Usher Says Halftime Show Will Honor Black Artists Who Came Before Him – The Hollywood Reporter

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 I’m coming through the front door with this one,” he added of his highly-anticipated performance.

Usher, who has been in the music industry for decades, said he also remembered his support system who helped him get where he is today when planning his performance and deciding on songs.

“I didn’t start where I am now, and I didn’t get there by myself,” the “My Boo” singer said. “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.”

Usher will perform during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show on Feb. 11, when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers face off in Las Vegas.