12 February 2024 , 04:48
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Usher's Super Bowl LVIII halftime show was a spectacle, with surprises and a few hiccups - including a near tumble in roller skates. The music legend kicked off his performance on the field with a marching band, starting with 'Love in this Club'. He then moved onto traditional stages, complete with light effects and his signature dance moves.
Early on, he brought out Alicia Keys which was an expected collaboration as the news was leaked to the public ahead of time. The stunning star appeared in an all-red bodysuit and cape, catching the eyes of many excited fans. The duo performed If I Ain't Got You and My Boo, a song that became a hit with Usher in 2004. He followed it up with a return to the song Confessions Pt. 2 in a silvery, sparkling suit.
However, even Alicia couldn't distract fans from Usher's voice which was criticized. He appeared to hit multiple flat notes, totally unlike the Usher voice fans have come to know and love with many suspecting he was suffering from a dodgy microphone.
Usher took the stage at the Super Bowl (Getty Images)As the songs progressed, he managed to make a massive comeback, finally hitting his notes as he changed from the troublesome mic to a sparkling handheld one.
The extravagant performance then saw H.E.R. take the stage, adding a rock edge. Her appearance was sleek and sexy with a tight latex suit as she embraced a Prince-like energy by slamming on a red guitar. Returning back to classic pop RandB, Usher brought out Ludacris and Lil Jon to perform Yeah!.
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Usher ripped his shirt off at one point during the show (Getty Images)Not only that, but a little clip of Turn Down for What was performed, adding a major nostalgic element for all the Millennials out there. They're also probably reveling in his costume changes which included a moment where he pulled off his shirt, revealing his bare body and a chain around his neck.
Lots of Twitter users, a platform now known as X, complimented Usher's chiseled physique, with some joking that, while he didn't play his hit Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home), "daddy" was certainly there.
Many were enthralled by Alicia Keys' performance with Usher and their cute hug during it (AFP via Getty Images)Fans were also quick to comment on the adorable hug he gave Alicia Keys after their performance together, some noting the smile on his face as they embraced while performing together. Some speculated that they're a couple, or said they should be. Both are already spoken for, with Alicia married to Swizz Beatz, a producer, and Usher is dating a woman named Jenn Goicoechea.
In a blue suit, another iconic outfit, he incorporated some roller skates into his choreography. Gliding and spinning against a light-up stage, the glowing performance excited the audience until the star appeared to stumble before cooly collecting himself and styling it out.. While the theatrics were exciting as is, some shocking absences left fans aghast.
The singer danced on roller skates in the amazing show (Getty Images for Roc Nation)Justin Bieber had been rumored to appear on stage with Usher considering the RandB star helped jump-start the young musician's career. However, he was a no-show. Plus, although Taylor Swift was in the crowd to cheer on Travis Kelce, she didn't make her way to the field, despite a previous collaboration performing Yeah! together during Taylor's Speak Now tour.
Fans also speculated that Beyoncé's surprise announcement of her new album, titled Act II, which will be out on March 29, was meant to snub Usher's performance, but others believe it was agreed upon, with Usher knowing about Beyoncé's plan before most others. Some believe that it was a way for two powerful Black musicians to celebrate each other, in a way.