Usher’s Super Bowl 2024 Halftime Performance in Las Vegas
Usher, the celebrated singer and dancer with an extensive repertoire of R&B and pop hits, is all set to headline the halftime show at the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. This exciting announcement comes directly from the organizers and promises to bring one of the Strip’s most talked-about live acts to the grandest stage in pop music.
Usher’s Impressive Lineup
Usher, known for chart-topping songs like “U Remind Me,” “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Love in This Club,” “OMG,” and “Climax,” is poised to deliver an unforgettable performance during the NFL’s televised championship game on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium.
A Momentous Achievement
“It’s a lifelong honor to finally mark a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” exclaims Usher, who is currently 44 years old. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before.”
Jay-Z’s Acclaim
Jay-Z, the entertainment mogul behind Roc Nation, which struck a groundbreaking deal with the NFL in 2019 to produce high-profile musical events, couldn’t contain his admiration for Usher. He hailed Usher as “the ultimate artist and showman” and praised his “flawless singing and exceptional choreography.”
Usher’s Remarkable Journey
Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later making a name for himself in Atlanta, Usher (whose last name is Raymond) released his debut album at the tender age of 15. He burst onto the music scene with the 1997 album “My Way,” drawing comparisons to the legendary Michael Jackson. This album spawned the first of his nine Hot 100-topping singles, the sultry “Nice & Slow.” His 2004 masterpiece, “Confessions,” achieved a remarkable feat by selling over 1 million copies in its first week and eventually earned diamond certification for sales exceeding 10 million. Usher’s chart dominance extends to 28 top 10 hits on Billboard’s R&B chart and an impressive collection of eight Grammy Awards. His 2022 concert for NPR’s Tiny Desk series has garnered more than 18 million views on YouTube and even birthed a viral meme.
Usher’s Vegas Residency
In the past year, Usher, whose most recent studio album dates back to 2016, embarked on a Las Vegas residency at the Park MGM. This residency quickly became the talk of the town, thanks to Usher’s engaging interactions with famous fans such as Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Saweetie, and Keke Palmer. The show is scheduled to run through early December, promising a fantastic entertainment experience for all attendees.
Roc Nation’s Halftime Legacy
Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance follows a string of successful shows overseen by Roc Nation. Last February, we witnessed Rihanna’s captivating performance, and the previous year featured a hip-hop extravaganza with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Earlier halftime shows starred the Weeknd and the dynamic duo of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Jay-Z’s NFL Partnership
Jay-Z’s partnership with the NFL initially raised eyebrows, given his prior criticisms of the league’s handling of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick accused the NFL of blackballing him due to his kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against police violence and racial injustice. However, Jay-Z framed the partnership as an opportunity to “inspire change” within the league. This partnership garnered further attention when former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores sued the NFL and its 32 teams, alleging discriminatory hiring practices that blocked him and other Black coaches from high-level leadership positions.
Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the NFL’s recruitment of her company, labeling it a “cynical move” meant to repair the league’s image. Nonetheless, she asserted, “As long as we can go in and do things they would not normally do—if we can reach people that we normally wouldn’t reach with a message—then that, for us, is success.”
Record-Breaking Success
Rihanna’s halftime performance last year shattered records, with Nielsen reporting it as the highest-rated halftime show of all time, attracting over 121 million viewers. The show also marked a significant partnership with Apple Music as the halftime sponsor, ending Pepsi’s long-standing tenure in that role.
Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance promises to be a spectacular event that music enthusiasts and football fans alike won’t want to miss. With his extraordinary talent and Jay-Z’s visionary touch, it’s bound to be a performance for the ages, making history at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas
