Usher delivered a jaw-dropping performance during the star-studded Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday (Feb. 11).
Usher Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance
The eight-time GRAMMY winner took fans on a journey through his iconic 30+ year career, performing a medley of his biggest hits, including “Caught Up,” “U Don’t Have To Call,” “Superstar,” “Love In This Club,” “My Boo,” “Confessions,” “Let It Burn,” “Yeah!” and more.
Donning an all white and silver ensemble, Usher lit up Las Vegas when he kicked off his star-studded performance with “Caught Up” from the field of Allegiant Stadium.
He then powered through “U Don’t Have To Call,” “Superstar,” and “Love In This Club,” before welcoming his first special guest, Alicia Keys. Keys appeared on stage in the center of the field, donning a bejeweled red outfit, playing a grand piano for “If I Ain’t Got You” before they exploded into their fan-favorite hit, “My Boo.”
Usher celebrated the 20th anniversary of his chart-topping hit, “Confessions Part II,” with an impressive rendition of the track as it transition into “Nice & Slow” and “Burn.”
The reigning “King Of R&B” then took off his shirt, unveiling his chiseled abs beneath a massive diamond chain, as he performed “U Got It Bad” with H.E.R. on guitar.
Will.i.am stormed the stage on skates alongside a slew of dancers for an epic performance of their collaboration, “OMG.” The surprise guests didn’t stop there. Lil Jon was welcomed to the stage singing his energy-filled tune, “Turn Down For What,” which ultimately led into their massive hit, “YEAH!,” during which Ludacris appeared for his verse intertwined with Lil Jon’s “Get Low.”
Throughout the star-studded performance, the production value was beyond stunning with lasers, vibrant lights, flawless choreography, acrobatics and other stunts you would expect to see on the strip in Las Vegas. He welcomed several special guests to the stage, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, H.E.R., and Jermaine Dupri, as well as had a few wardrobe changes, each complimenting the song he was performing.
Usher follows previous Super Bowl halftime performers RIHANNA, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, The Weeknd, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and many more.
Who Produced Usher’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Usher’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime show was produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton and Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) serving as directors.
“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career, we couldn’t be more excited to have him headline this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show,” Seth Dudowsky, NFL head of music, previously shared. “We look forward to working with Usher, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another Halftime Show for the history books.”
“Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z added at the time of the performance announcement. “His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” Usher said of the opportunity. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
New Album And Tour Announcement
Additionally, Usher recently released his ninth studio album, COMING HOME, which marks his first solo album in six years since 2018’s A. This also marked his longest gap between two albums and his first independent album.
The multi-platinum superstar will be taking his new album on the road on his headlining trek, dubbed the USHER: Past Present Future Tour. Produced by Live Nation, USHER: Past Present Future 24-city tour will visit arenas across North America starting August 20 at Capital One Arena in Washington DC making stops in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Toronto, Atlanta and more, before wrapping up in Chicago at United Center on October 29.
