Soul legend Gladys Knight was hit was fierce criticism for her decision for perform at the Super Bowl before the New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams game.
The seven-time Grammy winner hit the stage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday and delivered the “Star Spangled Banner” in her hometown to more than 100 million viewers.
But inquiring minds want to know, just how much money was she paid for the gig?
As reported by Yahoo Finance, the NFL covers “all costs,” from travel and accommodations to production set-up, a NFL spokesperson tells MONEY. Beyond that, however, Super Bowl national anthem singers and halftime performers aren’t compensated.
This year’s halftime performers, Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi — were each reportedly paid on a “union scale,” and it’s unclear if Knight received a similar amount.
Prior to hitting the stage at the biggest sporting event of the year, Knight defended her decision to perform at Super Bowl LIII.
“I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good,” she said in a statement, noting that she doesn’t have to prove her commitment to civil rights.
“I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl,” Knight added.
“It is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone,” she told TMZ.
Knight joined a limited halftime show lineup that even actor Donnie Wahlberg noted was too white to be right — see his post below.
Gladys Knight previously said she wanted to “give the anthem back its voice” to include Americans advocating for racial and social justice.
“I pray that this National Anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us,” she said.