The Super Bowl stands as one of the most monumental events globally, and nearly every artist aspires to grace its halftime show. Rihanna recently illuminated the event with her spectacular performance at Super Bowl LVII. However, English singer Ed Sheeran appears unenthusiastic about headlining the iconic halftime show. With a net worth of $200 million, Sheeran seems to be shying away from the grand performance opportunity.
During a conversation with Andy Cohen, Ed Sheeran revealed his limited interest in performing at the Super Bowl. He hinted that he might consider participating in the show only if it involved a collaboration with another artist. Amidst speculation about who might take the Super Bowl stage next, it seems that Ed Sheeran won’t be part of the lineup.
Lacking the “Pizzazz” for Super Bowl Performance
On ‘Andy Cohen’s Deep & Shallow Podcast on SiriusXM,’ Sheeran stated that he believes performing at the Super Bowl is more of an “American thing.” He expressed his reservations about being able to resonate with the American crowd and the NFL. Sheeran added, “I don’t have pizzazz,” highlighting the contrast between his musical style and the elaborate performances of artists like Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé.
Sheeran acknowledged that his approach is different and he doesn’t envision extravagant performances with dancers and fireworks. While he joked about wearing sparkles, he emphasized that his music wouldn’t align with the powerful performances showcased by other stars. However, Sheeran left a glimmer of hope by stating he might consider performing as a guest.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance Numbers
While Sheeran steps back from the Super Bowl stage, Rihanna’s halftime performance demonstrates the significant impact such appearances can have. Despite not receiving a direct paycheck due to NFL policy, Rihanna’s music experienced a massive surge in streaming and sales after her performance. On-demand streams for Rihanna soared by 211%, digital album sales increased by 301%, and digital song sales skyrocketed by 390% after her halftime show, as per Luminate (formerly Nielsen).
Spotify streams of Rihanna’s music in the U.S. surged by 640% immediately after her halftime event, and her worldwide listeners on Apple Music rose by 331%. The marketing opportunity and the potential to earn indirectly make performing at the Super Bowl a valuable endeavor, even without a direct payday.
