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Usher is on a roll with a packed schedule that includes an upcoming world tour, the release of a new album and a highly anticipated performance at the super bowhe 2024 halftime show on Sunday during the matchup between the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.
Las Vegas is where the singer has been preparing for what could be the biggest show of his career. When asked how he plans to condense his 30-year career into a 12-minute performance, Usher told “CBS Mornings” that JAY-Z, the Super Bowl’s live music entertainment strategist, gave him some important advice.
“He left it up to me, you know, to make sure I didn’t miss the culture. That’s the only thing he said. ‘You know, we’re doing this for the culture,'” Usher said. “‘I want you to play the ones we love, the ones we know you for. Give them the moments that they, you know, expect to see,'” like, ‘Go for the culture.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, I got you.'”
Usher’s residency in Las Vegas and his passion for skating have been part of his preparation. He jokingly confirmed to Gayle King, “I’m skating,” adding a layer of anticipation about what his performance will include. As for whether he’ll take off his shirt, a move he made famous early in his career, Usher didn’t say anything about it.
With his performance, Usher will become the first independent artist to appear on the Super Bowl stage, something he believes serves as an inspiration for other artists.
“Do you know what hope that gives artists? I’m an independent artist now. You know, I’m not playing catalog records. But for the most part, the work I did here in Las Vegas led me to this. So that It means you can believe in yourself too,” he said.
Despite winning multiple Grammy Awards, Usher shared a personal reflection about never having had the opportunity to express his gratitude on the awards stage for that event, making his upcoming Super Bowl performance even more meaningful to him.
“I never literally went up on stage and said, ‘Thank you everyone for recognizing what I do.’ But I can say that I really played in the Super Bowl,” Usher said.
Usher also said he remained in Las Vegas with the goal of becoming the entertainer for the Super Bowl halftime show.
“I believe in the idea of manifestation and affirmations, right? The moment I heard, I’ll tell you this now because I have it. The moment I heard they were entertaining the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, I was like, ‘No I’m leaving,'” Usher said.
As Usher prepares for the big day, he shared his hope to keep his emotions in check, but acknowledged the importance of the moment.
“It’s going to be a celebration. I’m going to do my best not to cry, break down and cry on stage,” she said.