The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most sought-after stages in entertainment, yet performers don’t receive a paycheck. Instead, the opportunity comes with a major payoff that goes beyond money.
The Super Bowl halftime show, despite hosting some of the world’s biggest stars and attracting massive audiences, does not pay its performers. However, there’s a specific reason for it.
What began as a way to keep fans entertained during the Super Bowl’s midgame break gradually evolved into a major spectacle.
The shift became undeniable in 1993 when Michael Jackson’s performance attracted more viewers than the National Football League’s championship game itself. That moment redefined the halftime show, turning it into a cultural event as anticipated as the championship.
Michael Jackson performs at the Superbowl XXVII halftime show on January 31, 1993, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
That defining moment set the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show’s evolution into a must-see event, with each year bringing another highly anticipated performance.
Super Bowl LIX, set for February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, will continue that tradition. Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner in September 2024.
Apple Music, the official halftime show sponsor, recently confirmed that Grammy winner and longtime collaborator SZA will join him on stage.
With Lamar and SZA set for the halftime show, the night’s performances will also highlight Louisiana talent. Jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem ahead of kickoff.
The five-time Grammy Award winner’s upcoming performance carries a sense of purpose, as he aims to create a lasting impression with his rendition of the national anthem.
“I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it,” he said in a recent interview. When asked about any collaboration with Lamar, he kept details private but emphasized a central theme, “It’s all about togetherness. That’s the key.”
Batiste’s approach to the performance reflects a common concept among Super Bowl entertainers. Despite the scale of the event, halftime performers do not receive a paycheck. While it may seem like Lamar would earn a substantial sum for his set, he will not be paid for his performance.
“Artists recognize that the Super Bowl halftime show is a rare opportunity 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,” said entertainment attorney Lori Landew in an interview once.
She noted that while some may interpret the performance through a political or cultural lens, many artists see it simply as a chance to entertain a massive audience and showcase their talent to millions.
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