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Usher to become first independent artist to perform at Super Bowl halftime show
American singer/songwriter, Usher Raymond popularly known as Usher will be gracing the stage at the Super Bowl halftime show this year.
During Apple’s press conference with the Super Bowl performers on Thursday, Usher shared his excitement about being the first independent artist to perform for such a large crowd at the Super Bowl.
Usher is all set to perform on Sunday and bring his dream to life on stage.
The multi-talented artist recently wrapped up a successful residency in Las Vegas, which is also the venue for this year’s Super Bowl.
Along with his performance, Usher is also planning to release a new album.
“This is only the beginning because I launched this album as an independent artist. I will be up until this date, the only independent artist who’s ever performed the Super Bowl halftime show. So this is a beginning. This is a new beginning for me,” he said.
Apple and the NFL have been touting this year’s performance as “30 years in the making,” given that the 45-year-old star began in the industry as a teen.
“It’s been a challenge to squeeze 30 years into 13 minutes,” Usher said of his planned set. Being in Las Vegas has helped to inspire him, he said.
“You know, sometimes affirmations and words of confirmation isn’t enough. You have to like, put in the work,” Usher said. “But it’s great that Jay-Z (who is producing the halftime show) and the Super Bowl would have me be able to be there to entertain the world.”
“Las Vegas has been amazing for me. Having 100 sold out shows in a residency, and to have the next one be the crescendo, which is a Super Bowl,” he added. “This has really, really, really given my time here in Las Vegas an incredible button at the end.”
This year’s Super Bowl pre-game performers include Post Malone, Andra Day, and Reba McEntire, who also attended the press conference.
SOURCE; CNN
