The countdown to Super Bowl LVIII is on, and it’s not just about touchdowns and tackles — this year, the spotlight is on none other than R&B sensation Usher! Faster than a cornerback chasing down a lineman, the anticipation for Usher’s performance is building, promising an electrifying show that will go down in Super Bowl history.
In a first for the iconic halftime show, the 2024 Super Bowl will be making its grand debut in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. And who better to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show than the legendary Usher? Known for hits like “My Boo,” Usher is not a stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having made a memorable guest appearance back at Super Bowl XLV during the Black Eyed Peas performance.
Speaking exclusively to EW, Usher shared his excitement about headlining the halftime show, framing it as the grand finale of his epic Las Vegas residency, which concluded its two-year run last year. “This is not just a performance; it’s a culmination of my journey,” Usher declared, hinting at the magnitude of what fans can expect.
While details about the performance remain under wraps, one thing is certain: Usher is taking the halftime show to new heights. Clocking in at a whopping 15 minutes, his performance surpasses the typical 13-minute halftime duration, promising fans an extended dose of Usher’s unparalleled talent and showmanship.
Usher, however, is keeping his setlist and potential surprise guests tightly guarded secrets. Will he bring out fellow A-listers to share the stage, or will he take the solo route? The mystery only adds to the anticipation, making this halftime show a can’t-miss moment in Super Bowl history.
Reflecting on his previous Super Bowl cameo in 2011, Usher shared a heart-pounding memory. Recounting his entrance from the ceiling on a wire during the Black Eyed Peas halftime show, he revealed, “My hand got caught in the wire that was holding me, like, 30 feet in the air. And I almost missed my first mark.” The near-miss added a thrilling element to the performance, showcasing Usher’s dedication to delivering an unforgettable show, no matter the risks.
But for Usher, the exhilaration of being in front of a massive audience fueled his passion for this pinnacle moment. “It made me really passionate about eventually getting this moment,” he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in his career.
The tradition of superstar halftime performances dates back to 1991 when New Kids on the Block took the stage, revolutionizing the halftime spectacle. However, it was Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1993 performance that truly changed the game. With an inflatable globe and a choir of over 3,000 local children, Michael Jackson set the standard for halftime extravaganzas, turning them into star-studded events that viewers eagerly anticipate.
Now, Usher is poised to carry on this legacy and make Super Bowl LVIII an unforgettable experience. As the excitement builds, fans can rest assured that Usher’s Super Bowl performance will be a showstopping celebration of music, energy, and the undeniable charisma of a true R&B legend. Get ready for a halftime show that will leave you breathless and craving an encore!
Check out the list of Super Bowl Halftime Show headliners since 1991:
1991 — New Kids on the Block
1992 — Gloria Estefan
1993 — Michael Jackson, performing with 3,500 children
1994 — Country stars Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd
1995 — Patti LaBelle, Miami Sound Machine and Tony Bennett
1996 — Diana Ross
1997 — ZZ Top, James Brown, the Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and James Belushi
1998 — Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, the Temptations, Queen Latifah
1999 — Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
2000 — Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton
2001 — Aerosmith, *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige
2002 — U2
2003 — Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting
2004 — Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Kid Rock, P. Diddy
2005 — Paul McCartney
2006 — The Rolling Stones
2007 — Prince
2008 — Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2009 — Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
2010 — The Who
2011 — Black Eyed Peas
2012 — Madonna
2013 — Beyoncé (and Destiny’s Child, briefly)
2014 — Bruno Mars feat. Red Hot Chili Peppers
2015 — Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2016 — Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
2017 — Lady Gaga
2018 — Justin Timberlake
2019 — Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2020 — Jennifer Lopez and Shakira
2021 — The Weeknd
2022 — Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg with 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak
2023 — Rihanna
2024 — Usher
