Super Bowl Halftime Show performers don’t receive payment, but the NFL spends millions on production costs. The event offers immense exposure for artists, boosting careers and brand recognition.
The Super Bowl: A Global Spectacle
The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon watched by millions worldwide. Each year, the event generates immense buzz, and a significant part of its allure lies in the highly anticipated halftime show.
The Halftime Show: A Star-Studded Affair
Halftime performances have evolved into extravaganzas featuring some of the biggest names in music. From iconic rock bands to contemporary pop superstars, the show has become a platform for artists to reach a global audience.
The Cost of Putting on a Show
While the performers themselves aren’t paid, the NFL incurs substantial costs to produce these spectacular shows. Millions of dollars are spent on elaborate sets, state-of-the-art technology, and intricate choreography. The league also covers the artists’ travel and accommodation expenses.
Do Performers Get Paid?
The NFL’s Stance
Contrary to popular belief, Super Bowl halftime performers do not receive a paycheck. The NFL maintains that the exposure and prestige associated with the performance are sufficient compensation.
The Artist’s Perspective
While the financial aspect might be surprising, the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl is invaluable for an artist’s career. The massive viewership and global recognition can propel them to new heights of fame and influence.
The Real Payoff: Exposure and Branding
Boosting Career and Sales
Performing at the Super Bowl can significantly boost an artist’s career. Album sales often skyrocket, concert tickets sell out faster, and social media following grows exponentially. The performance can also lead to lucrative endorsement deals and other business opportunities.
Building a Brand
The Super Bowl halftime show is a powerful platform for artists to build their brand. By delivering a memorable performance, they can create a lasting impression on the audience and solidify their place in popular culture.
list of artists who have performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl | Date | Location | Theme | Performer(s) | Producer | Special Guest(s) | Sponsor |
II | January 14, 1968 | Miami Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) | Grambling State University Marching Band | — | — | — | |
III | January 12, 1969 | Miami Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) | America Thanks | Florida A&M University band, Miami-area high school bands | — | — | — |
IV | January 11, 1970 | Tulane Stadium (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Tribute to Mardi Gras | Marguerite Piazza, Doc Severinsen, Lairen & Tara, Al Hirt, Lionel Hampton, Carol Channing, Southern University Marching Band | — | — | — |
V | January 17, 1971 | Miami Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) | Southeast Missouri State Marching Band, Anita Bryant, Up With People | — | — | — | |
VI | January 16, 1972 | Tulane Stadium (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Salute to Louis Armstrong | Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, Al Hirt, USAFA Cadet Chorale, U.S. Marine Corps Drill Team, Tyler Jr. College Apache Belles and Band, Tyler, Texas | Jim Skinner | — | — |
VII | January 14, 1973 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, California) | Happiness Is | University of Michigan Marching Band, Woody Herman, Andy Williams | Tommy Walker | — | — |
VIII | January 13, 1974 | Rice Stadium (Houston, Texas) | A Musical America | University of Texas Longhorn Band, Judy Mallett (Miss Texas 1973) on fiddle | Jim Skinner | — | — |
IX | January 12, 1975 | Tulane Stadium (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Tribute to Duke Ellington | Mercer Ellington & Grambling State University Marching Bands | — | — | — |
X | January 18, 1976 | Miami Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) | 200 Years and Just a Baby: A Tribute to America’s Bicentennial | Up with People | — | — | — |
XI | January 9, 1977 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | It’s a Small World | Los Angeles Unified All-City Band with the New Mouseketeers & Audience card stunt | The Walt Disney Company | — | — |
XII | January 15, 1978 | Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | From Paris to Paris of America | Tyler Apache Belles Drill Team, The Apache Band, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt | — | — | — |
XIII | January 21, 1979 | Miami Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) | Salute to Caribbean | Ken Hamilton, Various Caribbean bands, including Gramacks out of Dominica | Bob Jani | Carnival | — |
XIV | January 20, 1980 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | A Salute to the Big Band Era | Up with People, Grambling State University Marching Bands | — | — | — |
XV | January 25, 1981 | Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Mardi Gras Festival | Southern University Marching Band, Helen O’Connell | Jim Skinner | — | — |
XVI | January 24, 1982 | Pontiac Silverdome (Pontiac, Michigan) | Salute to the 1960s and Motown | Up with People | — | — | — |
XVII | January 30, 1983 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | KaleidoSUPERscope | Los Angeles Super Drill Team | Bob Jani | — | — |
XVIII | January 22, 1984 | Tampa Stadium (Tampa, Florida) | Salute to Superstars of Silver Screen | University of Florida and Florida State University Marching Bands | The Walt Disney Company | — | — |
XIX | January 20, 1985 | Stanford Stadium (Stanford, California) | World of Children’s Dreams | Tops in Blue | Air Force Entertainment | — | — |
XX | January 26, 1986 | Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Beat of the Future | Up with People | — | — | — |
XXI | January 25, 1987 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary – The World of Make Believe | George Burns, Mickey Rooney, Grambling State University and USC Marching Bands, Disney characters, Southern California-area high school drill teams and dancers | The Walt Disney Company | — | — |
XXII | January 31, 1988 | Jack Murphy Stadium (San Diego, California) | Something Grand | Chubby Checker, The Rockettes, 88 grand piano players (various), The combined San Diego State University Marching Aztecs, California State University Northridge Marching Band, and USC Marching Bands | Radio City Music Hall | — | — |
XXIII | January 22, 1989 | Joe Robbie Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | 1950s Rock and Roll (Be Bop Bamboozled in 3-D) | Elvis Presto, South Florida-area dancers and performers | MagicCom Entertainment | Dan Witkowski | Diet Coke |
XXIV | January 28, 1990 | Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Salute to New Orleans & 40th Anniversary of Peanuts | Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw, Irma Thomas, Nicholls State University Marching Band, Southern University Marching Band, USL Marching Band | Select Productions | — | — |
XXV | January 27, 1991 | Tampa Stadium (Tampa, Florida) | Small World Tribute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl | New Kids on the Block, Disney characters, Warren Moon, 2,000 local children | The Walt Disney Company | Walt Disney World, The Coca-Cola Company | — |
XXVI | January 26, 1992 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Minneapolis, Minnesota) | Winter Magic, salute to 1992 Winter Olympics | Gloria Estefan, Olympic figure skaters Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill, Members of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team, University of Minnesota Marching Band | Timberline Productions | — | — |
XXVII | January 31, 1993 | Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) | Michael Jackson | Radio City, Scott Sanders, Don Mischer Productions | — | — | |
XXVIII | January 30, 1994 | Georgia Dome (Atlanta, Georgia) | Rockin’ Country Sunday | Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, The Judds | Select Productions | — | — |
XXIX | January 29, 1995 | Joe Robbie Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Patti LaBelle, Indiana Jones & Marion Ravenwood, Teddy Pendergrass, Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, Miami Sound Machine | The Walt Disney Company | — | — |
XXX | January 28, 1996 | Sun Devil Stadium (Tempe, Arizona) | Take Me Higher: A Celebration of 30 Years of the Super Bowl | Diana Ross | Radio City Music Hall | Oscar Mayer | — |
XXXI | January 26, 1997 | Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | Blues Brothers Bash | The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and Jim Belushi), ZZ Top, James Brown, Catherine Crier (“news” intro) | Select Productions, Radio City, House of Blues | — | — |
XXXII | January 25, 1998 | Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego, California) | Salute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary | Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Queen Latifah, Grambling State University Marching Band | Radio City Music Hall | Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises | — |
XXXIII | January 31, 1999 | Pro Player Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing | Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Savion Glover | — | Progressive Auto Insurance | — |
XXXIV | January 30, 2000 | Georgia Dome (Atlanta, Georgia) | Tapestry of Nations | Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, 80-person choir ( | |||
XLVIII | February 2, 2014 | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey) | America’s Greatest Hits | Bruno Mars | Red Hot Chili Peppers | Hamish Hamilton | Ricky Kirshner |
XLIX | February 1, 2015 | University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, Arizona) | A Super Bowl Spectacular | Katy Perry | Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott, Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band | Hamish Hamilton | Ricky Kirshner |
50 | February 7, 2016 | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California) | Coldplay Super Bowl Halftime Show | Coldplay | Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel, University of California Marching Band, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles | Hamish Hamilton | Ricky Kirshner |
LI | February 5, 2017 | NRG Stadium (Houston, Texas) | A Halftime Show of Wonder | Lady Gaga | — | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins, Jay-Z, Roc Nation |
LII | February 4, 2018 | U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minnesota) | A Show for the Ages | Justin Timberlake | The Tennessee Kids, University of Minnesota Marching Band | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins |
LIII | February 3, 2019 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) | A Celebration of Music | Maroon 5 | Travis Scott, Big Boi, Georgia State University Marching Band | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins |
LIV | February 2, 2020 | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) | A Latin Pop Extravaganza | Shakira, Jennifer Lopez | Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Emme Muñiz | Hamish Hamilton | Ricky Kirshner, VAMC Studios, Jay-Z, Roc Nation |
LV | February 7, 2021 | Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida) | A Journey Through Music | The Weeknd | — | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins, Jay-Z, Roc Nation, Diversified Production Services |
LVI | February 13, 2022 | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California) | A West Coast Celebration | Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar | 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins |
LVII | February 12, 2023 | State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona) | A Global Music Showcase | Rihanna | — | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins |
LVIII | February 11, 2024 | Allegiant Stadium (Paradise, Nevada) | To be announced | Usher | Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Sonic Boom of the South | Hamish Hamilton | Jesse Collins |
LIX | February 9, 2025 | Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, Louisiana) | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
The Future of Super Bowl Halftime Shows
New Trends and Challenges
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and visually stunning halftime shows. However, the league will also face challenges in balancing entertainment value with social responsibility and inclusivity.
The Impact on the Music Industry
The Super Bowl halftime show has become a coveted spot for musicians, and the competition to land a performance is fierce. The show’s influence on the music industry is undeniable, shaping trends and determining the next generation of superstars.
Conclusion
The Super Bowl halftime show is a complex interplay of entertainment, business, and cultural impact. While performers don’t receive a direct payment, the rewards in terms of exposure and brand building are immeasurable. As the show continues to evolve, it will remain a captivating spectacle that captures the world’s attention.
FAQS
General Questions
- Who pays for the Super Bowl halftime show?
- The NFL covers the costs of the production, including sets, technology, and artist expenses.
- Do Super Bowl halftime performers get paid?
- No, performers typically do not receive a direct payment.
- How much does it cost to produce a Super Bowl halftime show?
- The exact cost varies each year, but it’s estimated to be millions of dollars.
- What is the purpose of the Super Bowl halftime show?
- The halftime show is designed to entertain the audience during the break and generate excitement for the game.
Performer-Related Questions
- How are Super Bowl halftime performers chosen?
- The NFL typically selects performers based on popularity, relevance, and ability to deliver a captivating performance.
- What benefits do performers get from performing at the Super Bowl?
- Performers gain immense exposure, increased popularity, and potential career boosts.
- Have there been any controversies surrounding Super Bowl halftime shows?
- Yes, there have been controversies related to content, wardrobe, and other factors.
Viewer-Related Questions
The halftime show usually lasts around 12-15 minutes.
When does the Super Bowl halftime show usually happen?
The halftime show typically takes place around the middle of the second quarter.
How long is the Super Bowl halftime show?