Topics: Celebrity, Justin Bieber, Shakira, US News, World Cup
When FIFA organisers pitched a half-time concert in a bid to make the World Cup final an even bigger global entertainment event, spectators were concerned about how much it'd cost.
This was especially the case after it was confirmed that huge-name stars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, The Muppets, Shakira and many more musicians would be fronting the festivities.
The 'Queen of Pop' kicked things off with a performance of her global hit 'Music', which was packed with dazzling choreography and astounding vocals, before K-pop group BTS belted out their toe-tapping track 'Dynamite'.
Next up was Bieber, who slowed things down with a low-key, acoustic rendition of 'Everything Hallelujah', which he performed with the help of his guitar, followed by Shakira, who certainly brought the energy with a dance performance of the official World Cup anthem, 'Dai Dai'.
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Not everyone was thrilled by the 11-minute concert, however, with some critics arguing the addition was another sign that the tournament was becoming increasingly commercialised and entertainment-focused in a bid to appeal to American audiences.
Others raised questions over how much the extravagant gig would cost organisers.
As it turns out, however, this year's World Cup headliners weren't paid a penny. That's right, much like the Super Bowl's half-time show, performers didn't receive any financial reimbursement for their time.
According to The Athletic, an inside source confirmed that, as opposed to receiving any payment, this year's performers donated their time to raising awareness of the social justice organisation Global Citizen.
It's an initiative that FIFA and Global Citizen are jointly fronting, aimed at providing children around the world with both educational and football opportunities by raising $100million to expand access to all nations.
"As the world comes together for the biggest match in football, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said while announcing the decision to go ahead with a concert.
"It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle."
Bieber, one of the performers, added at the time: "The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this half-time show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world."
