Usher may be hitting one of the world’s biggest stages at the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show, but unfortunately, he won’t be hitting one of the world’s biggest paychecks. The eight-time Grammy winner will earn less than the price of admission, according to a union contract, earning a minimum guarantee of about $1,000 a day, well below his usual earnings. The policy to pay halftime performers only union scale has been consistently upheld by the NFL, and it has even attempted to charge artists for performing in the past, a move that artists such as Rihanna, Cold Play, and Katy Perry rejected. However, for Usher, the 12-minute performance serves to promote his world tour and a new album release, making it a memorable and celebratory moment for him.
While the low payment may seem disappointing, Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance not only promotes his upcoming tour and album release, but also allows him to showcase his music to more than 100 million people without covering any travel or production expenses, which can be quite pricey. Additionally, the halftime show will be a meaningful and personal moment for Usher, who is looking forward to celebrating the event with enthusiasm. Despite not receiving a substantial compensation for his performance, the exposure and promotional opportunities far outweigh the financial aspects, making it a valuable career move for the talented artist. Overall, Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance may not pay off in terms of money, but it provides significant exposure and promotional benefits for his career.