Entertainment | February 15th, 2024

Usher Lights Up the Stage At Super Bowl LVIII

By: Grace Daniels
Usher Lights Up the Stage At Super Bowl LVIII

Electric, Energetic, and Entertaining – these are just a few words to describe Usher’s iconic halftime performance at Super Bowl LVIII. On February 11th, Usher took the stage at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the city that has been taken by storm since the beginning of his 2022 residency, and with over 123.7 million viewers tuning in, Usher’s show has become the most watched Super Bowl performance of all time.

“Peace Up, A-Town Down”

As a proud Atlanta native, Usher made sure to pay tribute to his hometown throughout his performance. Usher paid homage to his roots with a heartfelt tribute to the city that helped shape his career. Performing alongside Jackson State University, the Grammy award-winning artist showcased his deep connection to Atlanta, where he first rose to fame and established himself as a legendary R&B artist. From his early days as a member of the iconic record label LaFace Records to his chart-topping hits that have solidified his status as a music legend, Usher has consistently shown love and appreciation for his hometown. His Super Bowl performance not only celebrated his own success but also highlighted the rich musical history and culture of Atlanta, cementing his place as a beloved and respected figure in the city’s music scene.

The legendary skating rink in Atlanta, Cascade, is an iconic symbol of the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Usher paid homage to his roots during his electrifying Super Bowl performance in Atlanta by incorporating Cascade and skating into his show. As he dazzled the audience in a blue and black fully rhinestone costume along with his signature dance moves and soulful vocals, Usher seamlessly transitioned into a segment that transported viewers to the nostalgic atmosphere of Cascade. Usher brought the essence of Cascade to life on one of the world’s biggest stages. In that moment, he celebrated Atlanta’s heritage and honored the place where many locals have created cherished memories over the years.

SPECIAL GUESTS

 

 

Alicia Keys w Usher photo credit and captions: Getty Images// “Usher and Alicia Keys performing their 2004 hit single, ‘My Boo.'”

 

One of the most memorable moments of Usher’s performance was when he brought out a lineup of special guests to join him on stage. Alicia Keys was the first special guest during the show to perform their hit duet “My Boo.” The crowd went wild as the two talented artists dueted on stage, showcasing their incredible vocal abilities. Their performance was a highlight of the Super Bowl halftime show, leaving fans in awe of their chemistry and stage presence after 20 years since its song release. R&B singer H.E.R wowed the crowd with her incredible guitar skills during his updated rendition of his 2001 hit song, “U got it bad,” and the intro to another hit record, “Bad Girl” adding a soulful touch to the performance. Lil Jon and Ludacris brought their high-energy rap verses to the stage, pumping the crowd and dancing along to “Yeah” and Lil Jon’s fan favorite hit, “Turn Down For What.” Jermaine Dupri, a longtime collaborator of Usher’s, also made a surprise appearance , further solidifying the Atlanta connection.

 

Usher w Ludacris, and Jermaine Dupri photographed by Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images for Roc Nation

 

SETLIST

“Caught Up”
“U Don’t Have to Call”
“Superstar”
“Love in this Club”
“Ain’t Got You,” sung by Alicia Keys
“My Boo,” sung by Alicia Keys and Usher “Confessions Part II”
“Nice & Slow”
“Burn”
“Bad Girl”
“U Got It Bad”

“OMG”
“Turn Down for What,” sung by Lil John
“Yeah,” sung by Lil John, Ludacris, will.i.am and Usher

The setlist for Usher’s performance included some of his biggest hits, which had the entire stadium singing and dancing along. The high-energy choreography and impressive vocals left the audience in awe, as Usher proved that he is still one of the most talented entertainers in the industry. Videos of people dancing in their living rooms with their loved ones have been spreading rapidly on social media, garnering viral attention.

As the halftime show came to an end, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, showing their appreciation for Usher’s incredible performance. The energy and excitement of the performance lingered long after Usher had left the stage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

 

Usher w HER photo credit and captions: Photographed by Ezra Shaw.

TOUR

On February 6th only a few days before his Super Bowl performance, Usher took to his Instagram to announce his highly anticipated world tour, “Past, Present, and Future.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Ao9N2OqMP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh= MzRl ODBiNWFlZA== With only 24 shows on the tour, Usher’s fans began to show frustration and wanted him to add more shows to the tour. Understanding his fans’ frustration, Usher decided to add 27 new shows so that everyone in every city can experience his magic for themselves up close. Tickets are currently available for purchase on Ticketmaster!