Usher Raymond, the eight-time Grammy-winning musical sensation known simply as Usher, is set to take center stage as the headlining act for the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
The National Football League (NFL), in partnership with Roc Nation and Apple Music, officially made the exciting announcement.
In a statement, Usher expressed his immense honor and excitement, remarking, “It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list.
Adding, “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
This marks Usher’s return to the Super Bowl halftime show, as he previously graced the stage in 2011 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, alongside the Black Eyed Peas.
Speculation about his involvement in this year’s halftime production had been circulating, especially after extending his residency of shows in Las Vegas, which commenced in July 2022.
His participation aligns with the NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, aimed at elevating the quality of halftime performances.
Jay-Z, expressing his anticipation, stated, “Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
Usher follows in the footsteps of previous Super Bowl halftime headliners like Rihanna, who performed last year in Glendale, Arizona, captivating fans by announcing her pregnancy from the Super Bowl stage.
In February 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, iconic Los Angeles rap figures Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Kendrick Lamar delivered a memorable halftime show, joined by Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and special guest 50 Cent, offering a nostalgic nod to the Super Bowl’s return to the region.
With 23 Grammy nominations under his belt, Usher earned his first Grammy in 2001 for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” with “U Remind Me.”
His career skyrocketed in 2004 with the release of “Confessions.” In 2013, he secured his most recent Grammy win with “Climax.”
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Beyond his music, Usher has served as a coach on “The Voice” and graced the silver screen in several films. Currently, he’s thrilling audiences with live concerts in Paris.
Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled for February 11, 2024, and will make history by being hosted in Las Vegas for the very first time at Allegiant Stadium.
This $2 Billion, jet-black venue was constructed under the ownership of Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, who relocated the team to the city after the 2019 season.
Las Vegas’ association with gambling kept the NFL at bay for years until 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned a law prohibiting sports betting.
Since then, Las Vegas has become a significant market for the NFL, hosting events such as the draft and the annual Pro Bowl. However, the city has also faced challenges, including high-profile player arrests.
