remains a highly coveted spot for many artists,” Landew said.

Each performance provides an insight into the artistic decisions artists make when given the opportunity to reach millions of people, even though some messages are more subtle than others.

The NFL once looked at whether musicians would pay for the privilege because the Super Bowl halftime performance has such enormous value and is seen by over 100 million people.

According to estimates, the production expenditures for Beyoncé’s unpaid 2013 performance came to over $600,000. Estimates have risen to as much as $10 million in recent years, while some people wonder if that amount is exaggerated.

One singer that was approached about getting paid to perform was Katy Perry, but she said, “I don’t want an asterisk by my name for playing the Super Bowl for the rest of my life.”

Even though her tour was already sold out and she didn’t have an album to market, her performance boosted her career by doubling high-profile endorsement offers and establishing her place among the music industry’s elite.

The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and The Who were among the British bands that Coldplay gained a similar boost. Their involvement served as an inspiration for frontman Chris Martin, who joked that everything he does is a “Bono move.”

An artist’s song sales and streaming numbers frequently increase significantly as a result of the publicity they receive from playing at the Super Bowl halftime show. Both Shakira and Jennifer Lopez saw a spike in popularity on streaming services after their 2020 performance.

Featured tracks had the largest spikes, with Shakira’s and Lopez’s streams increasing by 230 and 335 percent, respectively, following their Super Bowl halftime performance. Additionally, digital sales increased by 893 percent, driven mostly by “Whenever, Wherever” and “On the Floor.” The exposure was extremely profitable, despite the fact that it was unpaid beyond union scale.

A Super Bowl halftime show is a strategic opportunity for musicians because its financial advantages extend well beyond streaming and sales. In an interview, marketing expert Sheri Lambert referred to it as a “marketing partnership rather than a performance,” stating that the status and attention are more important than a salary.

With more than 100 million people watching live, artists are exposed worldwide, which boosts streaming, ticket sales, brand partnerships, and even movie placements. For instance, when Rihanna reapplied makeup mid-show during her halftime performance, it was a seamless promotion of Fenty Beauty. The moment went viral and increased awareness of the brand.

Not all artists are keen to perform on stage, despite its allure. Lambert noted that the performance is scrutinised even if the exposure is unparalleled. Some turn down the chance because they are afraid of the possible backlash and acclaim, as was the case with Janet Jackson following her contentious 2004 participation.

One of the most important entertainment venues is the Super Bowl halftime performance, which provides worldwide exposure that is significantly more valuable than a salary. Beyond just music, it’s a potent marketing weapon; its financial significance is demonstrated by viral events like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty promotion.

Although the chance can boost an artist’s career, some artists choose to turn down the invitation because of the scrutiny it carries. It continues to be a very popular stage, influencing pop culture and highlighting the value of live performances in spite of the dangers.