From Katy Perry’s 26-foot-long horse to Lady Gaga’s high-flying entrance, the Super Bowl halftime show has been notorious for its dramatic and visually eye-catching spectacles. Last year, Rihanna — alongside 80 dancers — performed dynamic choreography on moving lifts. In 2022, Dre’s legendary Compton art installation showed a new take on the halftime show’s possibilities. Since Usher’s set during this year’s Super Bowl, held in Las Vegas, lacked these grandiose elements, some viewers were quick to label his performance as anticlimactic with no wow factor. But Usher’s departure from the norm was a monumental performance, offering a much-needed throwback to the raw roots of showmanship.
The King of R&B opened his sequence with a calm, sing-along experience to his groovy early 2000s hit “Caught Up.” Drawing local inspiration from the Vegas show life and showcasing the endearing human spirit in traditional forms of entertainment, Usher exclusively performed with others. Dancers, acrobats and stuntmen joined him on the bare grass field, creating an authentic celebration of music and dance. He utilized little camerawork and few props, drawing the eyes of the viewers with mainly his footwork and iconic songs to tell his story through his music.
Unlike other artists, Usher harnessed a rare feeling of intimacy at the Super Bowl. While he did not outdo the most extravagant moments from past Super Bowl performances, ultimately that would have been unnecessary. Usher was able to capture the energy of the early 2000s by emphasizing his nostalgic music with minimal distractions.
In addition to his stripped-down stage, Usher’s storytelling set his performance uniquely apart from past shows. Although his set included the flashy choreography and costume changes expected from Super Bowl performers, Usher incorporated many details that further elevated his performance.
When transitioning to the stage for his single “Superstar,” Usher took off one of his white gloves and paid homage to the musical legend Michael Jackson with a similar footwork combination. He then boosted the energy with a live marching band for his classic “Love in This Club,” which served as a seamless transition to two of the most impactful artists in music revisiting an unforgettable collaboration.
The song title and soft piano in the background led to a romantic duet between him and guest artist Alicia Keys. Blending their raw, soulful vocals and artistic chemistry, Usher and Alicia Keys silenced the crowd, inspiring awe with their duet of “If I Ain’t Got You” and the classic anthem, “My Boo.” Lastly, before the grand ending, H.E.R., a modern R&B singer, joined him on the stage with a guitar solo, bridging the gap between the generations of R&B. Thus, Usher’s creative decisions were able to organize his 30-year career into an engaging storyline for the audience and a piece that honored the industry as a whole.
Usher maintained a relaxed atmosphere throughout most of the performance, masterfully ending his show, in true Super Bowl fashion, with an unforgettable climax. As the anticipation peaked, he got on roller skates to unleash his most iconic hits, “Turn Down for What” and “Yeah!” With the arrival of guest artists Lil Jon and Ludacris, Usher’s opening beats ignited energy and enthusiasm throughout the stadium. The live marching band, dynamic choreography and Usher’s captivating vocals culminated in a euphoric celebration of hip-hop and R&B, which could not have been possible without the gradual escalation from the beginning of his performance.
Although Usher’s halftime Super Bowl performance had a relatively quiet and calm atmosphere, the show left an indelible imprint on Super Bowl performance history. Usher was able to command the attention of millions while unfolding a meaningful narrative regarding performance and music. Thus, from the incredible manpower that took over the stage at the beginning to the powerful storytelling and ending climax, Usher’s performance was nothing short of legendary.
