The Kansas City Chiefs won this year’s Super Bowl, and millions of viewers worldwide witnessed Taylor Swift celebrating by kissing her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in one of the most anticipated moments of the day. Now, many will say that she has been the team’s great talisman this season.
However, it wasn’t the only highlight of the night. Beyoncé captivated everyone by starring in one of the coveted Super Bowl commercials, where she announced the release of her new album, the eighth in her career, succeeding Renaissance from 2022. She instantly dropped two new songs from the album, making it clear that it’s a tribute to country music.
But neither of them was the musical star of the day; that role was reserved for Usher, who was somewhat overshadowed by these two icons. During halftime, he took over Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for his thirteen-minute performance.
He started seated on a sofa in the middle of the field that simulated a diamond and appeared entirely dressed in white courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana. Silver gloves and a style of dancing that inevitably brought Michael Jackson to mind. This is not the first time they have been compared.
The artist from the 2000s, who left many hits and has recently succeeded with his residency in Las Vegas, kicked off with «Caught Up,» one of his hits from «Confessions» in 2004. And thus began a journey through his three decades of hits with songs like «U Don’t Have to Call,» «Superstar,» or «Love In This Club.» Surrounded by dancers, at times, it seemed like a Cirque du Soleil performance.
His first guest was Alicia Keys with her piano. Dressed in an impressive red jumpsuit with diamond inlays, she performed «My Boo» and gave the show an R&B flair.
Jermaine Dupri was next on the list, performing «Confessions, Pt. I,» while Oscar winner H.E.R. joined the celebration with impressive electric guitar solos in «U Got It Bad» and «Bad Girl.» By that point, Usher had already taken off his shirt, revealing his muscular torso to everyone.
Then he changed into roller skates and showed that dancing is not a challenge even on wheels. By the way, Michael Jackson’s presence continued when we heard the intro of «Can You Feel It» by The Jacksons.
USHER. #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/q3BkUzweh6
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
Lil Jon and Ludacris then paraded on stage. He closed with two of his classics: «OMG» and «Yeah.»
With all of them, he concluded a show where it’s unclear whether he sang or danced better. What is clear is that not everyone liked it. A show like this has a significant impact and receives millions of comments. Much of the Spanish-speaking audience did not understand the show. Usher had his moment in the early 2000s, and he gained global significance, although in the United States, he has always been revered, as seen in the success of his recent residency in Las Vegas.
Fans de maroon 5, usher, Justin Timberlake, y The Weeknd peleando quién tiene el show del Súper bowl más aburrido y genérico de la historia pic.twitter.com/iwVL6i6wCk
— 🕷️ (@veroxsx) February 12, 2024
Pero bueno, siendo justos, la mejor parte del medio tiempo de Usher fue cuando terminó y pude poner rápidamente el de Beyonce. 🤭🤭🤭 pic.twitter.com/MOPYT0sOZ2
— Alex Toledo👑🏳️🌈 (@alejilloTol) February 12, 2024
#Usher fue una bazofia, fue la bazofia más grande entre todas las bazofias… #SuperBowl2024 pic.twitter.com/bWKf4qM5qQ
— Mr. Chispa ™ (@homero_magio) February 12, 2024
Usher dijo "vamos a dar el show del Super Bowl más aburrido de la historia". pic.twitter.com/opbRPm1Nbc
— 🎀Javi🎀 (@Javalexander2) February 12, 2024
However, the North American audience understands this artist better, who has gifted them with many years of music that they have identified with in their various stages. Justin Bieber, a great friend with whom he has collaborated before, was there enjoying his show, and he wasn’t the only one. Many were delighted with the performance, making it clear that Usher is an artist of extremes.
me llena el corazoncito ver que justin eligió a usher como mentor y como ambos han estado presentes en sus momentos más importantes y su cariño sea real pic.twitter.com/2oBxHlvbdb
— vania✨ (@slaylikebixber) February 12, 2024
#Usher en el #HalftimeShow
– Bailo en patines
– Contorsionistas y pole dancers
– Guante blanco de diamantes y primera parte referenciando a Michael Jackson
-Momentazo con Alicia Keys
-Momentazo con Lil Jon y LudacrisMASTERCLASS pic.twitter.com/nR9eRGRHfm
— Luis (@LuisGrimaldim) February 12, 2024
Usher dando uno de los mejores performances de la historia, Beyoncé anunciando y sacando música nueva y Karen Sevillano es la líder en la casa de los famosos, este es el verdadero HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH pic.twitter.com/pY3ReyinFG
— Carlos David 🦑 (@carlosdavidoc_) February 12, 2024
Usher no fue malo
Es de los pocos hombres que han sabido cómo hacer un show
No te gustó porque solo conoces 2 canciones (y una de ellas de JB)
Entre los hombres ha sido de los mejores pero si lo comparan con alguna diva del pop ahí la discrepancia 🙂
pic.twitter.com/xstJN6KHQg— geibwannacry (@gaberamzz) February 12, 2024