Since Usher was revealed as the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show headliner, speculation has been rife about which of his hits will electrify the stage. With a discography spanning eight albums, 81 singles, and nine number-one hits, expectations are high for the 2024 Apple Music Halftime Show.
From the get-go, Usher’s task is to captivate an anticipated audience of over 100 million with his generational anthems like “Yeah!,” “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” A mere hint of “Peace up, A-Town down” could easily whip fans of all ages into a frenzy, eager for more from the R&B superstar.
Usher’s entrance is anticipated to be nothing short of spectacular, reminiscent of his 2011 Super Bowl appearance where he descended from the stadium ceiling to perform “OMG” with the Black Eyed Peas. This sets the stage for an even more explosive start to his own headlining show.
The core of the performance will undoubtedly delve into Usher’s rich catalog of R&B chart-toppers and club anthems. A mix of mash-ups and snippets is expected, condensing three decades of music into approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Hits like “Burn,” “U Remind Me,” “Love In This Club,” “Confessions Part II,” and “U Don’t Have to Call” are likely contenders for the setlist.
Usher’s dynamic stage presence shines through in tracks such as “Caught Up” and “I Don’t Mind,” with potential for a standout vocal moment during a “Superstar” breakdown, nodding to the viral TikTok trend from his NPR Tiny Desk concert. Additionally, his forays into EDM with hits like “OMG” and “Scream” could also feature prominently in the setlist.
The tradition of Super Bowl halftime headliners featuring special guests leaves room for speculation about who Usher might bring on stage. While he certainly doesn’t need additional star power, the potential for appearances by artists like Alicia Keys, with whom he shares the Grammy-winning ballad “My Boo,” could add a memorable duet to the night. Another possible guest is Justin Bieber, Usher’s protégé, who could join him for a pop-infused segment, especially following Bieber’s recent return from a performance hiatus.
