Why Rihanna Was Not Paid for Her 2023 Super Bowl Performance

Celeb JusticeJuly 5, 2023

The 2023 Super Bowl was one of the most anticipated events of the year. But it was not just about football. Instead, music fans everywhere were excited to see Rihanna take on the halftime stage. Her performance was incredible and had everyone talking. However, it may surprise some fans to learn that Rihanna did not make a single dollar from her Super Bowl gig. And that despite shining on the Super Bowl stage.

Elle / Despite the fact that 121.22 million fans tuned in to the live show, the star singer did not get paid!

Now, let’s go ahead and explore why the NFL does not pay its halftime performers and how Rihanna still managed to come out on top.

The NFL’s Policy on Halftime Performers

Turns out that the NFL does not pay its halftime performers. This may come as a surprise to many, considering the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched musical events in the world.

YT / According to the NFL’s policies, they only cover production and expenses. And the artists do not get any money.

The NFL argues that they provide a platform for artists to showcase their music and that the exposure they receive from performing at the Super Bowl is invaluable.

Why Rihanna Didn’t Receive Payment?

Despite giving one of the most buzzworthy Super Bowl performances, the star singer did not get any money for the show. This may seem unfair. But Rihanna actually turned down the NFL’s offer to pay her.

The decision was made in support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been at the center of a nationwide protest against police brutality. Rihanna did not want to perform at an event that goes against Kaepernick’s beliefs.

Rihanna’s Triumph

Thus, Rihanna’s decision not to receive payment for her Super Bowl performance was a powerful statement. It showed her support for Kaepernick and his cause and resonated with many fans.

Her performance still received high praise and gained her more exposure from the media than ever before. This all proves that sometimes, taking a stand pays off.

The Fallout

Despite Rihanna not receiving a paycheck, the Super Bowl halftime show remains a platform for artists to reach millions of people around the world. However, some people are now calling for the NFL to reconsider its policy on paying halftime performers.

BBC / As artists like Rihanna dominate the Super Bowl stage, it takes months of preparation.

Fairly so! Fans argue that artists should be compensated for their work. Especially, given the immense amount of time and energy that goes into putting on a performance of that scale.

Summing Up

The 2023 Super Bowl halftime show will go down in history as one of the most memorable in recent years. Rihanna’s decision not to take payment for her performance was a powerful declaration of her values that hit home with fans.

The issue of payment for halftime performers will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of debate for years to come. Despite that, we can all agree on one thing: Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance was legendary. And her status as a pop icon only continues to grow.