Usher Wants R&B To 'Take The Main Stage' At The Super Bowl Halftime Show
By Afouda Bamidele on January 17, 2024 at 5:13 PM EST
Usher is excited to perform at one of the most anticipated nights in the NFL scene and has big plans for the upcoming show!
The sensational singer is this year's headliner of The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. While fans can expect the "Yeah!" hitmaker's signature show-stopping performances and exhilarating dance moves, more is in store with the 45-year-old's plans to make R&B trend more than ever.
Usher Promises To Serenade 'Every Woman' At The Super Bowl Halftime Show
Usher needs no introduction as an R&B artist; neither are his looks and musical charms up for debate. Given his illustrious career, it is no surprise the Texas native was chosen as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show; however, he doesn't plan on being the main character.
He recently opened up about his plans for the upcoming show, sharing a few hints about his performance and how he will make R&B take the main stage that night. Although he didn't dive into the details, Usher noted his performance will feature some important guests that represent the genre, saying:
"This night was specifically curated in my mind to have R&B take the main stage. Not just R&B music, but R&B performance, R&B connection, R&B spirit."
Making R&B shine that night didn't deter Usher from bringing his signature performances. Fans can expect skating, incredible choreography, and at least one significant costume change. Most importantly, the male crowd may want to keep a tight hold on their women as the crooner plans on serenading every woman.
"I'm literally speaking to every woman. I want to make it feel like that," the Grammy winner chimed in his Vogue interview, noting that his 13-minute performance must be a perfectly orchestrated minutiae of his famous songs that the NFL has also approved.
The upcoming Halftime Show will celebrate Usher's legacy, everything he has done, and everywhere he has been. He explained that he has been thinking about icons like Michael Jackson and Prince and what R&B represents in a country where Black performers struggled to get on stage.
"I'm thinking about the fact that I've been able to walk through the front door as a result of their sacrifice and ability. So I'm carrying a little bit of that. It's made me feel joyous." he confessed, adding:
"It made me feel like I want to go out there, and I want the world to smile when they look at me. I want them to feel something, and feel my passion, my love, feel like I was the right person to sit in this position, and I was the right person to bring this kind of energy and love and connection to the entire world."
"People will tune in for a football game, but I hope when they look at that halftime performance, I'm hoping they walk away with something that's healing them," Usher continued. "Something that makes them feel hopeful, and not just look at the past, but have hope for the future, and have hope for a different type of future than we're looking at right now in the present."
Fans Are Ecstatic For Usher's Halftime Show Performance
The "Confessions" hitmaker was announced as this year's headliner of the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in September 2023. The news shook the Internet as fans happily rallied behind Usher, expressing excitement for his upcoming performance.
"I don't think I've really documented my love and adoration for Usher online, but he f—ing rules and has a bunch of my favorite songs ever. He can sing and dance his a— off, and there will be endless potential for collabs during this too. I can't wait," a fan exclaimed.
Another echoed similar sentiments, writing, "When Usher performs 'Yeah!' Imma have to confiscate everybody's phone in the house cause ain't no way imma let the footage of me dancing to that get out." A third supporter chimed, "Long overdue! A huge congrats Usher! One of the greatest artists ever! Period! #usher."
Hip-hop icon Jay-Z also spoke about the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" singer. "Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he's been charting his own unique course," he declared, adding:
"Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul. His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can't wait to see the magic."
