A star heading to this year's Bermuda Music Festival is being paid $500,000 — and getting up to another $500,000 in expenses.

The performer — most likely Beyoncé, who is known for her luxurious diva lifestyle — commands almost half the $2.2 million being spent on ten acts for the October gig.

The second highest fee, probably for Alicia Keys, is $425,000 — but it seems the R&B singer will be enjoying a less extravagant stay on the Island with an expenses claim of up to $75,000.

Premier and Tourism Minster Ewart Brown put the figures into the public domain last Friday, although he did not reveal which act cost which amount of money.

Dr. Brown was providing written responses to Parliamentary questions from Opposition Leader and Shadow Tourism Minister Kim Swan.

The Premier said a combined $1.57 million will be spent on fees for the ten acts. A further $660,000 will go on expenses, which includes air travel, food and drink, production or set costs, costumes, dancers and companion expenses.

Apart from the two main acts, the next highest fee is $275,000 (including expenses), followed by $150,000 (plus $50,000 expenses). The rest have fees ranging from $10,000 (plus $2,000 expenses) to $75,000 (including expenses).

In 2007, when comparative old-timers like Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Earth Wind And Fire were the main attractions, a total of $1.68 million was recouped from ticket sales ($1 million), sponsorship ($573,000), Trophy Suite rental ($80,000) and ancillary revenue ($27,000).

Last year's ticket sales totalled 11,578, including 3,090 bought by visitors and 8,488 by residents.

Just days after this year's line-up was announced, the Premier announced tickets had already sold out.

The Premier's Press Secretary Glenn Jones refused to comment when asked whether it was thought this year's extra ticket sales and other associated revenue from acts of the calibre of Beyoncé would help recoup this year's extra outlay.

Estimates reported in the media earlier this year put Beyoncé's rates typically at $500,000 to $1.5 million, plus expenses, and Ms Keys' at $500,000 plus expenses.

Other acts in Bermuda from October 1 to October 4 will include UB40, Collie Buddz, The Whispers and Beyoncé's sister Solange Knowles.

Stars' luxury requests – see page 2