You know Sia as the voice behind “Chandelier,” “Elastic Heart,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Unstoppable.” You probably also know her for the giant wigs, bows, and headpieces that hide her face on stage and on red carpets.
Now, a set of legal papers has pulled back the curtain on something she rarely shares: her money. And the number is huge. Sia has reportedly sold a 50% stake in her music catalog for $180 million.
Yes, that is just half of her songs.
Let’s break down what happened, where the money goes, and why her catalog is worth so much.
Sia’s Face-Covering Wigs Say a Lot About Her
Sia’s wigs are not just a fashion choice. They are part of a bigger plan to protect her privacy.
She became one of the biggest pop names of the last 15 years. Yet she has worked hard to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. The wigs let her be a global star without being recognized everywhere she goes.
That is why this news feels so surprising. Private details about Sia’s finances only came out because of a very unlikely source: her divorce.
How the Divorce Documents Exposed the Catalog Deal
Sia filed for divorce from Dan Bernad in March 2025 after less than three years of marriage. As the case moved forward, legal documents began to show how money and assets would be split.
According to papers reported by TMZ, those documents explain how the proceeds from a major catalog deal would be handled. That deal was with Pophouse, an entertainment and investment company.
In simple terms, the papers revealed three things:
- Sia sold half of her catalog, not the whole thing.
- The total price for that half was $180 million.
- The money was divided in a special way because of the divorce.
The $180 Million Deal, Explained
Here is the key part. Pophouse reportedly paid $180 million for a 50% stake in Sia’s music rights. Pophouse says the deal covers her publishing and master music rights.
If half is worth $180 million, the full catalog would be valued at about $360 million. Sia still owns the other half.
That means she turned half of her life’s work into cash while keeping a large piece for herself. For a pop star in her 50s, that is a very smart way to cash in without letting go completely.
What Are “Publishing” and “Master” Rights?
These two terms come up in almost every catalog deal. Here is what they mean in plain English:
- Publishing rights cover the songwriting side. They earn money when a song is played on the radio, streamed, or used in a movie or ad.
- Master rights cover the actual recording. They earn money from streams, downloads, and licensing of that specific version of the song.
Owning both is valuable because the buyer earns from the song and the recording.
How the Money Is Split
This is where the divorce comes in. The documents reportedly break the $180 million into two parts.
| Portion | Amount | What It Covers | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-marriage songs | $165 million | Songs Sia created before she married Bernad | Bernad agreed to give up any claim |
| Songs made during the marriage | $15 million | Songs created while they were married | Held in escrow until they agree how to split it |
Let’s look closer at each part.
The $165 Million Pre-Marriage Portion
Most of the money, $165 million, is tied to songs Sia wrote before she married Bernad. Because those songs came first, Bernad agreed to waive his rights to that payout.
In return, Sia will pay him $1 million. That would leave Sia with about $164 million from that portion.
The $15 Million in Escrow
The other $15 million is linked to songs made during the marriage. That money is being held in escrow, which means a neutral party keeps it safe for now.
If the former couple cannot agree on how to divide it, they could end up fighting over it later.
Other Reported Terms
The reports also say Sia agreed to pay about $42,500 a month in child support for their young son. Sia has spoken publicly about trying to put the dispute behind her and focus on her family.
Why Sia’s Catalog Is Worth So Much
A $360 million valuation is not random. Sia’s catalog has a few big strengths.
1. Massive Hits That Keep Streaming
Sia’s songs have driven billions of streams, and her work has earned nine Grammy nominations. Songs like “Chandelier” and “Cheap Thrills” are still played everywhere, from radio to workout playlists.
2. She Wrote Hits for Other Stars Too
Sia is not only a performer. She is also one of pop’s most in-demand songwriters. She has written songs for artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem, and David Guetta. Her work with Guetta includes the hit “Titanium.”
That means her catalog earns money from many voices, not just her own.
3. Her Songs Are Easy to License
Big, emotional pop songs are popular in TV shows, movies, commercials, and trailers. Each time a song is used, it can bring in more income.
4. Steady, Predictable Income
Investors love catalogs because the income is steady. Hit songs from the 2010s keep earning year after year, even when the artist is not on tour or releasing new music.
Who Is Pophouse?
Pophouse is a company that invests in music and entertainment brands. It is best known for working on ABBA Voyage, the live show where digital versions of the band perform on stage.
The company has also bought into other famous music catalogs, including the music of Tina Turner. Reports say the Sia deal was made through its first investment fund, which raised about €1 billion.
For Pophouse, Sia is a strong match. Her songs are known around the world and still do well on streaming.
Why Artists Keep Selling Their Catalogs
Sia is far from the first star to cash in. In the past several years, many big names have sold all or part of their music rights. One of the best-known examples is the Michael Jackson estate, which sold half of its stake in its music publishing business for a record-setting price.
So why do artists do it?
- Big upfront payment: A huge lump sum arrives right away.
- Less risk: Music income can rise and fall, but cash in hand is certain.
- Estate planning: Selling can make it easier to plan for family and the future.
- Keeping a share: Selling only half, like Sia did, lets the artist keep part of the future upside.
In Sia’s case, the divorce may also have made a clean, clear deal more appealing.
What This Means for Sia
Even after the sale, Sia still owns half of her catalog. She keeps her creative freedom, her fans, and her place as one of the most recognizable pop voices of her time.
She also keeps the privacy she has guarded for years, at least as much as anyone can with a story this big.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Sia sell half of her catalog for?
Reports say Pophouse paid $180 million for a 50% stake in her music catalog.
How much is Sia’s full catalog worth?
Based on the price for half, the full catalog would be valued at around $360 million.
Who bought Sia’s catalog?
Pophouse, an entertainment and investment company, bought the stake.
Did Sia sell all of her songs?
No. She sold half. She still owns the other 50%.
How did the divorce affect the deal?
The divorce papers decide how the sale money is treated. Reports say $165 million is tied to songs written before the marriage, and $15 million tied to songs written during it is held in escrow.
What songs are in the catalog?
It includes some of her biggest hits, such as “Chandelier,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Titanium.”
Final Thoughts
Sia has spent her career hiding behind wigs, but this news shows just how bright her star shines. A $180 million deal for half her catalog proves that great songs are some of the most valuable assets in entertainment.
It also shows how divorce papers can reveal what a famous person would rather keep private. For Sia, one half of her catalog is now in new hands, and the other half is still hers.
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