Usher performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas on Sunday with dancers and guests. He stole center stage and that’s not the only thing it looks like he stole!
Published Feb. 11, 2024Updated Feb. 12, 2024, 10:57 a.m. ET
Moments into Usher’s active and furtive Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performance Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas came a moment of unusual and unexpected. Alicia Keys had just appeared, in a sequined red jumpsuit, and blessed the audience with her angelic voice, with her infamous talent stroking her keys and singing “If I Ain’t Got You.”
As the ending of the song neared, singing the chorus you could hear Usher just slightly chiming in harmony. There were great views from different angles catching the two of them at opposite ends of Keys’s piano. Usher harvested the final line of the chorus — Usher hit the chorus solo for a moment just above a whisper, Keys then came back to join to share the last note.
At the halftime break, the Allegiant Stadium, which is known for its large seating capacity of around 65,000 people, witnessed a mesmerizing performance by the renowned artist, Usher. Despite the fact that the stadium held thousands of fans, it seemed that only two people were present, Usher and Alicia Keys. The duo gave an incredible performance that will be remembered for years to come. It was a remarkable moment in halftime history, In that moment things seemed frozen, still, and even quiet. They had the audience wrapped in their hands with such a performance. Usher’s performance was so captivating and immersive that it demanded the full attention of the audience, and the serene atmosphere only added to the magic of the moment. What made the performance truly exceptional was Usher’s attention to detail and his precision in executing every move. His artistry was on full display, and it was evident that he had put in a lot of effort to perfect his craft. It was a testament to his exceptional talent that he could create such a remarkable performance with just two people in attendance.
But what was this about? Fans were clutching their pearls watching Usher grind and shimmy all up and down that stage with Alicia Keys. Many were and still are wondering if she even enjoyed Usher behind her. Key’s smile was so big, everyone was certain that Usher was really her “boo” Maybe they really did start when they were younger. Nonetheless, the two had an amazing performance that will leave the world remembering and also reminiscing back to this day.
H.E.R. played guitar during the Super Bowl halftime show, as captured in a photo by Doug Mills of The New York Times.
For the duration of the performance — which brushed on better than a dozen tunes— was greater in ranking, created to fill a football field: A small-bore, fine-gestured showcase gave way to an ignitable party. But what this set did so well was make simple that Usher’s duty to minutiae and his ability for grandness are canned in the same pot. Usher took over and owned the stage.
The performer began his career with a series of dance-centric hits, which featured iconic opening lines. During his performance, he seamlessly transitioned into ballad tunes, making the show a perfect blend of different genres. Additionally, he took a brief moment to acknowledge his mother and God, which added a touch of personal connection with the audience. The performance also featured a lively marching band that elevated the energy of the show. The singer’s set concluded with a stunning duet of “My Boo,” which left the audience feeling moved and captivated.
During the performance, the Atlanta producer Jermaine Dupri warmed up the crowd before Usher took the stage to perform his hit songs. He began with “Confessions Part II,” which is considered one of the most popular songs about sexual infidelity in pop history. Then, he briefly sang “Nice & Slow,” acknowledging its recent popularity as a meme, followed by the saucily urgent “Burn.” The highlight of the show was when he performed “U Got It Bad” and showed off his impressive dance moves while holding a microphone stand.
During his performance, Usher underwent a gradual wardrobe change, starting with a white fur coat and transitioning to a cropped white blazer and a heavily sequined sleeveless T-shirt. Eventually, he stripped down to a tank top and then completely shirtless, revealing his signature U diamond pendant. Prior to the show, a preshow warning was issued, indicating that the performance could potentially result in “possible relationship issues.”
The moment that stood out the most during Usher’s performance was when he hit his vocal peak and showcased his most intricate dance moves. It was reminiscent of Usher’s earlier days, performing on smaller stages and showing off his immense talent. His performance was nothing short of grand, even though he had been spending much of the last year performing a residency at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino, which is located just 10 minutes up the road from the current venue.
From that point on, everything was loose, unburdened fun. H.E.R. played some thrusting guitar, and shifted into the silky funk of “Bad Girl.” Soon, the stage was cluttered with dancers on skates — an embrace of Atlanta’s Black roller rink culture. Usher himself, now wearing a glittering black-and-blue motorcycling get-up, was on skates, too, and nimbly at that.
Usher even performed a little of “OMG,” a featured Will.i.am. There was a mixture of pop-EDM and the Atlanta crunk! Lil Jon closed for some motivational shouting and then turned into “Yeah!” a 2004 hit. Ludacris was also there implementing his lyrics.
The halftime show’s finale left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it. A nostalgic yet futuristic 20-year-old hit reverberated through the stadium, setting the stage for a lively and energetic party that had hundreds of people dancing and joining in. The performance was a beautiful amalgamation of Black college marching bands and the hip-hop and R&B genres that they often interpret on the field, bridging the gap between the past and the present. Every performer on stage showcased their moves with the A-town stomp, the muscle, the thunderclap, and the Rockaway, leaving the audience in awe. Usher, with his commanding voice, reminded everyone that he had brought the world to the A, emphasizing that he was capable of creating a global and local experience that was one and the same.
5 Essential Usher Songs
Usher and producer Jermaine Dupri collaborated on “My Way,” with “You Make Me Wanna…” as the lead single in 1997. The song features their signature style of a medium-tempo, lively beat with lyrics about romantic struggles, and an energetic dance breakdown that is showcased in the accompanying music video. The track served as a defining moment for their long-standing partnership.
Usher’s hit song “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, released in 2004, is considered to be one of his most successful tracks. Interestingly, it was not originally planned to be a part of his album “Confessions”. However, after the label boss L.A. Reid requested a lead single, Usher and Dupri came up with this catchy and upbeat Crunk-n-B song. “Yeah!” dominated the charts, holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 12 weeks. The song’s collaboration with fellow Atlanta artists Lil Jon and Ludacris added to its charm and popularity, making it a classic dance floor anthem that is still enjoyed by music lovers today.
Confessions Part II (2004) ”FULL TRACK
Love in This Club (2008)Usher featuring Young Jeezy FULL TRACK
Usher’s 2012 hit “Climax” was not his first venture into pop-influenced electronic dance music, as he had previously collaborated with Will.i.am on “OMG” and David Guetta on “Without You”. However, “Climax” showcased Usher’s strongest fusion of pop and EDM, with his powerful vocals rising and falling as he expresses his sorrow over a love that is moving “nowhere fast”. The full track can be enjoyed by listening to it.
