Earlier this month, we watched as the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers fought for the final trophy of the season at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The Chiefs, the defending champions, are praised for their explosive offense led by Patrick Mahomes and were once again seeking to etch their names in the annals of football history, while the 49ers strove to seize victory and add another notch to their championship belt. However, if you are anything like me, you tuned into the big game for other reasons, and this year’s reason was none other than Usher himself. As a true luminary of the music industry, Usher’s halftime performance promised to showcase his blend of R&B, pop, and dance into an unforgettable exhibition of musical expertise. With his chart-topping hits and mesmerizing stage presence, Usher’s performance transcends mere entertainment, elevating the Super Bowl experience to new heights of cultural significance and collective celebration. Talk about a great start to Black History Month!
My Personal Reaction
The night of the game, I gathered with some of my friends for a watch party, as we all had the same intentions of watching the game for the performance. As the time approached for the performance, I was getting more and more excited. Not only was I waiting to see Usher perform, but I was also excited to see who he was going to share the stage with. Like everyone else, I was hoping that Justin Bieber was going to make an appearance and the two would perform their song “Somebody to Love.” During the game, when they would show Bieber in the crowd with his wife, it made me more eager to get to the performance. Although I was disappointed Bieber was merely in the audience like the rest of us, seeing who Usher brought out compensated for it.
As Usher was finishing a rendition of his song “Love in This Club,” the camera cut to none other than Alicia Keys, and it is safe to say I lost my mind. Seeing her rock her red gem-covered pant suit as she sang “If I Ain’t Got You,” while she played the piano left me stunned. Usher reappearing and the two harmonizing to their duet “My Boo,” was nothing less than beautiful, and I will say, their stage chemistry is unmatched.
The next guest brought out was Jermaine Dupri to celebrate the (almost) 20th anniversary of Usher’s album Confessions, hyping up the audience before Usher began to serenade the crowd with a snippet of “Confessions Part II,” which was then followed with “Nice & Slow,” and “Burn;” all prompting the audience to sing along, which I was. After this performance, another R&B extraordinaire, H.E.R., made her appearance for a brief guitar solo and showcased her vocals, leading into a horde of dancers emerging on roller skates into a rendition of Usher’s “OMG,” with the song’s featured guest, will.i.am, also coming out. Usher re-emerged after one of his many outfit changes throughout the performance, also on skates, and perfectly executed the choreography. Shortly after, Lil Jon came out and performed his hit single “Turn Down for What,” acting as the introduction to the most anticipated song of the night, “Yeah!.” Not only was Lil Jon present for this performance of the song, but Ludacris came out and performed his iconic verse to the song, leaving viewers, specifically myself, mesmerized.
After watching this performance, I can safely say it is one of the more memorable halftime performances to date. From Keys’ captivating performance to Dupri’s energizing presence, each guest added a layer of brilliance to the spectacle. H.E.R.’s soulful guitar solo and the electrifying choreography to “OMG” were highlights, leading seamlessly into the explosive finale with Lil Jon, Ludacris, and will.i.am. Although only given 15 minutes, Usher’s performance felt as if you were able to witness a full concert, and no stone was left unturned, as it was an unforgettable journey through the realms of music, leaving us all mesmerized and entertained. However, this was not just a showcase of talent, it also served as a testament to Black Excellence in the music industry. With each artist’s remarkable contributions and the seamless fusion of genres, the performance celebrated the artistic prowess within the Black community. It was a moment of empowerment and pride, highlighting the enduring impact of Black artists on the global stage and reaffirming their place as trailblazers and icons in the world of entertainment.
Fan Reactions
Like myself, most of the internet went feral when the performance went live, and wasted no time in sharing their reactions and opinions to the show. Here are a few reactions shared online:
My Final Thoughts
Overall, Usher’s electrifying halftime performance at the Super Bowl delivered a show for the ages. From the anticipation leading up to the event to the exhilarating collaborations and seamless execution, every aspect of the performance resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. As I reflect on the night, it was more than just a halftime show; it was a celebration of artistic excellence and the enduring legacy of Black music in the global entertainment landscape. Usher’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in Super Bowl history, leaving a permanent mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness it. Although, I think I speak for all of us when I say he should have performed “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).”