During intermission of Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, Usher took the stage to headline the Apple Music Halftime Show.
The eight-time Grammy Award-winner opened up the show with his 1997 song "My Way" into his 2004 hit single "Caught Up." He kept true to his preshow promise that the performance would serve as a tribute to the Black artists who have come before him as he donned a Michael Jackson-inspired outfit.
"I think about what our country has kind of represented for Black artists having to at some point go through kitchens to even to be able to perform for an audience," he told Andscape's Kelley Carter in an interview on "Good Morning America."
Usher also had a robust guest list. Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South marching band walked out with the superstar. Later, he was accompanied by Alicia Keys as they sang their duet "My Boo." As was standard during his residency in Las Vegas he performed on roller skates. But this time H.E.R. was next to him for a guitar solo. He capped off this show with "Yeah," alongside Lil Jon and Ludacris. Will.i.am and Jermaine Dupri also had brief cameos.
Some of Usher's most famous fans, including his hometown Atlanta Braves and Falcons, were pleased with the performance.
What time is it? It's @Usher time! #SuperBowl
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 12, 2024
In a few years when I turn 45 I would love to be buffed like Usher...
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) February 12, 2024
Usher did his thang fr fr ! I don't think he left a song out fr I needed Beyoncé for love in this club remix but it was great 🤭😂
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) February 12, 2024
I TOOK THE WORLD TO THE A.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 12, 2024
Peace up
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 12, 2024
🅰️-Town down @Usher pic.twitter.com/TaD93ndeL6
@nfl I fully expect @LilTunechi to be apart of the @nflsuperbowl 2025 in New Orleans. Thank u in advance. Much Love, CoachPrime.
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) February 12, 2024
Usher the Goat.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) February 12, 2024
Great Performance, @Usher 👏 #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/UyaHhTbHDs
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 12, 2024
Haters will say it's photoshopped. pic.twitter.com/qurCeWXLAG
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) February 12, 2024
This why they told us stay in locker room during half time last year!! They be turnt out there during half 😭
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) February 12, 2024
I counted 47 spin moves bro got unlimited stamina
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 12, 2024
Usher is generational
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) February 12, 2024
Yea @Usher did his thing out there!! 💯
— Desean Jackson (@DeSeanJackson10) February 12, 2024
Top 5 big halftime show ever
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) February 12, 2024
This halftime performance vibingggg
— Royce O'Neale (@BucketsONeale00) February 12, 2024
Okayyy usher 🫡🎼
Solid. Well done halftime show.
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) February 12, 2024
