Taylor Swift will not be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show after the NFL reportedly declined to meet her conditions for taking the stage, leading the singer to walk away from the deal.
Industry insider Rob Shuter reported that the NFL approached Swift but refused to accommodate her demands: full ownership rights to her performance and advertising slots during the broadcast to promote her own projects.
The league has a long-standing practice of not paying halftime performers, offering the event as "exposure." A source was blunt, however: "Taylor Swift doesn't need exposure."
The NFL declined, with one music executive explaining, "She wasn't asking for favours, she was asking for respect." Insiders emphasised Swift's global influence, highlighting her ability to drive ratings and worldwide attention.
One noted, "She wanted a deal that reflected her value. She wasn't about to hand that over for free." Another stated, "Without Taylor, it's just another halftime show."
Major artists from Beyonce to The Weeknd have previously headlined the show without direct payment, but Swift's firm stance has reframed expectations about what the event can demand from the biggest names in music.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ