

Why Kendrick Lamar Won't Be Paid For The Super Bowl Halftime Show
Feb 5, 2025
Dive into the surprising world of Super Bowl Halftime Shows and discover why Kendrick Lamar won’t earn a dime for his performance. Explore the evolution of this electrifying spectacle since Michael Jackson's iconic 1993 show and how it became a lucrative stage for artists. Unpack the lavish commercialization of the event and its implications on fan accessibility. Learn about strategic partnerships, like those with Jay-Z’s Rock Nation, and why artists willingly step into the spotlight for the exposure rather than payment.
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Halftime Show Evolution
- The Super Bowl Halftime Show evolved from marching bands to pop stars, starting with Michael Jackson in 1993.
- This shift made the halftime show a global phenomenon, attracting billions of viewers.
Leveraging Exposure
- The NFL leverages the immense viewership of the Super Bowl to offer artists unparalleled exposure instead of a performance fee.
- Artists gain significantly more value from the increased exposure than they would from a typical payment.
Super Bowl Surge Examples
- Artists like Usher, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna have strategically used the Super Bowl to boost album sales, concert ticket sales, and social media following.
- The "Super Bowl surge" significantly increases artists' market value.