Why Rihanna and Other Artists Don't Get Paid for the Super Bowl Halftime Show: Exploring the Exploitation in the Music Industry

Rihanna has been in the news recently for declining the invitation to perform at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show. The reason behind her decision is that she stands in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and his protest against systemic oppression and police brutality. This has sparked a lot of discussions, but one question that has not been addressed is why Rihanna won't get paid for her Super Bowl halftime show performance even if she had accepted the invitation.

The halftime show of the Super Bowl is one of the most watched events on television and is a platform for musicians to showcase their talent to a global audience. It is also an opportunity for them to earn a substantial amount of money. However, the reality is that the NFL pays very little, if anything, to the artists who perform at the halftime show.

The NFL operates as a non-profit organization and does not pay its performers. Instead, the league provides the artists with exposure and the opportunity to promote their music. This is because the NFL sees the halftime show as a way to promote the league and the sport, rather than as a means of generating revenue for the performers.

Moreover, the halftime show is not a straightforward business transaction. The NFL has strict control over the content of the show, including the music, lyrics, and visuals. This control extends to the rehearsal process, where the NFL has the final say on what is performed on the night of the Super Bowl.

This is why many artists, including Rihanna, have declined the invitation to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. They view it as a form of exploitation, where the NFL is able to use their talent and fame to promote the league, while the artists themselves receive little or no compensation.

In conclusion, while the Super Bowl halftime show is a coveted opportunity for musicians, the lack of compensation and control over the content of the show have led many artists, including Rihanna, to decline the invitation. This highlights the ongoing debate about the exploitation of artists in the music industry and the need for greater protection and compensation for their work.