Entertainment | December 11th, 2023

Students Anticipate Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Performance

By: Grace Daniels

You don’t have to call to confirm. It’s happening! Usher will be performing at the 2024 Super Bowl. For years, fans have waited and anticipated for the R&B legend to perform his biggest hits on the world’s biggest stage.

In a career spanning two decades, the Atlanta native, born Usher Raymond IV, has released numerous hit records and won multiple Grammy Awards due to his timeless tracks. Raymond has proven to be a versatile artist, successfully blending different genres of music to create eccentric sounds that have resonated with generations and millions of people worldwide.

“I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” Usher said regarding his Super Bowl performance.

From his mesmerizing vocals to his intense choreography and high energy, Usher’s live concerts are truly an experience.

Kristiana Heims, a third-year English student, says that the NFL couldn’t have picked anyone better to perform at next year’s Super Bowl.

“I think Usher was a good choice for the Super Bowl Halftime show due to his longevity in the music industry and his overall contributions to R&B music,” Heims said. “I can’t wait to watch the show. I just know it is going to be amazing.”

The success of Usher’s residency in 2021 was a testament that he could captivate an audience and keep people wanting more. His 2024 Super Bowl performance, which will be held in the same city, will undoubtedly be any different.

Usher’s Super Bowl Setlist?

Tracks like “Caught Up,” “Yeah!” “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” and “My Boo” are just a few of the vast repertoire of hit songs Usher would have to choose from his extensive catalog. He may even bring out some special guests, such as Lil Jon or Ludacris, to add an extra dimension to the show.

Usher will surely put on a performance that will leave a lasting impression on the thousands of people in the stands at the Allegiant Stadium and the millions of people watching at home. If Usher has fans worldwide, it wouldn’t be a surprise to know he has a few fans on FAMU’s Campus.

Jada Robinson, a second-year pre-nursing student, shared her excitement and initial reaction to Usher’s Super Bowl performance announcement. 

“My initial reaction was that he would be a hype enough artist to bring the heat that comes with the Super Bowl,” Robinson said.

After months of rehearsal for this 12-minute performance, one might expect it to take a toll on him, prompting a desire for a break afterward, right? Wrong. Rumors have been circulating that fans could possibly expect dates for an upcoming world tour after his performance. 

Although Usher and his team have not officially confirmed it, fans have already expressed their need for tickets on social media, and some are even predicting it to be one of the biggest tours of 2024.

Charlea Bing, a third-year African-American studies student, can not wait to see what Usher has in store. 

“We know that Usher can sing, dance, and give stage presence that can capture an audience in a state of a trance,” Bing said. “…But the most exciting part is, no matter how much we know about his artistry, there’s no set expectation on his Super Bowl performance.”

“Coming Home” –Usher’s Upcoming Ninth Studio Album — Album Cover || photo courtesy: Usher on Instagram

New Music

On Sept. 24, a few hours after announcing his Super Bowl performance, Usher announced his highly-anticipated 11th studio album, “Coming Home”, on his Instagram. The album cover shows a shirtless Usher, with his back facing the camera and a peach in his hand representing the official fruit for the state of Georgia. 

“Coming Home” is currently available for pre-order on Apple Music and will be released on Feb. 11 — the same day as the Super Bowl.

Following the announcement of his performance, Usher sat down with Apple Music for an interview to convey his joy in finally stepping onto the Super Bowl Stage. In the NFL’s press release for the show, Usher shared his gratitude by saying, “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”