The Super Bowl is often associated with millions.
Not just for the number of viewers expecting to be tuned into Sunday’s contest between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, but for the dollar amount associated with putting on the event as well.
And that’s just for halftime. Here’s why the break in the game carries such a high expense — including how much the average cost is per year.
A Look at How Expensive Super Bowl Halftime Shows Are
According to Reuters, the average halftime show costs $13 million.
The breakdown for that figure is as follows: It costs $1 million per minute for a halftime performance. Due to halftime shows running 13 minutes, it adds up to the above-total average figure.
Notably, none of that figure is allocated for the halftime performer. Instead, they are paid through a union scale — which can result in a $1,000 appearance. Rihanna was paid through this format for her appearance in Super Bowl 57.
But, while halftime shows have typically averaged below $15 million, there have been some highly expensive shows when one considers stage setup, costume design, and other factors.
Most Expensive Halftime Shows Ever
Not every Super Bowl halftime show hit the mark of $13 million. Some ended up surpassing that threshold.
Which leads to the next question: What were the most expensive halftime shows ever?
MORE: All-Time List of Super Bowl Halftime Show Performers
And, which halftime performer earns the title of putting out the priciest performance?
Here’s a look:
- The Weeknd, 2020 season, $17 Million: The R&B crooner best known for his soulful ballads and electro-dance crossover hits put together the most costly halftime show ever. His performance at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., included a transformed cityscape structure set that, collectively, helped lead to a price tag of $7 million in props alone.
- Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, 2019 season, $13 Million: The famed pop duet reeled in $13 million to put together their widely discussed halftime show. That included their gameday outfits, stage, and cage designs on the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
- Prince, 2006 season, $12 Million: Nearly 20 years ago in Miami, Prince delivered the most expensive, to that point — and arguably most memorable — halftime show in Super Bowl history. Not only did his performance include his famed guitar and an oversized curtain, but the rain fittingly fell once he sang his legendary hit “Purple Rain.”
- Aerosmith and NSYNC, 2000 season, $11 Million: In a rare collaboration of rock, pop, and hip-hop, the iconic rock band and legendary boy band produced an $11 million show altogether. That’s not all; fellow pop legend Brittney Spears, R&B icon Mary J. Blige (in her first big game appearance before helping headline Super Bowl 56’s halftime show), and rap superstar Nelly made cameos on stage in Tampa.
- Lady Gaga, 2016 season, $10 Million: Lady Gaga’s Houston show ranks as the final one that hit the $10 million mark for performance and props. While the game is best remembered for the Atlanta Falcons’ blown 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots, many who tuned into halftime likely remember the Grammy-winning singer’s memorable entrance into NRG Stadium — by falling from the roof while attached to a gold trapeze.
As for Sunday, Usher is already anticipated to hit $13 million for his show, as he, like every past performer, gets 13 minutes to entertain. However, there have been reports that he’s shooting to extend to 15 minutes on stage at Allegiant Stadium. If he does tack on the extra time and hits $15 million as a result, the above list will be rearranged.
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