The main draw during the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show will be rap sensation Kendrick Lamar. The NFL has announced a series of other performers who are showcasing the music talents in New Orleans, Louisiana.
But are they paid? How much?
NFL spokesperson Joanna Hunter told Forbes in 2016: “We do not pay the artists. We cover expenses and production costs.” According to NBC Chicago, that remains true today.
Productions costs are “typically covered,” but the performers are “paid only in exposure, with many going on to receive an increase in album sales, streams or other forms of revenue,” according to NBC 10 Philadelphia.
Some Super Bowl Performers Have Seen a Massive Boost in Digital Sales, Reports Say
GettyThe exposure is no small thing.
According to The Washington Post, in 2010, after performing at halftime “The Who” band “saw a 400 percent jump in digital sales the week after the game.”
Forbes noted that the performers receive other benefits, notably performing in front of an audience that can reach 100 million.
“Grammy Award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025 on FOX,” NFL.com announced.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement to NFL.com. “They got the right one.”
The Production Costs Can Be High, But the NFL Covers Those, Reports Say
GettyAccording to KHOU-TV, there are a lot of expenses that go into a Super Bowl halftime performance, but the NFL picks that tab up.
That can include “paying stagehands and band dues, plus the production costs, and when some shows involve fireworks, choreographed drones, and trapeze equipment.”
In addition to Lamar, NFL.com announced that the Super Bowl 2025 will feature “star-studded lineup of Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle and Ledisi honors the legendary music scene of New Orleans and features artists who call Louisiana home.”
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” said Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, told NFL.com. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kickoff Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.”
Baptiste will perform the National Anthem, the NFL noted.
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Will the 2025 Super Bowl Performers Get Paid?