Super Bowl Halftime Show 2024: During an intermission performance that encompassed over twelve songs, the R&B sensation presented an energetic Atlanta celebration and a masterclass in captivating stage presence.
In the midst of Usher’s electrifying and cunning Super Bowl LVIII halftime show performance on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, there was a moment that stood out from the rest. It was a rare instance of tranquility, almost catching us off guard.
Alicia Keys made her entrance, adorned in a sparkling red jumpsuit and a matching embellished gown. However, she stumbled slightly as she began her piano ballad “If I Ain’t Got You,” hitting a wrong note.
Nevertheless, she quickly regained her composure. As she neared the end of the chorus, Usher’s soft harmonious voice could be heard in the background. The camera then zoomed out, revealing the two artists positioned at opposite ends of Keys’s piano. Usher smoothly and confidently took over the final line of the chorus, delivering it with a hushed intensity. And just as Keys reached the last note, they joined forces once again.
Allegiant Stadium accommodates around 65,000 individuals, yet at that moment, there were merely two. It marked one of the most serene interludes in halftime history, serving as a remarkable tribute to the exceptional talents of Usher. Renowned for his meticulous artistry, Usher’s performances are truly appreciated when one is completely engrossed.
The majority of the remaining performance, which included over twelve songs, was on a larger scale, intended to fill a football field. A small-scale, detailed showcase transitioned into an energetic celebration. However, what this set accomplished exceptionally well was highlighting Usher’s dedication to intricate details and his ability to deliver grandeur. Whether the stage is filled to capacity or he is performing solo, he has complete command over the audience.
Usher, now 45 and three decades into his career, is not only a talented singer but also a captivating performer who knows how to command the stage with his body and feet. Throughout the telecast, the camera focused on him, capturing every precise footwork and body-bending routine he executed flawlessly. What made his performance even more remarkable was the fact that he effortlessly performed these moves on grass, particularly during the first segment where he showcased his skills in songs like “Caught Up” and “U Don’t Have to Call.”
His performance kicked off with dance-centric hits that had unforgettable opening lines. He then took a moment to express gratitude to God and his mother before transitioning into the heartfelt ballad “Superstar.” The energy escalated when a marching band joined him on stage for a powerful rendition of “Love in This Club.” The performance reached its peak when Usher and Keys came together, singing “My Boo” while gracefully dancing side by side.
The shift to party mode commenced, marking the beginning of an electrifying atmosphere. Prior to Usher’s performance of “Confessions Part II,” a lively warm-up session was conducted by Atlanta producer Jermaine Dupri. This particular song stands out as one of the most vibrant tunes addressing the theme of sexual infidelity in the history of popular music. Following a brief diversion with “Nice & Slow” (accompanied by a playful nod to its recent viral fame as a meme) and the irresistibly seductive “Burn,” Usher proceeded to captivate the audience with his mesmerizing dance routine alongside a cooperative microphone stand during his rendition of “U Got It Bad.”
Until now, Usher had been progressively shedding layers of clothing, starting with a white fur coat, then a cropped white blazer, and finally a heavily sequined sleeveless T-shirt. At this point, he reached the culmination of his transformation, stripping down to a tank top and ultimately baring his upper body except for his signature U diamond pendant. (To be fair, the lighthearted warning before the show did mention the potential for “possible relationship issues” caused by the performance.)
This marked the pinnacle of the show: Usher’s most powerful vocals combined with his intricate dance moves. It was reminiscent of his performances on smaller stages, much like the ones he had been doing during his residency at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino, just a short 10-minute drive away. Despite the grandeur of the presentation, Usher managed to maintain an intimate connection with the audience.
From that moment onward, the atmosphere became carefree and uninhibited. H.E.R. showcased her guitar skills, transitioning into the smooth funk of “Bad Girl.” The stage quickly became crowded with skaters, embracing the vibrant roller rink culture of Atlanta’s Black community. Usher himself, now adorned in a dazzling black-and-blue motorcycle-inspired outfit, effortlessly glided on skates, showcasing his agility.
An Atlanta celebration was underway. He performed a small portion of “OMG,” a joint effort with Will.i.am that primarily highlighted the similarities between pop-EDM and the Atlanta crunk music that came before it nearly ten years ago. Lil Jon made an entrance, providing some motivational shouts, before transitioning into “Yeah!” This collaboration from 2004 transformed some of the harshest elements of hip-hop into unavoidable pop music. Ludacris was also present, managing to slip in a few of his most risqué lyrics on this highly polished stage.
The halftime show extravaganza was an electrifying conclusion, showcasing a timeless 20-year-old hit that remains ahead of its time. It was a vibrant celebration with a multitude of performers, bridging the gap between Black college marching bands and the captivating genres of hip-hop and R&B that they skillfully bring to life on the field.
Each individual on stage showcased their incredible talent through energetic dance moves like the A-town stomp, the muscle, the thunderclap, and the rockaway. Usher’s powerful chant, “I took the world to the A,” served as a powerful reminder that he effortlessly merges the global and local aspects into one unified experience.