The NFL announced that multi-time award-winning R&B artist Usher will headline its Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas.
Both the league and the music megastar announced the news through their various social media accounts Sunday, posting a mashup skit of various celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and NFL Hall of Fame defensive back and current University of Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders calling the singer to inform him that he’s performing at the halftime show.
The clip used was the intro to the singer’s hit 2004 single “Confession’s Part II,” music video, which has now become an internet meme.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” Usher said in a news release. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
Since releasing his debut studio album in 1994 at the age of 15, Usher, born Usher Raymond IV, has sold more than 80 million records globally and achieved nine Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles including “U Got It Bad,” “Yeah!” featuring rappers Ludacris and Lil Jon, and “My Boo,” a duet with fellow R&B artist Alicia Keys, according to Billboard Magazine.
This is the fifth year that Roc Nation, an entertainment agency founded by rapper and entrepreneur Sean Carter “Jay-Z,” has produced the Super Bowl halftime show.
Recent Super Bowl halftime show headliners include Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira.
“Usher is the ultimate artist and showman,” Carter said in a statement. “Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul. His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
Super Bowl LVIII is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.