Bad Bunny Performs Unpaid at Super Bowl Halftime Show
Bad Bunny is set to headline the halftime show at the 2026 Super Bowl, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, it’s important to note that he will not receive any payment for this performance. The NFL maintains a longstanding policy where artists who perform during halftime are not compensated monetarily.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Payment Policy
The NFL’s stance on performer payments has been consistent over the years. Instead of direct payment, the league covers production costs, including staging and related expenses. An NFL spokesperson confirmed this policy in 2016, stating that the exposure from the broadcast supersedes any performance fees. This has not changed despite the involvement of major artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Usher.
Audience Reach and Production Costs
The Super Bowl halftime show offers immense visibility, with the 2025 event attracting over 127 million viewers. This exposure was particularly beneficial for Kendrick Lamar, who headlined that year. Although artists do not receive appearance fees, the production expenses are substantial. Reports indicate that budgets for the show can exceed $21 million.
- 2025: Kendrick Lamar
- 2024: Usher
- 2023: Rihanna
- 2022: Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak
- 2021: The Weeknd
- 2020: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez
- 2019: Maroon 5 featuring Big Boi and Travis Scott
- 2018: Justin Timberlake
- 2017: Lady Gaga
- 2016: Coldplay featuring Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
Bad Bunny’s Recent Achievements
Bad Bunny’s appearance at the Super Bowl comes on the heels of his historic win at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he claimed Album of the Year for “Él Último Tour del Mundo.” He also secured two additional trophies, highlighting his rising prominence in the music industry.
Following the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny will launch a global tour, including Australian dates in Sydney and Melbourne. He has recently opted for an extended residency in Puerto Rico to avoid concerns about immigration enforcement related to U.S. touring.
