NFL asked stars to pay to play Super Bowl halftime, report
Rihanna, Katy Perry and Coldplay shortlisted to play the high-profile gig according to Wall Street Journal
Pop megastars Rihanna, Katy Perry and rock group Coldplay are reportedly in the running to perform the National Football League's high-profile Super Bowl halftime show, but according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the NFL wants the artists to pay for the privilege.
Despite a popular Internet campaign to get Weird Al Yankovic to play the hugely watched gig, the NFL is said to have put Coldplay, Katy Perry and Rihanna on the shortlist.
Super Bowl acts not paid
Citing sources close to the process, the WSJ said the league asked some of the artists if they'd be willing to give a chunk of their post-Super Bowl tour income, or other financial considerations, to the NFL in exchange for the spot.
It's not clear how much the league is asking for, but the proposition reportedly got a "chilly reception" from the artists' reps.
Super Bowl artists aren't typically paid for their appearance, but musicians benefit from the publicity surrounding the event.
When Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers took to the stage during the halftime show earlier this year a record 115 million people were watching.
Mars launched ticket sales for his Moonshine Jungle tour the Monday immediately after.
So far, the NFL hasn't made a decision on who will headline in 2015, and NFL spokeswoman Joanna Hunter has noted that contracts with artists are strictly confidential.
Super Bowl XLIX will be played near Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 1.