HOLLYWOOD — R & B sensation Usher tantalized fans on Thursday (09 Feb 2024) with hints about the surprise guest performers joining him during the highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show. However, he remained tight-lipped about the identities of these collaborators.
The eight-time Grammy winner, aged 45, is set to grace the stage on Sunday (11 Feb 2024) in front of a star-studded audience of 65,000 at the Allegiant Stadium, a pinnacle moment in the music industry.
While Usher refrained from revealing specific names, he hinted that his guests might include artists he has previously collaborated with, promising a celebration of his illustrious career.
Among the speculated guests is global superstar Taylor Swift, expected to be present to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, as they battle the San Francisco 49ers for the coveted Lombardi Trophy.
Throughout his career, Usher has collaborated with a plethora of music icons such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, as well as rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris, who featured on his chart-topping hit “Yeah!”
“There’s been these fantasy lists circulating, with people trying to guess which songs I’ll perform first and last, and who will join me on stage,” Usher disclosed during a press conference on Thursday.
The Las Vegas residency headliner, who concluded his tenure last December, assured fans that Sunday’s performance would span various eras of his musical journey.
“I’ve been very mindful of my past, celebrating my present here in Las Vegas, and contemplating the future trajectory of my career,” Usher remarked.
The hitmaker expressed gratitude towards those who have supported his musical endeavors. “I’ve explored many avenues throughout my career and I’m fortunate to have collaborators who have enriched my journey,” he added.
Is Usher a Swiftie? – Usher playfully hinted at Swift’s potential involvement in his Super Bowl performance during an interview last November. “She could be someone I serenade or a special guest. Who knows?” he teased.
Swift previously invited Usher on stage in 2011 during a concert in Atlanta, where they performed “Yeah!” together.
While rumors of a surprise duet between the two at the Super Bowl abound, recent reports suggest otherwise, with the NFL Network indicating no plans for a joint performance.
Usher, known for hits like “OMG” and “My Boo,” previously graced the Super Bowl stage in 2011 as a guest with the Black Eyed Peas.
The roster of past Super Bowl halftime headliners reads like a who’s who of the music industry, featuring icons such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Lady Gaga, among others.
The Super Bowl halftime show has also courted controversy, notably in 2004 during the infamous “Nipplegate” incident involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.
In recent years, performers like Rihanna and a star-studded lineup of hip-hop legends headlined the halftime show, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what surprises Usher has in store.
In addition to Usher’s performance, country legend Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem, while Post Malone will perform “America the Beautiful.”
Andra Day, Grammy and Oscar nominee, will deliver a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as America’s Black national anthem.
(By El Amigo/Sourced online/mnm)