- Judith Akatugba
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R&B superstar Usher performed a Super Bowl halftime performance loaded with hits on Sunday, thanks to the influence of Will.I.am, Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and a pair of roller skates.
A disclaimer displayed prior to the performance facetiously advised spectators that it might induce “swinging, dancing, perspiration, gyrating, and potential relationship complications.” It would subsequently succeed in every aspect.
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Usher, adorned in an all-white ensemble and accompanied by a multitude of dynamic dancers, entered the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and immediately began performing Caught Up, one of his most well-known songs.
It marked the beginning of a dynamic performance that capitalized on the 45-year-old’s considerable repertoire and dancing prowess.
Prior to his halftime performance, Usher acknowledged that “squeezing thirty years into thirteen minutes” had been “a challenge.” However, the singer accomplished a commendable feat by cramming in the greatest number of his most recognizable compositions.
Acrobats and a brass ensemble of such magnitude that the letters “USHER” could be written on the stadium’s surface were featured in his performance.
With seamless transitions, the vocalist traversed the two pinnacles of his craft: sex grooves and club anthems.
Certain melodies ran for an entire verse and chorus, while others lasted only a few seconds. Singing solely the lyrics of “Spotlight/big stage/50,000 fans screaming in rage” during a brief segment of Superstar appeared to emphasize the magnitude of his Super Bowl performance.
The dancers encircling him, a considerable number of whom had only recently arrived from his Las Vegas residency, adorned themselves in vibrant, daring garments that complemented his main performance and enhanced the atmosphere of spectacle.
After a few songs and firmly established his rhythm, Usher stepped aside to allow his first guest, Alicia Keys, to perform. clad in a dazzling red gown and manning a bright red piano, Keys launched into “If I Ain’t Got You,” one of her most popular songs.
The duo then performed their 2004 hit My Boo in unison, creating one of the most endearing moments in a performance replete with reunions as they enthusiastically recreated the song.
As soon as the song concluded and Keys was whisked away, the subsequent guest performers began to appear one by one.
Producer-rapper Jermaine Dupri accompanied Usher for a brief rendition of Confessions Part II, which sparked one of the evening’s most popular online discussions as viewers mocked the way his suit exposed his lower extremities.
The seamless integration of lullabies and club anthems provided Usher with opportunities to regain his composure, demonstrate his vocal abilities, and, most importantly, remove his shirt.
Usher, however, was unable to remain still during performances of two of his most renowned slow songs, Burn and U Got It Bad, as he jerked his body to the beat and captivated an entire stadium.
Flames were projected onto the enormous circular platform where he was performing during Burn; it was one of the most visually arresting moments of the evening.
H.E.R., one of Usher’s additional performers, performed a stirring guitar solo during U Got It Bad before transitioning into the recognizable riff of Bad Girl while Usher changed costumes.
Will.i.am was introduced to the vocalist in a glittering black-and-blue ensemble adorned with roller skates, whereupon they performed their collaborative single “OMG,” the title of which aptly captured the elation of the audience.
Usher managed the feat of reenacting the skating sequence that had gone viral during his recent Las Vegas residency while remarkably avoiding a mishap.
The sole limitation of an otherwise impeccable halftime performance was that the vocalist almost began to struggle with the number of cameo appearances in the second half.
Although the anticipated collaboration with Justin Bieber did not materialize, Usher’s stage was nearly at capacity with dancers and celebrity guests.
A marginally unanticipated yet wholly welcome diversion into his own anthemic hit Turn Down For What was Lil Jon’s appearance. However, his stage presence informed the audience of what was to come next.
As soon as the charismatic Ludacris materialized, excitement reached a fever peak. The group debuted a dynamic performance of Yeah!, a career-defining single by Usher.
A worldwide number-one during the mid-2000s and an unquestionable anthem, the song served as the ideal culmination to a halftime performance that was already packed with highlights.
Taylor Swift, rapper Jay-Z, Hollywood actor Paul Rudd, and former basketball players LeBron and James Shaquille O’Neal were in attendance at Usher’s performance.
Which songs did Usher perform?
Usher appears in the halftime performance of the Super Bowl.
During the spectacle, Usher was engulfed by a swarm of dancers throughout the show. Here are the songs performed:
Caught Up
U Don’t Have To Call
Superstar
Love in this Club
If I Ain’t Got You – duet with Alicia Keys
My Boo – duet with Alicia Keys
Confessions Part II – feat. Jermaine Dupri
Burn
U Got It Bad – feat. H.E.R.
Bad Girl (interlude) – performed by H.E.R.
OMG – duet with will.iam
Turn Down For What – performed by Lil Jon
Yeah! – feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris
Prior to Usher’s performance on Sunday, the vocalist had appeared at the Super Bowl as a special guest with the Black Eyed Peas in 2011.
His return to the NFL coincides advantageously with the weekend publication of his most recent album, Coming Home.
