By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. (AP Entertainment Writer)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher has a brand new confession: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in Las Vegas.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation introduced Sunday that Usher would lead the halftime festivities from Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11. The music megastar, who has gained eight Grammys, mentioned he’s trying ahead to acting on the NFL’s greatest stage.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher mentioned in a press release. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before.”
Usher spring boarded into superstardom with “Confessions,” which bought greater than 10 million items within the U.S. and earned him eight nominations on the 2005 Grammys, successful him three. He misplaced album of the 12 months to Ray Charles’ ultimate album “Genius Loves Company,” launched two months after the legend died.
“Confessions” ranks amongst one of many best-selling music tasks of all time and launched No. 1 hits equivalent to “Yeah!” with Ludacris and Lil Jon, “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.” His particular version model included the graceful hit “My Boo,” a duet with Alicia Keys. Next 12 months will mark the twentieth anniversary of the epic album.
Usher, 44, is at present headlining his “Usher: My Way” residency in Las Vegas, which has drawn sold-out reveals and rave critiques. He’s additionally starting an eight-night block of performances in Paris on Sunday. Usher is anticipated to wrap up his Las Vegas residency in early December earlier than he makes his Super Bowl halftime look a pair months later.
The singer has served as a coach on NBC’s “The Voice” and appeared in a number of movies together with “Hustlers” and “Light It Up.”
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z referred to as Usher the last word “artist and showman.”
“Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course,” he mentioned of Usher, who launched his debut self-titled album in 1994. In whole, he’s launched eight studio tasks that have been stuffed with hits together with “U Got It Bad,” “U Remind Me,” “You Make Me Wanna,” “Nice & Slow” and “Love In This Club” with Jeezy.
“Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z continued. “His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will function co-executive producers of the halftime present. Hamish Hamilton returns as director. It’s the second collaboration between the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation.
Last 12 months, a pregnant Rihanna emerged suspended on a platform above the sector for a s pectacular halftime present – her first solo occasion in seven years.
“We are so proud of what we were able to accomplish together with the NFL and Roc Nation last year and now with the insanely talented Usher set to take the stage we’re looking forward to another incredible Halftime Show from one of the world’s all-time greatest performers,” mentioned Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats.
Usher will be part of a listing of celebrated musicians who’ve performed throughout Super Bowl halftime reveals together with Beyoncé, Madonna, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, U2, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry.
“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career,” mentioned Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music.
