Apple Music and Usher released a trailer for the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show on Friday (January 12). The video, which featured NBA superstar LeBron James and BTS member Jungkook, billed Usher’s performance as 30 years in the making.
Usher was announced as this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performer in September 2023. The upcoming performance will be the NFL’s fifth show produced in partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher said. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
Jay-Z added, “Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. 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.”
Usher recalled getting the Super Bowl Halftime Show offer from Jay-Z in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. The hitmaking singer said the booking felt like it was destined to happen.
“Me and the big homie [JAY-Z], we talk often,” Usher told Lowe. “But when I got this call … He said, ‘It’s time, it’s magic time. You know, it’s time for you to have that moment.’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ He’s like, ‘The Super Bowl.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, you ready? Absolutely.’”
Usher will perform at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 11. The veteran artist planned to capitalize on the publicity by dropping his new album Coming Home that same weekend.
Watch the halftime show teaser below.