NFL to musicians: Pay to play at Super Bowl
Halftime at the Super Bowl is arguably the largest stage available to a performer.
The NFL wants musical acts to pay for the privilege of appearing in that spot, according to a Wall Street Journal report Tuesday.
According to the Journal, the league narrowed its choices for next year’s Super Bowl halftime entertainment to Coldplay, Rihanna and Katy Perry. The NFL also told representatives of the three that it wants a portion of the selected artist’s income from touring following the Super Bowl, or another “financial contribution” in exchange for being given the chance to perform in front of the year’s largest television audience.
The newspaper reported that the artists’ representatives balked at the request.
According to the Journal, this year’s Super Bowl averaged 112.2 million viewers, while Bruno Mars’ halftime show attracted a record 115.3 million viewers.
The NFL usually does not pays its halftime performers, though it covers their expenses.