By Jonathan Landrum Jr.AP Leisure Author
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher has a brand new confession: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present in Las Vegas.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation introduced Sept. 24 that Usher would lead the halftime festivities from Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11. The music megastar, who has received eight Grammys, mentioned he’s trying ahead to acting on the NFL’s greatest stage.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to lastly verify a Tremendous Bowl efficiency off my bucket checklist,” Usher mentioned in an announcement. “I can’t wait to carry the world a present in contrast to anything they’ve seen from me earlier than.”
Usher spring boarded into superstardom with “Confessions,” which offered greater than 10 million models within the U.S. and earned him eight nominations on the 2005 Grammys, profitable him three. He misplaced album of the 12 months to Ray Charles’ closing album “Genius Loves Firm,” 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 similar to “Yeah!” with Ludacris and Lil Jon, “Burn” and “Confessions Half II.” His particular version model included the graceful hit “My Boo,” a duet with Alicia Keys. Subsequent 12 months will mark the twentieth anniversary of the epic album.
Usher, 44, is at present headlining his “Usher: My Method” residency in Las Vegas, which has drawn sold-out reveals and rave opinions. He’s additionally starting an eight-night block of performances in Paris on Sept. 24.
Usher is anticipated to wrap up his Las Vegas residency in early December earlier than he makes his Tremendous 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 “Mild It Up.”
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z referred to as Usher the last word “artist and showman.”
“Ever since his debut on the age of 15, he’s been charting his personal distinctive course,” he mentioned of Usher, who launched his debut self-titled album in 1994. In whole, he’s launched eight studio tasks that had been stuffed with hits together with “U Received It Unhealthy,” “U Remind Me,” “You Make Me Wanna,” “Good & Sluggish” and “Love In This Membership” with Jeezy.
“Past his flawless singing and distinctive choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z continued. “His outstanding journey has propelled him to one of many grandest phases on the earth. 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.
Final 12 months, a pregnant Rihanna emerged suspended on a platform above the sector for a spectacular halftime present – her first solo occasion in seven years.
“We’re so happy with what we had been in a position to accomplish along with the NFL and Roc Nation final 12 months and now with the insanely gifted Usher set to take the stage we’re trying ahead to a different unimaginable Halftime Present from one of many world’s all-time biggest performers,” mentioned Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vp of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports activities, and Beats.
Usher will be part of a listing of celebrated musicians who’ve performed throughout Tremendous Bowl halftime reveals, together with Beyoncé, Madonna, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, U2, Girl Gaga, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry.
“Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural panorama all through his profession,” mentioned NFL Head of Music Seth Dudowsky.
