Usher’s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show was a testament to his enduring career and cultural impact. With nearly three decades in the music industry, he has amassed a wealth of goodwill and has experienced a resurgence in relevance, particularly with his successful Las Vegas residency and viral moments.
Headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show is a significant milestone for any pop superstar, akin to achieving an EGOT in the entertainment world. For Usher, it was a culmination of his legacy, and he approached the performance with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
During his set, Usher acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout his career, including doubters who may have underestimated him. However, he proudly declared his presence on the stage, emphasizing his journey to success and paying homage to his mother, who likely played a significant role in his life and career.
For longtime fans who have followed Usher’s career since his early hits like “My Way” and “U Make Me Wanna,” witnessing his Super Bowl performance was a moment of joy and celebration, highlighting his enduring talent and influence in the world of music.
Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, described as “rated U” by Apple Music, had moments of chaos and haste throughout its duration. The opening song, “Caught Up,” exuded the flashy vibes of Las Vegas, featuring a plethora of background performers such as feather-clad ladies, acrobats, and stilt walkers. Usher stood out with his bright all-white and sparkly ensemble, but the rapid camera editing detracted from focusing on the star at the beginning.
The performance continued as a montage of Usher’s extensive catalog, sometimes rushing through songs too quickly. Brief snippets of tracks like “Superstar” and “Nice and Slow” were included but didn’t allow much time to fully immerse in each song. However, the medley shone brightest when Usher slowed down the pace, allowing the audience to appreciate his smooth choreography and spend more time with a particular song. This was particularly evident during his rendition of the classic ballad “U Got It Bad,” where he stripped off his shirt, showcased his vocals, and featured H.E.R. shredding on the guitar solo, creating a magical moment.
As previously reported, Usher brought out some of his notable collaborators to underscore his musical journey. Alicia Keys performed snippets of her solo hit “If I Ain’t Got You” and their duet “My Boo.” Jermaine Dupri joined for “Confessions (Part II),” Will.I.Am for “OMG,” and Lil Jon and Ludacris for the inevitable crowd-pleaser “Yeah,” which served as the final song of the set.
Despite the chaotic pace and hurried transitions, Usher’s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show showcased his enduring talent and celebrated his extensive contributions to the music industry, leaving fans with memorable moments to cherish.
Despite the scattered nature of the show, Usher’s point remains clear: he boasts a plethora of hits and currently holds the title of King of R&B without any serious challengers. While his EDM era might be best left undiscussed, his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance was still enjoyable and underscored his undeniable star power.
As the show reached its rousing conclusion with “Yeah,” Usher and his collaborators transformed the aesthetic theme into that of a glitzy football game. Dancers resembled football players, with costumes resembling football gear, and the stage was energized with the presence of a marching band and dancers winding on poles. The chorus jumping up and down, puffing their chests as if they’d just won the trophy, added to the celebratory atmosphere.
Usher’s chant of “I took the world to the A” referenced Atlanta, the city where he spent many of his formative years as an adolescent. This declaration emphasized his roots and contributions to the music scene, both locally and globally.
In summary, while Usher’s Super Bowl performance may not have been his best, it still showcased his charisma, talent, and influence in the music industry, leaving audiences with a sense of celebration and recognition of his immense contributions to the world of R&B.
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