According to this piece on Business Insider, halftime performers are not paid.
I didn't know that.
http://www.businessinsider.com/bruno-mars-not-paid-to-perform-super-bowl-halftime-show-2014-1
Anyway, I guess Bruno Mars is one of the more popular acts these days, so I could see why he got the call.
Personally, I felt they could have chosen a NY-based act, given that the Super Bowl is in the tri-state area.
It could be worse, though.
Here is a video of the 1992 Super Bowl halftime show.
We have come a long way...
Fast forward about 1:15 in...