Every year, the Super Bowl halftime show is watched by millions across the globe, making it a major event in the music industry. Fans anxiously wait to see which artist will take the stage, the vocals they will offer, the performances, and even what they will be wearing.
In 2023, Rihanna, one of the biggest names in the music industry, made headlines with her performance. However, despite delivering an unforgettable show, it turns out that she didn’t get a paycheck for the show. Here is why Rihanna did not receive payment for her time on stage.
Rihanna: A Trailblazer in the Music Industry
Before diving into the details of Rihanna’s performance, we must acknowledge that Rihanna is a trailblazer in the music industry. The Barbados-born singer burst into mainstream success in the mid-2000s, with consecutive chart-topping hits.
Later, she launched Fenty Beauty, a makeup brand that changed the beauty industry by promoting inclusivity. Apart from her music career, Rihanna has been widely applauded for her humanitarian work. Her wealth of achievements have earned her a loyal fan base who’s always keen to see what she next.
Why Rihanna Wasn’t Paid at the 2023 Super Bowl?
While it may seem crazy, the fact is that the NFL does not pay their halftime performers. The performers, in turn, do not pay the NFL for the opportunity to perform. The Super Bowl halftime show is usually treated as a marketing opportunity where the artist gets to showcase their music and their talents on a global stage.
According to the NFL, the event is viewed as an advertisement. Likewise, the artists expect the performance to boost their careers. Rihanna’s performance, though, was not exempt from criticism, as fans were displeased with the fact that she was not paid.
Rihanna’s Performance: Off the Charts
Despite not being paid, Rihanna’s Superbowl performance was all anyone could talk about. Her entrance to the stage set the tone for the rest of the performance. Clad in an iridescent jumpsuit designed by Fenty, she belted out her hit songs from the past decade as if she were performing for her life.
Her stage presence was felt in the whole arena during her performance. Thus, it is safe to say that Rihanna owned the Super Bowl halftime show segment in 2023. Her performance will go down in history as one of the best.
Thus, after guest artist Maroon 5’s performance in 2019, many fans had been left disappointed. In turn, this led them to start a petition for future halftime show performances to donate a portion of the money from the performance to social justice causes.
In Rihanna’s case, her performance did not include a donation to any cause, although the artist has been known for her humanitarian efforts. This leads to the question of whether the NFL should start paying its performers, given the industry runs on the entertainment they offer.