Usher delivers hit-heavy halftime show at Super Bowl
By Steven McIntosh
Entertainment reporter
This article was updated 1 hour ago
R&B star Usher delivered a hit-heavy half-time show at Sunday’s Super Bowl
A disclaimer shown before the performance jokingly warned viewers it may cause “singing, dancing, sweating, gyrating, and possible relationship issues”. It would go on to deliver on all fronts.
Dressed in all-white and surrounded by a swarm of energetic dancers, Usher emerged on the stage at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and launched straight into one of his best-known songs, “Caught Up”.
It kicked off a dynamic performance which took advantage of the 45-year-old’s dancing skills and sizeable back catalogue.
Before his half-time show, Usher admitted it had been “a challenge to squeeze 30 years in to 13 minutes”. But the singer did an admirable job of cramming in as many of his most recognisable songs as possible.
The set features acrobats and a brass band so large there were enough members to spell out “USHER” on the grounds of the stadium as he was performing.
The singer switched effortlessly between the two apexes of his music: club anthems and sex jams.
Key Performances
Usher and Alicia Keys’ Duet
Once Usher was a few songs deep and well into his groove, he took a back seat as his first guest, Alicia Keys, appeared behind a bright red piano wearing a matching sparkly red outfit, launching into one of her own biggest hits “If I Ain’t Got You”.
The pair then joined forces to perform their duet “My Boo” – providing one of the sweetest moments in a performance full of reunions as they joyously recreated their 2004 smash.
Thrilling Collaborations
Usher’s other guests included H.E.R. – who played a rousing guitar solo during “U Got It Bad” before launching into the recognisable riff of “Bad Girl” as Usher disappeared for a costume change.
The singer re-emerged wearing a glittery black-and-blue outfit complete with roller skates as he introduced will.i.am for their collaboration “OMG” – a song title which reflected the crowd’s reaction.
Usher recreated the skating sequence which had become a viral highlight of his recent Vegas residency – and impressively managed not to fall over.
A number one around the world in the mid-noughties and an undeniable banger, the song provided the perfect climax in a half-time show full of highlights.
Star-Studded Spectacle
Watching Usher’s set was US megastar Taylor Swift, rapper Jay-Z, Hollywood actor Paul Rudd, and former basketball players LeBron and James Shaquille O’Neal.
Complete Songs Performed by Usher
- 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.i.am
- Turn Down For What – performed by Lil Jon
- Yeah! – feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris
