The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most coveted and prestigious performances in the music industry, watched by over 100 million viewers worldwide. R&B icon Usher has just been announced as the headliner for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, following in the footsteps of Rihanna’s record-breaking 2023 performance. This achievement is the culmination of Usher’s decades-long career as he prepares to deliver an electrifying show.
Usher’s Excitement to Finally Fulfill His Career Goal
In a statement, Usher expressed his honor and excitement to finally fulfill his career goal of headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. He stated, “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.” This opportunity has been long in the making for the multi-platinum R&B artist, whose hits have defined pop music for over 20 years.
Looking Back at Usher’s Illustrious Career
Usher first rose to fame in the late 1990s as a young R&B prodigy with his breakout album My Way and chart-topping singles like “You Make Me Wanna” and “Nice & Slow.” He continued his success into the 2000s with his best-selling Confessions album, spawning #1 hits such as “Yeah!” and “Burn.” Usher has since released 7 studio albums and earned 8 Grammy Awards. His catalog of music defined the R&B/pop crossover sound of the 2000s.
Beyond his own material, Usher has also collaborated with today’s top artists like Justin Bieber, whose career he helped launch. His 2011 Super Bowl appearance with Black Eyed Peas displayed his exceptional performance skills. Now in his 40s, Usher is still at the peak of his powers and ready to deliver the show of a lifetime.
Usher’s Partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for the Show
Usher’s headliner booking resulted from the NFL’s ongoing partnership with Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation. This partnership, started in 2019, has generated halftime shows from world-class musicians like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and last year’s record-breaking show from Rihanna.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z stated, “Usher is the ultimate artist and showman, with a remarkable journey propelling him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.” With Jay-Z and Usher collaborating, fans can expect an extraordinary production worthy of the Super Bowl’s giant stage.
Usher Hints at Potential Special Guests
When asked about special guests, Usher hinted that he has “collaborated with incredible artists” over his career. Fans can likely expect some surprise duets during his set. Usher also mentioned honoring the legacy of past Super Bowl legends like Prince and Michael Jackson who raised the bar for Halftime show performances.
Usher’s New Album Release Tied to Super Bowl Show
Taking a page from Rihanna’s playbook, Usher will be releasing a new album, Coming Home, on the day of the big game. This album will be his first in over 7 years, making his headlining show the perfect vehicle to drive the album’s launch. The Super Bowl’s record-setting viewership offers immense exposure to promote new music.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Usher’s Super Bowl show take place?
Usher will headline the halftime show at the 2024 Super Bowl on February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
How long is the Super Bowl halftime show?
The Super Bowl halftime show typically runs for around 13 minutes. Usher will have a limited time to perform a medley of his biggest hits.
Who decides the Super Bowl halftime show performer?
The NFL chooses the headliner in partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment agency. Roc Nation has helped secure stars like Rihanna, Dr. Dre, and now Usher.
How many people watch the Super Bowl halftime show?
The 2023 Super Bowl halftime show with Rihanna drew a record audience of over 121 million viewers in the U.S. alone. The 2024 show with Usher is sure to draw over 100 million viewers as well.
What other artists have headlined the Super Bowl halftime show?
Recent headliners include The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Madonna, and more. Usher joins an elite group.
Final Thoughts
Usher taking the reins of the world’s biggest stage for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show is a full circle moment. Over 20 years since first dominating the charts, Usher is now ready to wow over 100 million viewers with an instantly iconic performance. The show promises surprise guests, smash hits, soaring vocals, smooth dance moves, and sheer entertainment power only Usher can deliver. Paired with a new album release, Usher is poised to make February 2024 a month for the history books.
Harvey Williams is a renowned sports journalist and expert with an insatiable passion for the world of sports. With an extensive knowledge base and a keen eye for detail, he has established himself as a reputable figure in the field, consistently delivering accurate and insightful analysis on various sports disciplines.
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