Do Super Bowl Halftime Performers Get Paid? The Truth Behind the Big Show

Kendrick Lamar may be headlining the Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show, but don’t expect him to walk away with a paycheck for his performance. That’s right—the Grammy-winning rapper won’t be earning a single dollar for his electrifying set at Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles on February 9 at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome.

Why Super Bowl Halftime Performers Don’t Get Paid

Unlike the NFL players battling for a championship, Super Bowl halftime performers don’t receive direct payment for their performances. The NFL spokesperson Joanna Hunter confirmed to Forbes back in 2016, stating, “We do not pay the artists. We cover expenses and production costs.”

While it may seem surprising that some of the world’s biggest music superstars—including Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and The Weeknd—would put on a high-energy, elaborate performance for free, the reason is simple: exposure and prestige.

Why Artists Perform at the Super Bowl for Free

Entertainment attorney Lori Landew explained to Forbes in 2019, “The halftime show at the Super Bowl remains a highly coveted spot for many artists. Some do not see their appearance as a political statement or a cultural battleground, but rather as an opportunity to entertain an enthusiastic crowd and share their music with millions of viewers.”

And the numbers back it up—performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show can provide an unmatched global stage, reaching over 100 million viewers. This exposure often leads to a massive boost in album sales, streaming numbers, and concert ticket sales.

Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Super Bowl Performance

For Kendrick Lamar, this marks his second Super Bowl appearance. He previously performed in 2022, joining Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem. However, Super Bowl 2025 will make history as he becomes the first solo rapper to ever headline the Apple Music Halftime Show.

Adding even more excitement, SZA, one of Lamar’s frequent collaborators, is expected to join him for a special performance.

Usher’s Advice for Kendrick Lamar

Ahead of Lamar’s highly anticipated halftime performance, Usher—who dominated the stage at Super Bowl 2024—shared some valuable advice.

“The one thing I would say is, savor the moment,” Usher told Jennifer Hudson during a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. “You get obsessed with trying to build the best performance, but you don’t realize that it’s really about enjoying it. It might not be perfect, but if you’re too focused on perfection, you won’t take it all in.”

He added, “My encouragement to him is to really be present. I hope that he uses the moment well. There’s a lot that could be said for where hip-hop has come from, and there’s a lot to be said for how Kendrick has set the benchmark for what it means to be an artist.”

Looking Ahead to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Performance

As fans eagerly await Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking Super Bowl performance, the anticipation is at an all-time high. While he won’t be getting a paycheck, the exposure, prestige, and cultural impact will be more than enough reward for one of hip-hop’s most influential artists.

Get ready for a halftime show to remember, and in the meantime, take a look back at Usher’s unforgettable 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show highlights!