Every year, the NFL brings together some of the world’s biggest names in music to put on jaw-dropping performances at the SuperBowl halftime show.
From Beyoncé to Paul McCartney, and Lady Gaga to J-Lo and Shakira, the halftime show has become an iconic stage, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. To be asked to perform at the SuperBowl halftime show has become a real sign of stardom and influence within the world of music.
At the 2023 SuperBowl halftime show, Rihanna took centre stage for the first time in seven years.
The highly-anticipated performance included hits like “Diamonds”, “B*tch Better Have My Money”, “Umbrella”, “Rude Boy”, and “We Found Love”. The singer made headlines for her incredible performance and the news of her second child, with her rep confirming the singers’ second pregnancy minutes after the performance.
But fans have been surprised to find out that Rihanna didn’t get paid for her 13-minute show. In fact, none of the artists that perform at the SuperBowl do.
Instead of a fat cheque, the NFL pays for all expenses associated with putting on the halftime show, including travel costs. That’s why the shows are always so epic — because the performers are allowed full creative license, with the resources to put on whatever kind of production they like.
Suddenly, all the fireworks, floating stages, and seemingly thousands of back up dancers make total sense.
In a statement to The Independent, a representative for the NFL confirmed that the football league “covers all costs associated with the show and does pay the halftime performers’ union scale.”
According to Forbes, union scale is “a fraction of the six- and seven-figure sums” the artists typically earn.
However, putting on a halftime show isn’t exactly cheap.
To put on Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 halftime show, the NFL reportedly put down approximately $13m to cover the cost of staffers involved in the production, as well as the elaborate sets and audio equipment.
As for Rihanna’s halftime show performance, a league spokesperson confirmed to Forbes that Apple Music is also expected to foot the bill alongside the NFL.
