“I Would’ve Done It for Free”: Nikki Glaser Opens Up About Hosting the 2025 Golden Globes

Nikki Glaser had a successful run hosting the 2025 Golden Globes, but the comedian revealed that her pay wasn’t quite what she might have expected. During a candid conversation with Howard Stern on his SiriusXM show, Glaser, 40, shared her thoughts on the experience, admitting she was paid less than a former male host, but emphasizing that she “would’ve done it for free.”

On January 6, Glaser addressed the pay discrepancy, saying, “There was a past host who said how much money he got paid in his monologue, and I got less than that, but that’s okay. I’ll get more next year.”

While Glaser didn’t name the host in question, Jerrod Carmichael, who hosted the 2023 Golden Globes, had publicly stated he was paid $500,000 for his appearance. Other hosts, such as Ricky Gervais and Jo Koy, along with the co-hosting duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in 2021, have likely earned similar amounts, though the exact figures remain private. The 2022 ceremony was not held, told People.

During her discussion with Stern, 70, who commented that hosting the Globes was “a tremendous amount of work” and that hosts are typically underpaid, Glaser offered a different take. “I feel well paid for what I do — I’m all right. And this first year, when you’re just trying to prove yourself, I honestly would’ve done it for free. It’s an insane platform to be on. It’s not about the money for me,” she explained.

Glaser reflected on the hard work required to host the event, contrasting it with the incredible opportunity it offered. “Who wouldn’t do what I did? I don’t understand that kind of person. It was hard work I guess, but I had fun doing it. I’m a little exhausted, but I’ll miss doing it,” she added.

Looking ahead, Glaser expressed optimism about the possibility of hosting the 2026 Golden Globes. “They haven’t asked me formally,” she said, “but I can’t imagine they wouldn’t.”

While her pay may have been less than expected, Glaser’s gratitude for the experience and her willingness to work without monetary expectation reflects her dedication to her craft and the unique platform the Golden Globes provided her.