“Spotlight, big stage, 60,000 fans screamin’ in a rage…“
This was the moment Usher first saw in his dreams as a child that manifested itself into real-life as he dominated the world’s biggest stage at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, presented by Apple Music.
Before the performance, the crooner issued an advisory: “Rated U – The following performance may cause singing, dancing, sweating, gyrating, [and] possible relationship issues.” As an entertainer, Ursher understood the assignment. He did his best to condense three decades worth of hits and pop culture staples into a 13-minute set—even though he claimed to have two extra minutes—and put on a dynamic show.
— Booker G. Washington (@TendentiousG) February 12, 2024Usher, Alicia Keys, H.E.R, Ludacris, lil Jon, Jackson State Sonic Boom, the damn Nupes….
That was a Black ass History Month halfime show! ?
However, even the greatest of stars aren’t absolved from criticism. The transitions felt rushed. The camerawork, at times, wasn’t steady. The ending felt abrupt and some felt the set list was missing a few records. On the other hand, Bieber stayed seated, the fashion was top-tier, and Usher’s mic was on. Not to mention, he danced his heart out; we know y’all saw the sweat glistening off of his body.
Usher’s Halftime Show was his Las Vegas “residency on steroids” and is a solid preview of what fans can expect on tour. With that said, though, let’s get into the top five most-discussed highlights from the vibrant event.
"Can't Spell Usher Without H.E.R."
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H.E.R. was arguably the only true surprise guest that came out during the Halftime Show. She performed the guitar solos in both “U Got It Bad” and “Bad Girl”— a touching homage to Prince’s legendary “Purple Rain” moment from Super Bowl XLI. Dropping to her knees in a latex catsuit, the Oscar winner proved to be thriving in her rockstar era. This was one of her first performances since opening for Coldplay on their world tour, but was actually a full circle moment since she once sang the National Anthem at a 49ers game when she was 11.
Fans were thrilled that Usher didn’t perform any new songs, including their duet, “Risk It All.”
See Also‘The Biggest Game’: Alles wat je moet weten over Super Bowl LVIII | Flashscore.nlSuper Bowl LVIII breaks ratings records. How it ranks alongside of the Apollo moon landing, M*A*S*H finaleSuper Bowl LVIII | football [2024]Super Bowl LVIII | Sport | The GuardianYet, of the moment, she gushed on Instagram, “CAN’T SPELL USHER WITHOUT H.E.R. HALFTIME SHOW?!?!???? WHAAAAAAT. AND IT WAS THE GREATEST EVER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TALENT, YOUR LOVE, AND FOR SHARING THIS MOMENT WITH ME. WOW I HAVE NO WORDS.#superbowllviii @usherWE LOVE YOU.”
Everyone Hates Alicia Keys?
This was probably the most-discussed moment from the Halftime Show, mainly because of the criticism regarding Alicia Keys‘ voice.
Even though the NFL edited out some of the issues from the medley of “If I Ain’t Got You” into “My Boo,” fans aren’t allowing them to implement the Mandela effect in real time. The original audio, as heard across social media, has fans in uproar on Twitter.
One fan felt Keys is feeling the wrath from the ancestors of Swizz Beatz’s ex-wife, Mashonda Tifrere, writing, “i hurd she took that woman husband, God must’ve snatched that voice back, that came from the grapevine.” Another added, “Every time Alicia Keys hits a horrible, terrible, awful note we are reminded of how powerful Mashonda’s ancestors are…”
Yet, others are choosing to focus on how great the New York native looked. “Alicia Keys thicker than racial tension in the 1950s,” wrote one Twitter user. Someone else chimed in, “Alicia Keys giving us BODY if nothing else!”
Usher Pays Homage To Every Past Crooner
When Usher “moonwalked” his way over to the mic stand during his “Confessions,” “” “Burn,” “U Got It Bad” medley, he walked into the footsteps of Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass and those alike.
He kept his word about giving the crowd a personal serenade and, as predicted, he took his shirt off.
In this moment, it felt like he left everything onstage. Sweat glistening, mic on, he hit every high note— once even cooing into the microphone as he danced circles around it. Doing all of that while rocking the Michael Jackson single glove was a nice touch, as well.
Kappas Have Bragging Rights For The Foreseeable Future
With the help of Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band, Usher turned Super Bowl LVIII into a HBCU Classic.
The band spelled out his name while performing an elevated version of “Love In This Club.” The moment was complete with a good ol’ Kappa shimmy. There’s no doubt that every Nupe across the country will not let this be watered down. Despite there being no confirmation or denial about Usher being a Kappa, that inclusion will go down in Black history.
Every Kappa when they seen usher up there strolling pic.twitter.com/okft6mm1e3
— Jerrold Smith II (@jerroldhtims) February 12, 2024Nobody gonna be able to say sh*t to the Kappas for the rest of 2024. #UsherBowl #Usher pic.twitter.com/aXU7AaFyqJ
— Name that tune. (@NoDayBut2Day) February 12, 2024When Atlanta Meets Vegas...
The marriage between Las Vegas and Atlanta was seamless and epic. He opened the show with a Cirque du Soleil-esque sequence. It was giving color, theatrics, drama, and performance. Usher set the tone with what type of show he was going to give us based on that alone.
Towards the end of the performance, after his second outfit change, Usher reappeared with a custom pair of skates on, which were later to be revealed as his new partnership with Flippers. “Designed to be iconic,” per the company’s description, the skates retail for $1,450. The skating moment was a must and definitely felt like a fun night at Cascade in the A.
Nothing could top the energy exuded from the performance of “OMG” featuring will.i.am into “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. As Luda emerged with his fro in all of its glory, fully-clothed strippers were giving us a tame version of Magic City as the three men closed out the show with one of the hypest songs in their respective discographies.
