Current Events > Usher Says Super Bowl Halftime Show Will Honor Black Artists Who Came Before Him

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/usher-super-bowl-halftime-show-honor-past-black-artists-1235814179/

Usher is opening up about how special it is for him to be able to give R&B music the spotlight during his Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance. During an interview with Good Morning America on Friday, the There Goes My Baby singer said it was an adrenaline high when he first got the call that he was going to be the halftime performer at the biggest NFL game of the year. But then when it came to putting in the work to create a memorable show, Usher said he knew he wanted to pay homage to Black artists who came before him and helped pave the way so that he could be the musician to headline a major entertainment event like the Super Bowl halftime show.

I think about what our country has kind of represented for Black artists, you know, having to at some point go through kitchens to even be able to perform for an audience, but they had to leave back through that same door, fear for their lives as they went to the next state to do the same thing. So Im coming through the front door with this one, he added of his highly-anticipated performance.

Thats going to upset a lot of NFL fans.

In other words, he doesn't think he has enough songs that are widely known enough to fill a 25 minute performance, so he's going to do a medley of covers.

bigblu89 posted...

In other words, he doesn't think he has enough songs that are widely known enough to fill a 25 minute performance, so he's going to do a medley of covers.

This is a stupid take lol he has a very successful Las Vegas residency that lasts longer than 25 minutes already. He had more than enough songs. He said exactly what he meant.

SaikyoStyle posted...

Thats going to upset a lot of NFL fans.

"wHeRE's meTalLica aNd bLAcK SaBBaTh?!?!"

Jagr_68 posted...

"wHeRE's meTalLica aNd bLAcK SaBBaTh?!?!"

That has black in the name it'll upset them too

lolife67 posted...

This is a stupid take lol he has a very successful Las Vegas residency that lasts longer than 25 minutes already. He had more than enough songs. He said exactly what he meant.

Wu-Tang has a Vegas residency, but they don't have enough songs that could keep a coast to coast mass audience entertained for 25 minutes.

I'd be entertained if it was just his songs, but I also like Usher's music. But a lot of his music, especially most of his hits are slower R&B "Slow Jams" like My Boo, You Make Me Wanna, and Burn.

He can't just play Yeah! for 25 minutes to keep the crowd going.

This wasn't a knock on him or the quality of his songs. It was more a comment on the type of songs that his hits are.

bigblu89 posted...

Wu-Tang has a Vegas residency, but they don't have enough songs that could keep a coast to coast mass audience entertained for 25 minutes.

Um, yes they do? I'm not sure what point you think you're making here?

bigblu89 posted...

I'd be entertained if it was just his songs, but I also like Usher's music. But a lot of his music, especially most of his hits are slower R&B "Slow Jams" like My Boo, You Make Me Wanna, and Burn.

He can't just play Yeah! for 25 minutes to keep the crowd going.

This wasn't a knock on him or the quality of his songs. It was more a comment on the type of songs that his hits are.

And just what are you basing this on, exactly? Slow songs are still entertaining. Hell look at the Purple Rain performance. And while he's not Prince, Usher definitely had enough records to entertain a large crowd for 25 minutes.

SaikyoStyle posted...

Thats going to upset a lot of NFL fans.

They should be happy that it's hard to work in Taylor Swift with that theme.

lolife67 posted...

Um, yes they do? I'm not sure what point you think you're making here?

Give me a 5 song Wu-Tang setlist that's going to entertain "Mrs. White Lady Jane Middle America". Where's she's going to say "I love this song!"

And just what are you basing this on, exactly? Slow songs are still entertaining. Hell look at the Purple Rain performance. And while he's not Prince, Usher definitely had enough records to entertain a large crowd for 25 minutes.

Well, #1 it was Prince. And #2 that was one song. The setlist for Prince's performance was a short rendition of "We Will Rock You" by Queen; His own songs "Let's Go Crazy" and "Baby I'm a Star"; covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary", Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower", and Foo Fighters' "Best of You"; and finally his signature song "Purple Rain"

Even Prince's set was 50% covers.

Again, I love Usher, but once he plays "Yeah!" and "Caught Up", what is he going to play to keep the crowd up? His first #1 single was literally called "Nice and Slow".

I'm not arguing whether or not Usher has enough hits to fill a 25 minute performance. I'm arguing whether or not he has enough high energy, get the crowd on their feet, songs to fill a 25 minute set.

Halftime show is all about high energy, and a lot of Usher's hits are low energy. They're great, but they're low energy.

bigblu89 posted...

In other words, he doesn't think he has enough songs that are widely known enough to fill a 25 minute performance, so he's going to do a medley of covers.

my thought as well

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/forum/0/03df384d.jpg
Time to burn the Super Bowl to the ground!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FJTK_iNA5s
/s

If basic white people can't enjoy it, that's on them.
Never really knew tempo of songs is such a thing for a half time show.
Last i checked, the national anthem and God bless America isn't exactly high tempo and some people love that stuff!

These sound like excuses to not enjoy the show. As long as there are fireworks or some flames and cool dancing, Idc.