Last Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII halftime show was a sight to behold! Sporting a red ensemble and a brand-new baby bump, the iconic Rihanna graced the stage with her first live performance in six years. The 34-year-old star treated the world to some of her greatest hits and left a lasting impression on the 100 million viewers worldwide. Despite the performance receiving widespread acclaim, Rihanna did not receive a paycheck for her time.
Historically, NFL halftime performers have not been paid for their appearances. As Forbes reported in 2016, the NFL has always maintained that they do not pay artists for their performances but only cover their expenses and production costs. The halftime show is, in essence, a free promotional platform that guarantees artists unparalleled exposure to millions of viewers around the world.
While they may not get a paycheck from the NFL, artists benefit from the incredible promotional opportunity offered by the halftime show. For instance, Spotify reported that Shakira’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LIV in 2020 increased her streams by 230%. Jennifer Lopez, who also performed that year, saw her streams rise by 335%. This just goes to show the incredible potential of the halftime show for promoting an artist’s latest project, driving traffic to their tours and upcoming albums or singles.
Despite not getting paid for their performances, NFL halftime shows can be incredibly expensive. From spectacular fireworks to lavish LED panels, the cost of the production can be staggering. In 2001, the Aerosmith and NSYNC halftime show cost $11 million. In 2007, Prince’s halftime performance cost $12 million. The 2017 Lady Gaga halftime show cost $10 million, while the 2020 Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performance came in at a whopping $13 million.
Super Bowl LVI’s halftime show featured an iconic lineup of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Fans all over the world can’t wait to see what the legendary artists will bring to the stage.
All in all, the Super Bowl halftime show has become one of the most highly anticipated events in the music industry, offering artists a unique promotional platform that can help them reach a global audience. While NFL halftime performers don’t receive a paycheck for their efforts, the rewards in terms of exposure and promotion make it a worthwhile opportunity. With a lineup that keeps getting better every year, the Super Bowl halftime show is here to stay, and fans can look forward to even more iconic performances in the years to come.
