Usher has said that his Super Bowl halftime show will celebrate the Black artists that came before him as well as the many people who have supported his career.
Speaking to Good Morning America about the halftime show, which will take place next Sunday (February 11) in Las Vegas, the R&B superstar spoke about the importance of paying homage to those who paved the way.
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“I think about what our country has kind of represented for Black artists, you know, having to at some point go through kitchens to even be able to perform for an audience, but they had to leave back through that same door, fear for their lives as they went to the next state to do the same thing,” he said.
Usher added: “So I’m coming through the front door with this one.”
The “You Make Me Wanna” singer also spoke to his own career, stating that this performance will be dedicated to everyone who has contributed to his success.
“I didn’t start where I am now, and I didn’t get there by myself,” he explained. “So, everybody that has been a part of it, I’m carrying them with me. All of my fans, my loved ones, the people who may have felt like they have been forgotten, they haven’t. I’m carrying you right with me when I walk on that stage that night.”
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The singer has previously teased some special guest appearances during the performance but has not hinted who they could be other than saying that R&B will be centre stage on the night and that Atlanta’s strip club culture could be featured.
Usher previously spent much of 2023 in Las Vegas performing his highly acclaimed residency at Dolby Live — Park MGM.
He performed the last of his 100 shows in December in front of some famous faces including Mary J. Blige and H.E.R.
Throughout the residency, Usher has created a number of viral moments when he has serenaded famous women who have gone to watch him perform.
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The most notorious of these was when he sang to actor Keke Palmer which led to her having a public spat with her boyfriend. Palmer and her boyfriend have since split up after accusing each other of domestic abuse.
Usher serenaded various other famous women during his residency, including Doja Cat, Janelle Monáe and Tiffany Haddish.
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Usher’s halftime performance can be seen next Sunday, when the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers. The game will air on CBS.
