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Usher has made it clear that his upcoming Super Bowl LVIII performance is not just about him. He plans to honour the legacy of Black artists who have paved the way for his success. His performance is a token of gratitude and a tribute to these legendary musicians.
Popularly known for his melodious and captivating tracks, Usher is set to take the center stage at the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII on February 11. But this performance holds a deeper significance for him – it’s a homage to the influential Black artists who have shaped his career and the music industry at large.
The Super Bowl, one of the most-watched television events worldwide, is set to be a platform for Usher to honour Black artists. It’s not just about the music – it’s about the stories, the struggles, and the victories of legendary Black musicians who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
From his early beginnings to his rise to stardom, Usher acknowledges that his journey in the music industry has been influenced and shaped by countless Black artists. “I didn’t start where I am now, and I didn’t get there by myself,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who have helped him along the way.
Black artists have, for decades, faced numerous challenges in their pursuit of success. From having to perform in kitchens to fearing for their lives while traveling between states, their journey has been fraught with trials and tribulations.
Reflecting on these struggles, Usher states, “I think about what our country has kind of represented for Black artists.” He plans to use his Super Bowl performance as an opportunity to highlight these issues, and in his own words, “I’m coming through the front door with this one.”
Despite these challenges, Black artists have left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their contributions have not only shaped the sound and style of contemporary music but have also influenced generations of upcoming artists.
In his Super Bowl performance, Usher plans to “carry” these artists with him. He says, “So, everybody that has been a part of it, I’m carrying them with me. All of my fans, my loved ones — the people who may have felt like they have been forgotten, they haven’t. I’m carrying you right with me when I walk on that stage that night.”
The anticipation surrounding Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII show is immense. With the promise of a tribute to Black artists and the potential for surprise guests, fans are eagerly awaiting this performance.
During his Las Vegas residency titled “My Way: The Las Vegas Residency,” which concluded in December, Usher welcomed numerous artists from different eras of R&B. These included Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley, Robin Thicke, Faith Evans, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, and more.
While Usher has kept quiet about potential surprise guests at the Super Bowl LVIII show, fans are speculating based on the artists he hosted during his Las Vegas residency.
In addition to his Super Bowl performance, Usher is set to release his ninth studio album, “Coming Home”, next week. This is his first solo LP in eight years, adding to the excitement surrounding his Super Bowl appearance.
As we anticipate Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII performance, it’s clear that it’s more than just a show. It’s a tribute to the Black artists who have influenced him and shaped the music industry. It’s a celebration of their legacy, a reflection of their struggles, and a promise that their contributions will not be forgotten. As Usher steps onto that stage, he carries with him the hopes, dreams, and struggles of these artists – a true testament to their enduring influence.
