Interestingly, Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will not be collecting a paycheck for his performance at the Super Bowl halftime show which took place shortly after his impressive wins at the Grammys — including the prestigious Song of the Year for his hit "Not Like Us".
While the halftime show is a hallmark of the Super Bowl experience attracting the biggest names in music, it’s a little-known fact that performers like Kendrick and SZA leave the stadium without a single dollar in their pockets for their efforts. The NFL concedes that although it may cover some travel expenses, there’s a long-standing policy of not compensating artists for their notable appearances beyond the minimum union requirements — typically around $1,000 per day for rehearsals and the performance.
Kendrick's return to the Super Bowl stage comes after his collaboration with icons including Dr. Dre and Eminem in 2022. This year's show was expected to be nothing short of spectacular. His aim was to provide an experience that not only entertains fans but also provokes thought. He stated that he wants the show to encourage listeners to "think a little".
Having graced the same stage as past powerhouses like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Shakira, Kendrick's performance captured the attention of many viewers at the field and also at home. But for the artist who has dedicated months of preparation for this moment, the lack of financial compensation raises questions about the value placed on artistry in one of the most-watched musical events of the year.
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