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mysteryowl

(9,268 posts)
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 06:48 PM Feb 6

Bad Bunny is not being paid to perform at the Superbowl

Bad Bunny is preparing to take the stage for the 2026 Super Bowl for one of the biggest performances of his career, and he won’t be paid a cent for it.

The 31-year-old — real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — was tapped to headline this year’s halftime show, sparking backlash from among the MAGA crowd, including some of Donald Trump’s most loyal followers, who have labeled the Puerto Rican rapper and singer a “massive Trump hater,” an “anti-ICE activist,” and slammed him for having “no songs in English.”

While many may assume the “Tití Me Preguntó” singer may be receiving a large paycheck for his performance, halftime show performers do not receive any compensation.

Outside of the union-mandated minimum of a few hundred dollars that will be absorbed into overall production costs, the NFL does not pay halftime headliners, as the musicians largely rely on the exposure they receive from the large appearance, according to Forbes.

https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/bad-bunny-super-bowl-pay-b2915613.html

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Bad Bunny is not being paid to perform at the Superbowl (Original Post) mysteryowl Feb 6 OP
NFL is obviously so short of money. DJ Synikus Makisimus Feb 6 #1
That reminds me of something (Pittsburgh born) actor Charles Groden once said. John1956PA Feb 6 #2
No half time act is EVER paid. WarGamer Feb 6 #3
correct mysteryowl Feb 6 #6
"the NFL does not pay halftime headliners" dpibel Feb 6 #10
was referring to other folks who didn't read that far in the comments lol WarGamer Feb 6 #11
No act should perform for nothing unless it's a charity Just_Vote_Dem Feb 6 #4
I completely agree mysteryowl Feb 6 #7
Nobody who performs at the Super Bowl halftime show needs exposure EdmondDantes_ Feb 6 #5
Agreed mysteryowl Feb 6 #8
Who pays for the elaborate sets these performers create? mysteryowl Feb 6 #9

John1956PA

(4,927 posts)
2. That reminds me of something (Pittsburgh born) actor Charles Groden once said.
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 07:38 PM
Feb 6

Mr. Groden stated that he was offered the lead role in the movie "The Graduate" but he turned it down because he felt fifteen thousand dollars pay was not enough. He went on to state that, if he could do it over, he would reply to the producers, "Star in 'The Graduate' for fifteen thousand dollars? Sure! Whom do I make my check out to?"

dpibel

(3,890 posts)
10. "the NFL does not pay halftime headliners"
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 10:01 PM
Feb 6

That's a copy/paste from the OP.

It appears that you are intending to add some corrective commentary. But, since the info was in the OP, I'm just not getting it.

Or mayhap there is some other reason for your declaration.

Just_Vote_Dem

(3,630 posts)
4. No act should perform for nothing unless it's a charity
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 08:31 PM
Feb 6

What ridiculous bullshit-"exposure", yeah right

EdmondDantes_

(1,699 posts)
5. Nobody who performs at the Super Bowl halftime show needs exposure
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 08:42 PM
Feb 6

It's always a giant performer. It's weird that the NFL doesn't pay.

mysteryowl

(9,268 posts)
9. Who pays for the elaborate sets these performers create?
Fri Feb 6, 2026, 08:48 PM
Feb 6

Who pays for all the extras to set it up?

I suppose the additional performers are doing it for free too.

This needs to change!

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