Nelly Recounts Taylor Swift's $50,000 Payment for a 3-Minute Performance

Rapper Nelly disclosed that Taylor Swift paid him $50,000 for a three-minute surprise performance, with the funds presented in a McDonald's bag. The encounter occurred in 2011 when Swift invited Nelly to join her onstage in Houston, Texas, as a "really big favor."

Nelly explained in a recent interview that Swift, whom he had known for a considerable time, called him unexpectedly. She mentioned that she and her friends had developed a routine to his song "Hot in Herre" and wanted him to fly in from St. Louis for the performance.

At the time, Swift, then 36, stated she did not have a substantial budget but did not want to disrespect Nelly. She offered him the five-figure sum, along with a private plane for travel and a presidential suite at a hotel. Nelly recalled requesting the payment be placed in a McDonald's bag, a request fulfilled by Swift's manager, Robert Allen.

The artist, who has also performed with Swift on other occasions, noted that he would not have performed for free. He also mentioned that he did not stay at the hotel, going directly from the venue to the airport after the show. Nelly described the experience as "hilarious" and stated, "I’ll take it."

Nelly performed "Just a Dream" during Swift's "Speak Now" tour in 2011. He made a subsequent appearance during her "Red" tour two years later, performing "Hey Porsche." In 2015, he joined her onstage during her "1989" World Tour to perform "Hot in Herre."

Swift has also appeared at some of Nelly's shows, including a performance of "Dilemma." Nelly confirmed his status as a Swiftie and mentioned that he and his wife, Ashanti, attended Swift's wedding to Travis Kelce in July at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He defended the large guest list for the wedding, attributing it to Swift's long and successful career and Kelce's potential as an all-time great tight end.