Katy Perry says that she did not pony up for the opportunity to headline a gig that is annually the worlds most-watched concert, the Super Bowl halftime show. I put my foot down very early in the courtship, she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. I said, Look guys, heres where I draw a line in the sand. I want to be invited on my own merits and not with some fine print.
The pop singer went on to say that she remained adamant to her position during negotiations. I dont even care if my contract leaks, she said. I have nothing to hide, basically.
Perry, who said her performance would last 12 minutes and comprise two different worlds, also described herself as the perfect halftime performer in the interview. Im all about female empowerment and uplifting peoples spirits, and people finding their own voice with songs like Roar and Firework, so maybe there is no better person [for the show], she said. Hopefully I can bring that incredible strength and empowerment to people through the performance.
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The Super Bowl will take place on February 1st at Glendale, Arizonas University of Phoenix Stadium.
Last summer, news broke that the NFL had reportedly approached Perry, Rihanna and Coldplay their top choices for this years halftime show and asked them for a portion of their post-game tour earnings or some other form of payment for Super Bowl exposure. Last years halftime show, which featured Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers and a heap of post-show controversy, was seen by 115.3 million viewers. Mars went on to gross $43 million in tour revenue by mid-2014. Similarly, Beyonc who performed during the 2013 halftime show went on to make nearly $180 million from touring that year.
When Rolling Stone approached the agents for superstar artists last summer to weigh in on the NFLs pay-for-play concept (a rep for Perry did not return a request for comment), they scoffed at the notion. Is Paul McCartney going to pay? Dennis Arfa, who reps Metallica, Billy Joel and Rush, said. I doubt it.
Weve ruled out Janet Jackson, an NFL spokesperson joked to Rolling Stone, referring to nipplegate, at the time. They had not yet confirmed Perry. (During her Associated Press interview, the Roar singer downplayed any censor-baiting salaciousness: My intention is that everyone talks about the music and nothing else.)
The Firework singer confirmed the gig last October. Prior to the booking, Perry joked with ESPNs College GameDay about the pay-for-play scheme. I have let them know that Im not the kind of girl who would pay to play the Super Bowl, she said. The ball is in their field.
Earlier this month, Perry raised the profile of her appearance by announcing Lenny Kravitz as a guest performer, calling him an incredible rock & roll icon, a guitar god, on the Today Show. She added, Hes the coolest! Perrys recent AP article mentioned guests, so another announcement is likely to arrive soon.
