Alicia Keys kicked off the Super Bowl halftime show, dazzling the audience with a performance of "My Boo" on a sparkling red baby grand piano, joined by Usher. Following this, H.E.R. took the stage, showcasing her musical prowess on an electric guitar while backup dancers on roller skates enhanced the vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Usher underwent a costume change, reappearing in skates to glide around the stage.
The energy soared as Lil Jon made a surprise entrance, treating the crowd to a snippet of "Turn Down for What." The excitement reached its peak when Usher launched into his iconic hit, "Yeah!"
esonating through the stadium speakers. In a spectacular finale, Ludacris and will.i.am joined Usher and Lil Jon on stage, collectively delivering an electrifying performance that had Usher dancing amid a bedazzled crowd. The Super Bowl halftime show concluded in a blaze of musical glory.
Usher took a poignant moment during the Super Bowl halftime show to reflect on the significance of his performance, dubbing it as "One performance. 30 years in the making." With an ebullient spirit, he boldly declared, "They said I wouldn't make it, they said I wouldn't be here today, but I am," early on in his set. In a heartfelt shout-out, he acknowledged his mother, adding a personal touch to the performance.
For longtime fans who have followed Usher's journey since the days of "My Way" and "U Make Me Wanna," this moment carried a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. The halftime show became a celebration of resilience and success, marking a triumphant milestone in Usher's illustrious career.
The "rated U" performance, as described on Apple Music, unfolded as a whirlwind of chaos and haste for the majority of its duration. Kicking off with "Caught Up," Usher embraced the flashy vibes of Vegas, surrounded by an overwhelming array of background performers
feather-adorned ladies, acrobats, stilt walkers, and more. Despite Usher's standout presence in his bright, all-white, and sparkly attire, the camera editing seemed frenetic, diverting attention from the star at the outset. Unfortunately, the vocals and sound mixing left much to be desired during this segment.
The performance then transitioned into a montage of Usher's extensive catalog, with snippets of songs like "Superstar" and "Nice and Slow" passing by in a blur. The medley found its stride when Usher slowed down the pace, allowing the audience to savor his smooth, swaggering choreography and spend some time with individual songs. A standout moment occurred during the classic ballad "U Got It Bad," where Usher, shirtless, let his vocals shine, creating a magical atmosphere. This was further heightened when H.E.R. made a guest appearance, delivering a captivating guitar solo. In these moments, the performance reached its zenith, providing a balance between spectacle and musical artistry.