Usher‘s electrifying performance during the Apple Music Half-Time Super Bowl Lviii show was a masterclass in entertainment, blending nostalgia, talent, and cultural representation into a memorable showcase. With each song and dance move, Usher proved why he remains a dominant force in the music industry, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move during the performance.
Nothing short of sensational, from his seamless transitions between hits to the star-studded collaborations, Usher brought the house down and reminded everyone why he’s considered the King of R&B.
The performance kicked off Usher doing his solo renditions of You Don’t Have To Call, Spotlight (without Gucci Mane) and Love In This Club (Without Young Jeezy).
Alicia Keys then entered, signaling captivating series of duets to come. The audience tuned into her soulful rendition of “Nothing At All,”to begin her set with Usher in a dazzling red dress that perfectly complemented her red piano. Usher then joining Keys for a nostalgic duet of “My Boo.”
Jermaine Dupri’s appearance added another layer of excitement as he introduced “Confessions,” the iconic title track from his RIAA 16x-platinum album. Usher’s energy remained palpable throughout, evident as he seamlessly transitioned from hit to hit, including crowd favorites like “Let It Burn” and “You Got It Bad,” where he even recreated scenes from the iconic music videos.
The addition of HER on guitars for “You Got It Bad” added a unique touch to the performance, showcasing Usher’s versatility and willingness to collaborate with new talented artists. The stage came alive with a roller-skating performance of the pop hit “OMG,” featuring Will.i.am, and the energy reached its peak when Lil Jon joined in, shouting his famous anthem “Turn Down For What.”
The global superstar’s unparalleled dancing skills were on full display, a true entertainer, the performance paid homage to black culture, with vibrant displays reminiscent of Atlanta clubs and marching bands, adding depth and authenticity to the show towards the end.
As if the excitement couldn’t get any higher, Usher, Ludacris, and Lil Jon treated the audience to a Jamaican cultural representation with their rendition of Elephant Man’s popular “Thunder Clap” dance. This fusion of genres and cultures showcased Usher’s ability to captivate diverse audiences while celebrating the richness of music.
Fans online noticed that Justin Bieber, who Usher discovered was absent from his high energy set.
Usher’s eighth studio album Coming Home is currently No. 1 in the U.S., U.K., as well as in four countries on Apple Music immediately following his super Bowl performance.
