Usher, the renowned R&B singer, is set to make his debut performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious 30-year career. With over 80 million records sold worldwide and eight Grammy awards under his belt, Usher’s inclusion in this year’s show has been long-awaited by fans and music critics alike.
The announcement of Usher’s performance came as a surprise to some, but those who have closely followed his evolution as an artist believe it was a natural progression. Nicolas-Tyrell Scott, a London-based music critic, describes Usher as “one of the greatest displays of showmanship that we have ever seen.” He further adds, “Should it have happened years before? Yes. But is it still happening? Yes. So, it means that he’s a certain category of artist. He’s gold-standard.”
For anyone who grew up in the 2000s, Usher’s music holds a special place in their hearts. His songs were a constant presence on the US Billboard Hot 100, and his versatility in blending R&B tunes with pop remixes and collaborations with other artists ensured his relevance in the music scene.
However, Usher’s journey to success was not without its challenges. His debut album, simply titled “Usher,” released in 1994, received little attention from the media. It wasn’t until 1997 that his second album, “My Way,” featuring the hit single “You Make Me Wanna,” catapulted him to stardom, reaching No. 2 on the charts and remaining there for an impressive 47 weeks.
Usher continued to refine his craft with his 2001 album, “8701,” which featured the chart-topping hit “U Got It Bad.” This album also earned him his first Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance with the song “U Remind Me.” However, it was his 2004 album “Confessions” that solidified his status as a musical powerhouse. The album garnered numerous awards and spawned his most popular song to date, “Yeah!” in collaboration with Lil Jon and Ludacris.
As the R&B genre started to evolve, Usher adapted his style to stay relevant. He collaborated with artists such as Nicki Minaj and will.i.am, blending R&B with pop influences. Despite these collaborations, Usher’s core essence as an R&B artist remained intact. According to Scott, “Usher has always been R&B. There’s not actually been a project which skews out of that terrain in terms of the heart of the project.”
Remaining a prominent figure in the ever-changing music industry is no easy feat, but Usher’s work ethic and creativity have allowed him to connect with new generations of listeners. From his presence on YouTube and TikTok to his Las Vegas residency and performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk series, Usher has consistently found ways to captivate audiences.
As Usher prepares to take the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show, he acknowledges the R&B performers who paved the way for him. In an interview with Good Morning America, he expressed, “I think of all the R&B performers who I carry in this moment.” Usher stands on the shoulders of R&B giants, and there is no better platform than the Super Bowl halftime show to showcase his immense talent.
After three decades in the music industry, Usher’s first Super Bowl halftime show performance is a testament to his enduring legacy as an R&B icon. With his unparalleled showmanship and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes, Usher continues to solidify his position as the heartthrob of R&B. As fans eagerly await his performance, there is no doubt that Usher will deliver a memorable show on one of the biggest stages in the world.