Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show without pay, as the NFL covers only production costs for artists.
Kendrick Lamar took the stage at Super Bowl LIX, delivering an electrifying halftime performance.
However, fans were surprised to learn that he was not paid for his appearance.
This news has sparked conversations about how the Super Bowl halftime show operates and the financial arrangements involved.
The significance of Kendrick Lamar’s performance
Kendrick Lamar is a highly respected artist in the music industry, known for his powerful lyrics and engaging performances.
His Super Bowl show was one of the most awaited events of the year.
Many fans speculated about whether he would perform his famous diss track aimed at rapper Drake, titled “Not Like Us.”
The anticipation surrounding his performance made it a highlight of the evening.
Kendrick Lamar performed at 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show without receiving any payment
Interestingly, Kendrick Lamar will not receive any payment for his halftime show.
This is consistent with the NFL’s long-standing policy regarding halftime performances.
The league does not pay artists for their performances but does cover production costs.
This means that while Lamar won’t earn a fee for performing, expenses related to staging, lighting, and other production elements will be taken care of.
In 2020, it was reported that a halftime show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira cost around $13 million to produce.
An NFL representative confirmed that the artists are not compensated directly, stating, “We do not pay the artists. We cover expenses and production costs.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show dubbed the best performance
During his 15-minute performance, Lamar took fans on a musical journey.
He opened the show with a snippet of a new, unreleased song before moving into hits from his previous albums.
He performed “Humble.” and “DNA.” from his 2017 album, “Damn.”
A special guest appearance by SZA added excitement, as they performed the song “Luther” from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack.
The performance also featured a unique visual element, including a Buick Grand National Experimental car on stage, which was a nod to his album “GNX.”
This car has personal significance for Lamar, as it is the same model his father drove him home from the hospital when he was born.
The performance also sparks debate
While the performance was largely celebrated, it did not come without some controversy.
Lamar hinted at performing his diss track “Not Like Us,” which included a reference to Drake.
He ultimately performed a censored version of the song, still managing to engage the audience at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Lamar’s performance came at a time when he aimed to infuse his Los Angeles hip-hop style into the New Orleans setting, showcasing his roots and storytelling abilities.
He expressed in a press conference that he wanted to bring his energy and storytelling to the Super Bowl stage.
Social media reactions
The reaction to Kendrick Lamar’s performance was mixed.
Some fans praised his talent and the unique elements of the show, while others felt that it did not meet the high expectations set for such a significant event.
One user said: That’s the thing. None of the artists that have ever performed at the Super Bowl have been paid for it. It’s a publicity gig for them.
The second user wrote: it’s pretty well known already that superbowl half time performer doesn’t get paid. but the performer agree to it because of the publicity associated with the Superbowl.
The third user commented: He shouldn’t get paid. It was an awful performance. I feel bad for people who never knew k dot before this show because they have no clue how good he was.
He’s a different rapper today, much less impressive. He needs to get back to Good Kid Maad City kendrick
Another user added: Loved it! Well done Kendrick and SZA.