At the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas, Usher delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Amidst the excitement of the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Kansas City Chiefs at the Allegiant Stadium, Usher took the stage, bringing a wave of nostalgia and star power that captivated everyone in attendance and watching from home. In a surprise move that delighted fans, Usher was joined by Alicia Keys for a throwback to their 2004 hit collaboration ‘My Boo’.
The performance kicked off with Usher pulling from his iconic album ‘Confessions’, setting the tone with ‘Caught Up’ and moving through hits like ‘Superstar’, ‘Confessions Pt. II’, and ‘Burn’. The stage, surrounded by dancers in dazzling Vegas-inspired costumes, set the perfect backdrop for Usher’s dynamic entrance.
The moment Alicia Keys appeared, seated behind a red grand piano with a billowing piece of red fabric as her backdrop, the audience was mesmerized. She started with a snippet of her soulful ballad ‘If I Ain’t Got You’, seamlessly transitioning into ‘My Boo’ as Usher joined her, creating a memorable moment that highlighted their enduring chemistry.
Throughout the set, Usher continued to surprise the audience by bringing out additional guests. H.E.R. added her guitar skills to ‘U Got It Bad’, while will.i.am joined for ‘OMG’, adding layers to an already spectacular show. Despite Usher’s recent album release, ‘Coming Home’, the artist chose to focus on his classics rather than introduce new material, perhaps to maximize the nostalgic impact of his performance.
Rumors of Justin Bieber making an appearance were left unconfirmed, as the pop star, despite being seen in Las Vegas, did not join Usher on stage. The setlist, rich with Usher’s hits, included:
- ‘Caught Up’
- ‘U Don’t Have To Call’
- ‘Love In This Club’
- ‘If I Ain’t Got You’
- ‘My Boo’
- ‘Confessions’ / ‘Confessions Pt. II’
- ‘Think Of You’
- ‘Burn’
- ‘U Got It Bad’
- ‘OMG’
- ‘Turn Down For What’
- ‘Yeah!’
In an interview with Good Morning America before the Halftime Show, Usher expressed his intention to honor the Black musical legacy, reflecting on the historical challenges Black artists have faced. “I think about what our country has represented for Black artists, having to, at some point, go through kitchens to even be able to perform for an audience,” he shared, underscoring the significance of his performance in the broader context of American music history.
Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was not just a concert but a celebration of Black excellence in music, a tribute to his own career, and a showcase of unity and collaboration among artists. With Alicia Keys, H.E.R., and will.i.am by his side, Usher proved once again why he remains a powerhouse in the music industry. The performance was a masterclass in entertainment, leaving fans and viewers eagerly anticipating what Usher will do next.
