- Usher’s dynamic Super Bowl halftime
- Featured hits and special guests
- Energetic performance captivates audience
R&B superstar Usher delivered a Super Bowl halftime performance brimming with hits on Sunday, featuring contributions from Will.I.am, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and a pair of rollerblades.
A disclaimer displayed before the performance humorously warned spectators that it might induce “swinging, dancing, perspiration, gyrating, and potential relationship complications.” It subsequently succeeded in every respect.
Usher, dressed in an all-white ensemble and flanked by a host of dynamic dancers, entered Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and immediately commenced with “Caught Up,” one of his most famous songs.
This marked the beginning of a dynamic performance that leveraged the 45-year-old’s extensive repertoire and dance prowess.
Before his halftime show, Usher admitted that “squeezing thirty years into thirteen minutes” had been “a challenge.” However, the singer managed a commendable feat by including the greatest number of his most recognisable songs.
Acrobats and a brass ensemble of such scale that the letters “USHER” could be formed on the stadium’s surface featured in his performance.
With seamless transitions, the vocalist navigated the twin pinnacles of his craft: sex grooves and club anthems.
Hits and Guests Elevate Show
Some tunes spanned an entire verse and chorus, while others lasted only a few seconds. Singing solely the lyrics “Spotlight/big stage/50,000 fans screaming in rage” during a brief segment of “Superstar” seemed to highlight the magnitude of his Super Bowl performance.
The dancers surrounding him, many of whom had recently come from his Las Vegas residency, wore vibrant, bold outfits that complemented his main act and enhanced the spectacle.
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After performing several songs and firmly establishing his rhythm, Usher stepped aside to let his first guest, Alicia Keys, perform. Dressed in a stunning red gown and at a bright red piano, Keys performed “If I Ain’t Got You,” one of her most popular songs.
The duo then jointly performed their 2004 hit “My Boo,” creating one of the most touching moments in a show filled with reunions as they joyously revisited the song.
As soon as the song concluded and Keys departed, the next guest performers began to appear one by one.
Producer-rapper Jermaine Dupri joined Usher for a brief rendition of “Confessions Part II,” which sparked one of the evening’s most popular online discussions as viewers commented on how his suit revealed his lower extremities.
The mix of ballads and club anthems provided Usher with opportunities to catch his breath, showcase his vocal talents, and, crucially, remove his shirt.
Usher, however, could not stay still during performances of two of his most famous slow songs, “Burn” and “U Got It Bad,” as he moved his body to the rhythm and captivated the entire stadium.
Visuals and Cameos Ignite Halftime
Flames were projected onto the large circular platform where he performed during “Burn”. It was one of the most visually striking moments of the night.
H.E.R., one of Usher’s additional performers, delivered a powerful guitar solo during “U Got It Bad” before transitioning into the familiar riff of “Bad Girl” as Usher changed outfits.
Will.i.am was introduced to the vocalist in a sparkling black-and-blue outfit complete with roller skates, whereupon they performed their collaborative single “OMG,” the title of which aptly described the audience’s delight.
Usher managed to reenact the skating sequence that had gone viral during his recent Las Vegas residency while remarkably avoiding any mishap.
The only limitation of an otherwise flawless halftime show was that the vocalist nearly struggled with the number of cameo appearances in the second half.
Although the anticipated collaboration with Justin Bieber did not materialise, Usher’s stage was nearly at capacity with dancers and celebrity guests.
A slightly unexpected yet entirely welcome detour into his own anthemic hit “Turn Down For What” was Lil Jon’s appearance. However, his stage presence informed the audience of what was to come next.
As soon as the charismatic Ludacris appeared, excitement reached a fever pitch. The group launched into a pulsating rendition of the career-defining single by Usher, “Yeah!”
A global number-one during the mid-2000s and an undeniable anthem, the song served as the perfect conclusion to a halftime show already packed with highlights.
In attendance at Usher’s performance were Taylor Swift, rapper Jay-Z, Hollywood actor Paul Rudd, and former basketball players LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal.
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