By Katerina DiPiramo
Usher electrified the Super Bowl halftime stage with his captivating songs and star-studded appearances, showcasing a spectacle of talent and entertainment. Despite his evident pride in gracing such a monumental platform, but there’s a notable detail: Usher didn’t receive compensation for his performance.
The halftime show displayed a grand marching band, roller-skating dancers, a striking red piano, and an array of renowned stars, but Usher’s absence from the paycheck roster is conspicuous.
You might assume that the NFL would generously compensate for securing such an iconic lineup, but the reality is quite different. Historically, artists performing at the Super Bowl halftime receive no direct payment.
According to NFL spokesperson Joanna Hunter in a 2016 interview with Forbes, the league covers expenses and production costs, but artists themselves do not receive monetary compensation.
So, what motivates artists like Usher to grace the Super Bowl stage without a paycheck?
While the absence of direct financial gain may seem puzzling, the exposure provided during the halftime show offers invaluable benefits. Artists use this as a leverage platform to showcase their latest albums or singles, fueling interest in upcoming tours and projects.
The impact of Super Bowl halftime performances on artists’ popularity and commercial success is clear. Statistics from platforms like Spotify reveal drastic spikes in streaming numbers following these performances. For instance, Shakira’s streams surged by 230% after the 2020 Super Bowl, while Jennifer Lopez saw a remarkable 335% increase.
For Usher, the Super Bowl served as a strategic springboard to kick off his highly anticipated “Usher: Past, Present, Future” tour in late summer 2024.
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