The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most prestigious events in music. Because of the high viewership, it’s arguably the year’s biggest concert. However, the artists are not paid to perform at halftime.
Do Artists Get Paid To Perform At The Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Catch @kendricklamar with guest @sza. #AppleMusicHalftime #SBLIX https://t.co/VxWPUamYKp@pgLang @RocNation @NFL @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/9aQCv9mCvH
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) January 23, 2025
Artists are not paid an appearance fee to perform at halftime of the Super Bowl.
According to league policy, the NFL will cover the artist’s travel expenses and the show’s production-related costs. However, the league will not pay the artists.
Most of these artists earn a six- or seven-digit check for their concerts. That is not the case for the halftime show.
The artists will not go home empty-handed. Due to SAG-AFTRA rules, performers will be paid on a “union scale,” which is significantly less than their usual take-home pay, per Forbes.
For example, Usher performed at Super Bowl LVIII and earned about $2,000 between rehearsals and the halftime performance.
Why Do Artists Perform At The Super Bowl For Little To No Pay?
The impact of Usher's Super Bowl performance:
• Spotify streams are up +550%
• Concert ticket prices are up +40%Even crazier, @TickPick says 38% of the total tickets they have sold for Usher's upcoming tour came after last night's game.
The Super Bowl effect is real 📈 pic.twitter.com/VgeEHPr2lL
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 12, 2024
Why would artists put in significant time and effort to essentially perform for free?
It’s all about exposure.
Usher’s halftime show performance generated a record-breaking 129.3 million viewers. No other event even sniffs that amount of exposure.
With an unprecedented audience, artists and their music typically get a “Super Bowl bump.” This affects streams, downloads, concert tickets, merchandise sales, and more.
After Usher’s performance, his Spotify streams increased by 550%, and his concert ticket prices rose by 40% (via Joe Pompliano).
Per Newsweek, Jennifer Lopez’s discography increased by 335%, while Shakira’s Spotify streams went up by 230% after their 2020 Super Bowl halftime show.
Justin Timberlake’s music skyrocketed by 534% after his 2018 halftime performance, via Billboard.
Lady Gaga’s digital album sales increased by over 1,000% after her 2017 Super Bowl halftime performance.
🚨Record-setting Super Bowl LVIII🚨
*Total unduplicated audience of 202.4 million — highest on record
*123.7 million avg. viewers — most-watched telecast in history
*Most-streamed Super Bowl
*Usher's halftime performance avg. 129.3 million viewers — most-watched ever pic.twitter.com/6g1u773Sya
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) February 13, 2024
Who Is Performing At Super Bowl LIX?
Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans.https://t.co/RwqVLDGdgf
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) September 8, 2024
Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 9.
Lamar is riding high off the heels of a gigantic 2024, which saw his diss track Not Like Us go to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lamar’s GNX also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Lamar will be joined at halftime by special guest SZA. Lamar and SZA will embark on The Grand National Tour starting this April.
