Usher, one of the most influential artists this century was announced this Sunday as the headliner of the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, and fans had mixed reactions since this won’t be his first Super Bowl appearance, as he previously graced the halftime stage back in 2011 alongside the Black Eyed Peas.
The show will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Fans had mixed reactions to Usher’s Super Bowl announcement
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation know it is impossible to please everyone when it comes to selecting the artist who will perform at the Super Bowl.
While some fans were expecting an announcement featuring Las Vegas home-grown talent, stakeholders decided to go a different route and give the stage to Usher, who has a proven record as a show-stopping performer and who is no stranger to performing on the Strip thanks to his “My Way Las Vegas residency”.
And while there seems to be a consensus that Usher is a good choice, some question his ability to follow up Rhianna’s performance last February, while others were left confused by the choice given Usher hasn’t gotten a hit recently.
Comments to the tone of “Hey NFL, do you have something against us ROCK fans out here?”, “We wanted Drake”, “Cool, but when was the last time Usher was relevant?” , “Such a disappointing downgrade”, and “Did we go back to 2006?”, could be read across NFL, Usher, Roc Nation and Apple Music’s social media profiles, who made the simultaneous announcement.
On the other hand, some fans showed excitement given Usher’s credentials of more than 20 years in the music industry and jumped to the artist’s defense: “I saw his show in Vegas. He’s an awesome performer and has the voice to match. One of my favorites for the last 20+ years!”, “USHER IS GONNA SHUT IT DOWN!!!!!!!!”, and “Never been this excited for a halftime show-we got it good!”.
Kim Kardashian, Usher from the future and more featured in announcement
In the first creative teaser video shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Usher is seen receiving an urgent call from none other than Kim Kardashian paired up with old footage of Usher while he is at the studio receiving a call.
Kim, who is sitting in a makeup chair while getting dolled up by a few stylists, breaks the news of the biggest performance of his life to a stunned Usher.
The dynamic repeats itself with other protagonists like Coach Prime, Marshawn Lynch, Odell Beckham Jr., and even present-day Usher, who asks his former self to get ready for the performance.
In response to the announcement, Usher expressed his gratitude through the NFL’s press release, saying, “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. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
Usher’s longtime collaborator and Roc Nation founder, Jay-Z, praised Usher’s journey from a young debutant to a global superstar saying “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. His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
With promises of unprecedented behind-the-scenes access leading up to the historic performance, fans can expect an unforgettable show on music’s biggest stage when Usher takes the field at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
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Marca
