The exact amount that Beyoncé was paid for her performance at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas for the birthday party of a member of a royal family is not known publicly. However, based on reports of similar high-profile private concerts by major artists, estimates can be made about the likely range for her pay. Beyoncé is one of the biggest music stars in the world, so commanding top dollar for such an exclusive private show would be expected.
Background on the Performance
In January 2019, Beyoncé performed at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas for the birthday party of a member of a royal family. The birthday celebration was reported to be for the wife of a sheikh from the United Arab Emirates. The private concert took place in a specially built venue at the Atlantis and included elaborately planned effects including water fountains synchronized with the music. Dancers, an orchestra, and elaborate staging were part of the 90-minute show.
The performance was kept very private, with no phones or cameras allowed. It was reported that some staff at the resort were made to sign non-disclosure agreements about the event. This showed the desire for secrecy and exclusivity around the royal birthday party event.
Estimated Fees for Beyoncé and Other Top Artists
While the exact amount Beyoncé received is secret, it is possible to estimate a range based on comparable private concerts by major artists:
– In 2008, Beyoncé reportedly earned $2 million for performing at a private party on the island of St. Barts.
– Forbes magazine estimated that in 2017, Bruno Mars was paid between $1 million to $2 million for a private show in the Hamptons.
– Media reports indicated that in 2019, Jennifer Lopez received $2 million to $2.5 million for a private concert in Egypt for a birthday celebration.
– In 2016, it was reported that Adele was paid $500,000 for a small private concert.
So for an artist at the celebrity status of Beyoncé, a fee between $2 million and $3 million would be realistic. Given the elaborate production and preparations, the fee was likely at the higher end of that scale.
What the Performance Fee May Have Included
The overall cost for Beyoncé’s private concert likely included:
– Beyoncé’s performance fee for herself and her team of dancers, musicians, and crew. This was likely the biggest single line item.
– Costs for the elaborate staging, lighting, video, and effects. A specially constructed venue space was created for this event.
– Fees for the orchestra and any other performers involved.
– Rehearsal time at the performance location.
– Travel, food, and lodging costs for the entire production.
– Fees for exclusive rights to photos, video, and press about the event.
When all of those elements are factored in, the total budget was likely in the range of $3 million to $5 million for the private concert.
How Beyoncé’s Fee Compares to Her Earnings for Public Performances
It’s interesting to compare what Beyoncé may have charged for this single private concert to what she earns for her public tours and shows.
According to Pollstar, Beyoncé grossed over $250 million worldwide for her Formation World Tour in 2016. Across the 49 concerts on that tour, that equals over $5 million per show.
In 2018, her joint On The Run II Tour with Jay-Z grossed over $250 million for just 48 shows, which comes out to over $5 million per concert again.
So while the fee for an exclusive private performance in the $2-3 million range may seem astronomical, it is actually in line with the payout for one night on a major Beyoncé world tour.
How Much Other Music Stars Have Made for Private Performances
To provide context on how much other major music stars have earned for private concerts for wealthy clients, here are some reported examples:
Artist | Estimated Fee | Event |
---|---|---|
Katy Perry | $500,000 | Private concert in Italy |
Justin Bieber | $1 million | Private show in Mexico |
Elton John | $1 million | Wedding in England |
Rihanna | $2 million | Christmas party in London |
Taylor Swift | $2 million | Private concert in Florida |
This demonstrates the premium that wealthy clients are willing to pay for exclusivity and star power when booking private shows. Given Beyoncé’s rarified status in pop music, she can clearly command fees at the very top of this market for elite private performances.
How Much Are Other Royal Family Events Worth?
To provide some monetary context on lavish events put on by royal families, here are some reported costs:
Event | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton | $34 million |
Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | $45 million |
Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations | $57 million |
Wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana (adjusted to today’s dollars) | $110 million |
At an estimated $3-5 million, the birthday concert for a royal family member would be considered modest compared to these royal extravaganzas. Securing Beyoncé for an exclusive private performance aligns with the luxury that royalty expects for momentous celebrations.
How Much Are Private Concerts for Billionaires and Celebrities?
Beyond royal families, private concerts also get booked by billionaires, CEOs, and other celebrities for events like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and corporate milestones.
Some examples of reported fees for private shows:
Artist | Fee | Event |
---|---|---|
Enrique Iglesias | $1 million | Wedding in India |
Christina Aguilera | $1.5 million | Russian billionaire’s birthday |
Kanye West | $2 million | Corporate party in Davos |
Elton John | $1 million | Tech CEO’s birthday in LA |
Again this demonstrates how the reported $2-3 million fee for Beyoncé aligns with the top end of what wealthy private clients pay for exclusive performances.
Conclusion
While the specific amount paid to Beyoncé for her private concert at the Atlantis resort remains confidential, based on comparable elite events a fee of $2-3 million is realistic. When factoring in all the production costs, the total budget may have landed between $3-5 million to pull off an event befitting royalty with one of the greatest pop stars in the world. This likely represented one of the largest paydays ever for a private show, but is commensurate with Beyoncé’s status as a cultural icon.