When it was announced that Usher would be performing the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, I was ecstatic. Elementary school me would’ve lived for this, seeing as her favorite song was “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” at the ripe age of six. With the score of the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs being 10-3 at halftime, I was ready for some real excitement. Needless to say, I was not disappointed when Usher hit the stage.
The show began with “Caught Up” from his album Confessions as his first song of the night when he stepped on stage in his all-white getup. With a heartwarming dedication of “Hey Mama, we made it,” Usher kicked his show off with a bang. Immediately, I was entranced by his elaborate choreography, costumes, and crew. I mean, who doesn’t love feathery showgirl costumes and a marching band?
After “Caught Up,” he sang “U Don’t Have to Call,” “Superstar,” and “Love in This Club” before bringing out Alicia Keys in a sparkling red bodysuit. Keys and Usher sang “If I Ain’t Got You” into their 2004 hit “My Boo,” ending with the pair embracing after a performance full of blazing chemistry.
During “Confessions Part II,” “Nice & Slow,” and “Burn,” Usher paid tribute to his late idol Michael Jackson by wearing one white glove, Jackson’s trademark accessory.
Following his hits from Confessions, Usher stripped on stage to “U Got It Bad” from his album 8701. Following Usher’s strip, H.E.R. came out to shred an incredible guitar solo into “Bad Girls.” All in all, it was an overwhelming combination.
The stadium seemed to take on a party-like vibe as “OMG” with Lil Jon began singing alongside bewildering roller skate choreography, courtesy of Usher’s dance crew. Lil Jon got his own moment, singing his hit song “Turn Down For What” while Usher prepared for the show’s finale.
To Usher fans, it’s no surprise that Lil Jon coming out meant that “Yeah!” featuring him and Ludacris was in the cards. As the 15-minute set came to a close, I was shocked that it was already ending. It was so fun and lively that I wanted more, despite it actually being the longest halftime show in NFL history!
While many fans were counting on Usher to bring out Justin Bieber for “Somebody To Love” and were disappointed by him not doing so, Usher told Good Morning America that this performance was to carry black artists who came before him with him at that moment. While it would’ve been fun to see Bieber on stage, it makes sense that he wasn’t brought out. The artists who were brought out made their mark, that’s for sure!
Overall, I was not left disappointed with Usher’s show. He made it entertaining, touching, and unique. My only complaint is that we didn’t get “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” which will always be my personal favorite. What a great performance featuring so many talented artists to accompany him during Black History Month!
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