Usher opens up about the exciting phone call he received from JAY-Z.
Shortly after announcing that he would headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in February, the R&B icon, 44, spoke to Apple Music 1 for the first time about his big performance.
During a chat with Zane Lowe, Usher explained how it felt to hear from his “big friend” and Roc Nation founder, JAY-Z about getting his coveted halftime show.
“But when I got this call … he said, ‘It’s time, it’s magical time. You know, it’s time to experience that moment.’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about,'” Usher recalled of his conversation with JAY-Z. “He’s like ‘Super Bowl.’ I said, ‘Oh, are you ready? Absolutely.'”
“And it was like this was meant to happen,” Usher later added. “I think everything that led to that moment was going to Las Vegas for my residency the last two years. The legacy, obviously, is the music, celebrating the party in that place. It’s the City of Lights. You know, that’s always been the place where entertainers went and found love and passion, a connection with their fans. So the Super Bowl came to Las Vegas while we were in Vegas, having such an amazing two years…”
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Usher — who previously performed with the Black Eyed Peas during their 2011 Super Bowl headline show — will now take his talents to Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada for the first time since Roc Nation’s ongoing partnership with the NFL.
Usher’s 2024 performance marks Roc Nation’s fifth Super Bowl halftime performance as part of the NFL partnership, following 2020 performances with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, 2021 performances by The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and friends in 2022 and Rihanna’s performance in 2023.
“I think I can see the performances of artists like Michael [Jackson], you know, eventually Prince, and then more modern artists… I thought, ‘Man, at some point I’ve got to get a call and say what’s going on now.’ But I’m really happy to join that short list of legacy artists in my genre who deserve this moment,” Usher told Lowe.
“I’m really happy that Jay-Z and Roc Nation really thought to make sure they could bring this experience to the world. It’s definitely going to be a moment to remember.”
Usher performs at his residence in Las Vegas. Denise Truscello Usher dances with her four kids in fun new video – watch!
Usher’s Super Bowl success comes amid several other major milestones: his Usher: My way Residence in Las Vegas, the 20th anniversary of his legendary 2004 diamond-certified LP Confessionsand the upcoming release of his next album, Coming home.
As Usher explained to Lowe, the album — due out February 11 — is “once again a love letter to the legacy of my career.”
“I’m back home with my team. You know, even when you see a piece of art, you get it. When you see a peach, you get it. You get where I’m from and what we do,” Usher said.
“And also to what this means, the subtlety of it. But more than anything, it’s a celebration of music. Coming home in a lot of other ways as you get more used to it. When I put out more records and put more visuals, it actually starts to really understand. But I think that it is something to be celebrated.”
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Usher will also celebrate his new era, and the many eras before it, with a few special guests at the big game in February, but he’s not giving away those secrets just yet.
“I’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists over the years. If nothing else, I’d like to engage the world socially. I’d love to hear who you think would be a great guest to complement this,” Lowe joked. “So by the way, there will be many more Sundays to talk about this until Holy Sunday everyone.”
Super Bowl LVIII will air live on CBS on February 11, 2024.
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Source: HIS Education