Usher will headline the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas, marking the second time he has taken part in the midgame spectacle.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Usher would lead the halftime festivities from Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, revealing his role in a social media post Sunday that included Kim Kardashian.
Usher, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, previously was a guest at the Super Bowl XLV halftime show in 2011, which was headlined by the Black Eyed Peas. He said he is looking forward to performing on the NFL’s biggest stage.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher said in a statement. “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.”
He will join a list of featured acts who have played Super Bowl halftime shows that includes Beyoncé, Madonna, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, U2, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Katy Perry.
Usher springboarded into superstardom with “Confessions,” which sold more than 10 million units in the United States and earned him eight nominations at the 2005 Grammys, winning him three. He lost album of the year to Ray Charles’ final album, “Genius Loves Company,” released two months after the legend died.
“Confessions” ranks among the best-selling music projects of all time and launched No. 1 hits such as “Yeah!” with Ludacris and Lil Jon, “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.” His special edition version included the smooth hit “My Boo,” a duet with Alicia Keys. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the album.
Usher, 44, is currently headlining his “Usher: My Way” residency in Las Vegas, which has drawn sold-out shows and rave reviews. He is expected to wrap up his residency in early December before he makes his Super Bowl halftime appearance a couple of months later.
The singer has served as a coach on NBC’s “The Voice” and appeared in several films including “Hustlers” and “Light It Up.”
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Usher the ultimate “artist and showman.”
“Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course,” Jay-Z said of Usher, who released his debut self-titled album in 1994, adding, “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.”
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Hamish Hamilton returns as director. It’s the second collaboration between the NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation.
Last year, a pregnant Rihanna emerged suspended on a platform above the field for a spectacular halftime show in her first solo event in seven years.
