Ever wondered how much a musician earns for one of TV’s most-watched events? The reality might catch you off guard.
WASHINGTON — As Bad Bunny gears up to dazzle audiences at the Super Bowl 60 halftime show, many are curious about the financial rewards associated with such a high-profile gig.
The truth is rather unexpected. Like his predecessors, Bad Bunny will receive only a nominal fee required by union rules.
In line with tradition, the Puerto Rican sensation won’t pocket a typical performance fee for his halftime appearance.
How much do Super Bowl performers get paid?
While the NFL might foot the bill for travel expenses, it sticks to its practice of not compensating performers for pregame and halftime shows beyond the necessary union scale. This usually equates to approximately $1,000 daily for rehearsals and the performance. So, don’t expect headline-grabbing paychecks for these music icons.
The real benefit of playing the Super Bowl halftime show lies in the immense exposure it offers. Usher’s 2024 performance drew a colossal audience, following Rihanna’s 2023 show that captivated 115 million viewers. Such visibility often leads to a notable surge in music sales and streaming for the artists involved.
However, the real value of the Super Bowl halftime show lies in its unprecedented exposure. The 2024 performance headlined by Usher drew massive viewership, continuing the trend set by Rihanna’s 2023 show which attracted 115 million viewers. For artists, this exposure typically translates into significant increases in music sales and streaming numbers.
Bad Bunny is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously performed alongside Jeniffer Lopez and Shakira at the 2020 game.
How much does a Super Bowl halftime show cost?
While performers don’t receive direct compensation, the production costs for the halftime show are substantial. Recent performances have seen budgets ranging from $10-20 million, covering everything from elaborate stage designs to pyrotechnics.
The NFL shoulders most of these production expenses, although some artists, such as The Weeknd, have said they’ve contributed some of their own money to help foot the massive bill.
Who is Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny, one of the most-streamed artists in the world, headlines the 2026 halftime show during a career-defining stretch. He recently completed a historic residency in Puerto Rico that drew hundreds of thousands of fans and continues to dominate global streaming platforms with albums like “Un Verano Sin Ti.”
The 31-year-old artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys. He has become a global ambassador for Latin music, starred in films such as “Bullet Train,” “Caught Stealing” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” and collaborated with top fashion houses. He’ll enter the Latin Grammys as the leading nominee with 12, dethroning producer and songwriter Édgar Barrera.
When is the Super Bowl and what channel is it on?
The Super Bowl, featuring the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, starts at roughly 6:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 8.
The game will be aired on NBC. Mike Tirico will be the play-by-play announcer alongside Cris Collinsworth and Mellissa Stark. Tirico will be calling his first Super Bowl and immediately after that, he will turn his Olympic brain on and host “Primetime in Milan” as he begins his fifth Olympic primetime hosting assignment.
