HOME Media & Entertainment

Usher shines in spectacular Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium

2024.04.02 02:39:17 Jimmy Kim
205

[Super Bowl. Photo credit to RawPixel]

Usher took center stage at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for the Super Bowl halftime show on February 11th, delivering a performance that captivated audiences worldwide.

Seated on a throne, flanked by a marching band and a host of Vegas performers, Usher's presence affirmed his status as the quintessential halftime performer, showcasing his timeless hits, impeccable choreography, and unwavering appeal to fans, old and new.

 

Kicking off with crowd favorites like "Caught Up," "U Don’t Have to Call," "Superstar," and "Love in the Club," Usher set the tone for a memorable halftime extravaganza.

 

Joined by Alicia Keys with a bright red piano, the duo treated fans to a medley of hits, seamlessly transitioning from "If I Ain’t Got You" to "My Boo." Usher's homage to Michael Jackson, marked by the loss of a glove, added a poignant touch to the performance, particularly significant during Black History Month.

 

Throughout the 13-minute halftime show, sponsored by Apple Music, Usher dazzled the audience with a star-studded lineup of guests, including H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.

 

With a career spanning three decades, Usher effortlessly drew from his extensive repertoire of hits, punctuating the performance with costume changes and a show-stopping rendition of "OMG" on roller skates, showcasing his versatility and showmanship.

 

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his seminal album "Confessions," Usher's performance of "Burn" served as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy in the music industry.

 

Having established himself as a mainstay in Las Vegas with his sold-out residency, "Usher: My Way," at Dolby Live at Park MGM, Usher's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show was a testament to his continued relevance and popularity.

 

No stranger to the Super Bowl stage, Usher made a memorable guest appearance alongside Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am in 2011.

 

Reflecting on this recent experience, Usher expressed gratitude for the opportunity to once again grace the halftime stage, underscoring the significance of the moment in an interview with The Associated Press.

 

Speculation ran rampant ahead of Usher's performance, with rumors of guest appearances by Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Lil John, and Ludacris swirling.

 

Alicia Keys's reported rehearsal for the show only added to the anticipation, fueling excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.

In a Vogue cover story leading up to the event, Usher teased his performance, emphasizing his desire to honor the essence of R&B music and its enduring impact.

 

While he remained tight-lipped about specific guest appearances, Usher's commitment to delivering a memorable halftime show was evident.

 

In his first Super Bowl performance in Arlington, Texas, Usher descended from the stadium ceiling to perform "OMG," setting the stage for his triumphant return in 2024.

 

Reflecting on the challenge of condensing his extensive catalog into a 13-minute set, Usher emphasized the importance of seizing the moment and delivering a performance that resonates with fans worldwide.

 

With each electrifying moment, Usher solidified his status as a true icon of the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on Super Bowl history.


Jimmy Kim / Grade 7
United World College of South East Asia