5 Facts About the Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched events on television. Months of planning are put into the star-studded extravaganza. But what exactly is it? Despite what you might think, the NFL doesn’t pay artists an “appearance fee.” Instead, they get exposure to millions of viewers.
1. It’s a tradition
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved into a massive pop-music showcase for the biggest stars in music. But it wasn’t always that way. Until 1993, Super Bowl halftimes were more like college football’s, with marching bands and local talent. But Michael Jackson changed all that with his unforgettable extravaganza of a performance. After that, the NFL realized the value of the 15-minute gap between periods and started looking for big names to headline the show. While the NFL doesn’t pay performers, it does cover their production costs and travel expenses. So, performers have come to understand the value of the spot and often go all-in on a spectacular show.
This is what makes a show like this year’s so memorable. Although it was a bit short, the NFL managed to pack in an eclectic mix of artists and genres, including pop (Justin Timberlake), rock (Aerosmith), hip-hop (Nelly) and R&B (NSYNC and Mary J. Blige). It felt like a weekend edition of Total Request Live and set the stage for future multi-performer galas. Despite the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl, halftime remains a huge part of football’s tradition and an important opportunity for artists to make their money.
2. It’s a commercial break
Since the first Super Bowl halftime show back in 1967, it’s become a staple of NFL culture. What started out as a way to fill in time between commercial breaks has now turned into a major production that draws millions of viewers. From marching bands to acrobatic gymnasts, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has come a long way.
While some shows have been downright awful (c’mon, a country spectacular?!), others have made an impact. One of the most memorable Super Bowl Halftime Shows was in 1993 when Michael Jackson wowed the crowd with his iconic hit songs and impressive dance moves.
While many fans have been wondering if the performers at the Super Bowl Halftime Show get paid, the truth is that they don’t. According to Digital Music News, the performers are only paid on “union scale” which is about what a person would make if they worked at McDonald’s for 15 minutes. However, some artists choose to add their own money to the budget and can end up making more than minimum wage for that one-time performance. For example, last year’s performance by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J Blige was worth about $7 million to the performers.
3. It’s a way for the NFL to make money
The NFL doesn’t pay the musicians who perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show a check, but it covers all of the production costs involved with the performance. Those costs can be significant, especially for performers who opt to include elaborate set pieces or other visual elements. In addition to the cost of the production, the artists usually see a massive boost in their record sales following the show.
The first Super Bowl Halftime Show featured two marching bands, neither of which was from one of the teams participating in the game (Washington Post). This was a conscious decision on the part of the NFL to attract top pop music talent, an effort that was intensified after Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction rocked America’s fragile eyeballs in 2004.
While this arrangement makes sense from an economic perspective, it doesn’t always sit well with the artists themselves. Some, such as the Weeknd and Dre, have even funded their own halftime shows out of their own pockets in order to ensure that their vision is fully realized on stage.
4. It’s a way for the artists to make money
Performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most coveted gigs in music. It’s often associated with being a pinnacle of success for musicians, and it can lead to major boosts in music sales and streaming. In fact, artists who perform at the show have seen double and triple-digit percentage increases in their streams and sales following the performance.
While the NFL doesn’t pay performers for their performances, it does cover the production costs of the show. This can add up to a hefty bill, especially if the artist is using expensive effects or equipment. For example, Esquire reports that Lady Gaga’s 2019 set cost $13 million to put on.
Some performers even use their own money to fund the production of their shows. The Weeknd’s manager told Billboard that the singer spent $7 million of his own money to ensure his 2021 performance was up to par. This is comparable to the amount that companies are willing to spend on a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl. This is a lot of exposure for very little cash.
5. It’s a way for the fans to make money
When people think of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, they picture pop music superstars like Rihanna and Usher belting out a short medley of their biggest hits. However, what many people don’t realize is that the artists who perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show do not receive any money for their performance. In fact, the NFL actually covers most of the production costs for the performers. This can add up to a lot of money, especially when it comes to elaborate stage productions. For example, the 2020 performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira reportedly cost $13 million to produce.
Despite this, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is still one of the biggest stages for music artists. And it’s no surprise that the artists who perform at the Super Bowl get a massive boost in their music sales after their performance. This is thanks to the fact that millions of fans tune in to watch the show, which means they hear a lot of their songs on the radio or through other media outlets.
