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Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images
Usher speaks during a press event ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Thursday.
cnn
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When Usher Appearing as a special guest with the Black Eyed Peas while they headlined the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in 2011, he began to manifest himself by becoming the headliner.
During Apple’s Thursday press conference with this year’s Super Bowl performers, Usher recalled “how amazing it felt to be in front of so many people and feel the energy.”
“So much so that I was really passionate about finally getting to this moment that I’m preparing for.” he said. “But it was really fueled by being able to be at that moment with the Black Eyed Peas.”
Now Usher will take the stage to make his dream come true on Sunday. The triple threat just completed a successful residency in Las Vegas, where this year’s Super Bowl will be played. He is also releasing a new album.
Not bad for a singer who is now independent and does it his way.
“This is just the beginning because I released this album as an independent artist,” he said. “I will be, to date, the only independent artist to have performed at the Super Bowl halftime show. So this is a start. “This is a new beginning for me.”
Apple and the NFL have been touting this year’s performance as “30 years in the making,” given that the 45-year-old star got his start in the industry as a teenager.
“It’s been a challenge to squeeze 30 years into 13 minutes,” Usher said of the planned set.
Being in Las Vegas has helped inspire him, he said.
“You know, sometimes affirmations and words of confirmation are not enough. You have to like it and try hard,” Usher said. “But it’s great that Jay-Z (who produces the halftime show) and the Super Bowl allow me to be there to entertain the world.”
“Las Vegas has been amazing for me. “Having 100 sold-out shows at a residency and having the next one be the crescendo, which is a Super Bowl,” she added. “This has really, really, really given my time here in Las Vegas an incredible kick at the end.”
This years Super Bowl Pregame Performers Post Malone, Andra Day and Reba McEntire also attended the press conference.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers in the game to be played in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. It will air on CBS and Paramount+.