Super Bowl 2015: Coldplay, Katy Perry and Rihanna asked to pay to perform

Reports suggest that 2015 acts are being asked to cough up for the privilege

Jess Denham
Wednesday 20 August 2014 23:38 BST
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'Oh, you want me?'....'Oh, I have to pay?'
'Oh, you want me?'....'Oh, I have to pay?' (Getty Images)

Coldplay, Katy Perry and Rihanna are being eyed for the next Super Bowl half-time show. The “twist” being that if they want the privilege of playing, they’re going to have to pay.

The high profile TV slot, filled by Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers last February, draws in an average of 114 million viewers, making it hugely desirable.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest that the three acts in the running all have a shot, but securing the gig will depend on who is willing to fork out the fee.

National Football League employees are believed to have asked “at least some of the acts” if they would contribute some of their post-Super Bowl tour income to the organisation in exchange for promotional exposure.

Many past acts have put concert tickets on sale immediately after performing at the Super Bowl, including Beyoncé in 2013 and Bruno Mars earlier this year.

The NFL does not usually pay the half-time act, but asking them to cough up would be new for 2015. It remains unknown how much money the league is looking for and no decisions have been finalised.

Spokeswoman Joanna Hunter told the WSJ that while contracts with performers were confidential, the NFL’s sole aim was to “put on the best possible show” for fans.

“When we have something to announce, we’ll announce it,” she said of the rumoured line-up.

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