So, this year’s Super Bowl has come and gone, and what an event it was. There was so much about this year’s game that really made it memorable, from the Kansas Chiefs back-to-back win over the San Francisco 49ers, to Travis Kelce and, of course, the halftime show. Fans were excited to see Usher perform on Sunday, and we got to hear plenty of classic tunes from the R&B singer, but fans were also treated to a few surprise appearances during the show as well.
It’s not something that every artist does, but it’s happened plenty of times in the past, a few of the more memorable guest appearances included Sting during Shania Twain and No Doubt’s performance in 2003. A year later, Janet Jackson brought out Justin Timberlake as a guest performance, and we all know how that ended. More recently, Beyoncé gave fans a Destiny’s Child reunion, bringing Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams on stage.
Even before the big game, Usher was certainly trying to drop some hints regarding the identity of his potential guest. Whilst speaking to Extra, The “Yeah!” singer spoke specifically about celebrating his past collaborations. “I’ve also collaborated with a lot of people in the process, so… there’s a celebration there.”
Who joined Usher on stage during the halftime show?
Of course, it wouldn’t have been a very good surprise if the singer had revealed all before the game. That being said, his comments certainly narrowed down the potential suspects to musicians who had collaborated with Usher before. Fans were hopeful to see some iconic faces join him on stage including the likes of Alicia Keys, Will.I.Am, Beyonce and Ludacris. Many were also expecting to see Justin Bieber at the half-time show, considering Usher was practically a mentor to him when he was just starting out.
As it turns out, our predictions were mostly right. Usher brought out multiple guests, and many fans were pleased with the line-up whilst others were disappointed. Alicia Keys came out to perform “My Boo,” and the pair’s chemistry on stage restarted the whole relationship rumor between her and Usher yet again. Jermaine Dupri followed after Alicia to give a performance of “Confessions Part 2.” H.E.R provided some amazing guitar riffs before Usher brought Will.I.Am out on stage to perform “OMG,” but by far the greatest moment of the whole performance was when Lil Jon and Ludacris joined Usher to give fans an big finish with the hit “Yeah!”
This has to have been one of the most stacked halftime shows ever, and what’s crazier is the fact that this was all packed into 13 minutes. Despite all of the big names Usher was able to get together, fans were still a little disappointed by Justin Bieber’s absence. Others were hoping to see Beyoncé — although we did get her new album announcement during the Super Bowl — which has led to some accusations of the singer stealing Usher’s thunder.
Of course, you can’t please everyone, Usher’s performance was one for the ages, and for someone who’s not even into sports, I have to admit I’m glad I tuned in for those 13 minutes.