Global Courant
Usher has a new confession: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in Las Vegas.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Usher would lead the halftime festivities from Allegiant Stadium on February 11. The music megastar, who has won eight Grammys, said he is looking forward to performing on the NFL’s biggest stage.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to finally cross a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher said in a statement. “I can’t wait to give the world a show unlike anything they’ve seen from me before.”
Usher Spring shot to superstardom with “Confessions,” which sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. and earned him eight nominations at the 2005 Grammys, three of which earned him. He lost album of the year to Ray Charles’ last album “Genius Loves Company,” which was released two months after the legend’s death.
“Confessions” is one of the best-selling music projects of all time, launching No. 1 hits such as “Yeah!” featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon, “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.” His special edition version included the smooth hit “My Boo”, a duet with Alicia Keys. Next year will mark the twentieth anniversary of the epic album’s release.
Usher, 44, is currently headlining his “Usher: My Way” residency in Las Vegas, which has sold out shows and rave reviews. On Sunday he also starts a block of eight evenings of performances in Paris. Usher is expected to wrap up his Las Vegas residency in early December before making his Super Bowl appearance a few months later.
The singer has served as a coach on NBC’s “The Voice” and appeared in several films, including “Hustlers” and “Light It Up.”
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Usher the ultimate “artist and showman.”
“Since his debut at age 15, he has charted his own unique course,” he said of Usher, who released his self-titled debut album in 1994. In total, he has released eight studio projects filled with hits, including “U Got It Bad”, “U Remind Me”, “You Make Me Wanna”, “Nice & Slow” and “Love In This Club” with Jeezy.
“In addition to his impeccable vocals and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z continued. “His remarkable journey has taken him to one of the biggest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Hamish Hamilton returns as director. It is the second collaboration between the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation.
Last year, a pregnant Rihanna appeared suspended from a platform above the field for a spectacular halftime show – her first solo event in seven years.
“We are so proud of what we were able to accomplish last year together with the NFL and Roc Nation and now that the insanely talented Usher will be taking the stage, we look forward to another incredible Halftime Show from one of the world’s best… greatest artists ever,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports and Beats.
Usher will join a list of celebrated musicians who have played the Super Bowl halftime shows, including Beyoncé, Madonna, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, U2, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry.
“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music.
