The real reason Bad Bunny won’t get paid for his halftime show at the Super Bowl has been revealed.
The Super Bowl halftime show has been home to some of the most iconic artists in history, including Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
These unforgettable performances have become cultural moments that transcend sports, bringing together music fans and football enthusiasts alike for a spectacular mid-game entertainment experience.
The halftime show has evolved from modest marching band performances in the early years to elaborate productions featuring the world‘s biggest stars.
Each year, millions of viewers tune in specifically for the halftime performance, making it one of the most-watched musical events on the planet.
So how much exactly do the stars get paid for the once-in-a-lifetime gig?
Well, you may find the answer very surprising.
Bad Bunny takes center stage
It was announced last year that musician Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will headline the halftime show in 2026.
The singer and rapper, who has topped Spotify’s most-streamed artist list in three of the past five years, will squeeze his hits into less than 15 minutes on US TV‘s most-watched night in February.
The Puerto Rican superstar has become a global phenomenon, breaking language barriers and bringing reggaeton and Latin trap to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Reacting to the news in a statement, Bad Bunny said: “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself.
“It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown.
“This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
The singer’s selection marks a significant moment for Latin music representation on one of America’s biggest stages, following in the footsteps of previous Latin performers like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Bad Bunny’s complicated relationship with US performances
Bad Bunny has previously spoken about choosing not to perform in the US in fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement waiting outside of his concerts to arrest fans.
Speaking about the absence of US dates on his world tour, he said: “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate – I’ve performed there many times.
“But there was the issue of ICE could be outside my concerts.
“And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”
The context around Bad Bunny’s concerns has only intensified with recent developments.
According to reports from NBC News, ICE has ramped up enforcement operations in recent months, with officials announcing expanded interior enforcement priorities.
CNN has further documented increased ICE presence at public venues and community spaces across the country.
The tragic killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have only upped the controversy surrounding ICE and Trump‘s immigration policy.
President Trump stated he would not be attending the game, commenting in reference to the 2026 halftime performers, which also includes Green Day (per Time Magazine): “I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible,” adding: “It’s just too far away. I would. I’ve [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me.”
Record-breaking viewership
Kendrick Lamar was the headliner at last year’s Super Bowl, watched by a record 127 million viewers.
The numbers demonstrate just how massive the platform has become for artists, offering unparalleled exposure to a diverse, captive audience that spans generations and demographics.
Previous halftime shows have similarly drawn massive viewership, with artists like The Weeknd, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Maroon 5 performing for over 100 million viewers in recent years.
But it may surprise you to learn what the A-listers earn from the iconic gig.
Beyond a small union-mandated payment – typically only a few hundred dollars and absorbed into production costs – the NFL provides no compensation to the halftime headliner.
The cost of production, even for just a thirteen-minute segment, can also cost an eye-watering amount.
The 2020 performance by Jennifer Lopez and Shakira reportedly cost the NFL approximately $13 million.
The only thing in it for the performers seems to be exposure.
And performing on one of the world’s biggest and most televised stages can convert into real financial gain quite quickly.
Jon Barker, the NFL senior vice president and global head of major events, told The Athletic: “When you have an opportunity as an artist to stand on a stage and reach 250 million people at one time … and that’s not counting the addition of social and streaming and the ability for people to go back and re-watch, I think that it is one of the most important stages in live entertainment.
“When they join us and become part of the halftime show, I think (artists) recognize what the halftime show is and being a part of it.
“And I think that resonates very strongly with the artists. That’s certainly the feedback we’ve heard year after year after years with artists.”
