Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Strategy & the ‘Notes’ Katy Perry Gave Him

If there’s one phrase that Usher personifies, it’s “cool.” The phrase applies to his still-captivating vocals, deep catalog of multigenerational R&B/pop hits, fluid footwork, eager trend sense — all of which I witnessed firsthand whereas watching Usher and his workforce rehearse for the launch of his first Las Vegas residency nearly three years in the past. Regardless of the pressure-cooker environment inherent in that gamble — together with lingering pandemic-related challenges — the eight-time Grammy Award winner remained chill and in management. So it is sensible that Usher can be simply as unflappable on the eve of performing earlier than the most important viewers of his profession: on the Apple Music Tremendous Bowl LVIII Halftime Present.

“It’s extra about anticipation than jitters,” Usher says matter-of-factly in early January, having already logged a month of rehearsals in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta. “I’m so prepared for it to occur. I simply wish to sing louder than I’ve ever sang; dance tougher than I’ve ever danced. I wish to have fun the 30 years of this profession the place I’m very lucky to have made songs and moments with people who they may keep in mind eternally.”

When he began his My Means residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in July 2021, the coronavirus pandemic was removed from over — audiences had been nonetheless “in a life melancholy,” as he places it. Two years and one greater venue (Dolby Reside at Park MGM) later, My Means completed as an enormous success — and Usher is clearly prepared for an excellent greater stage. “What a tremendous crescendo,” he marvels. “I performed 100 reveals in Las Vegas [across both residencies], and my a hundred and first would be the Tremendous Bowl.”

The crescendo received’t finish there. This yr marks the thirtieth anniversary of his self-titled debut album. And on the eve of the halftime present, the singer-songwriter will launch his a lot anticipated, long-gestating new venture, Coming Dwelling — the primary on his personal label, mega, in partnership with music trade veteran Antonio “L.A.” Reid and in affiliation with gamma., helmed by former Apple government Larry Jackson. The gamma. deal, which Usher and Reid signed in February 2023, is the most recent in a collection of entrepreneurial ventures, together with Flipper’s Curler Boogie Palace, that Usher has been lining up for the subsequent part of his profession. And on Aug. 20, Usher will embark on the just-announced Previous Current Future tour, taking part in 24 area dates throughout the US (with extra dates to be introduced).

Usher’s mom, Jonnetta Patton — who took him to LaFace Information when he was 13 and managed him for 17 years (he’s at the moment managed by Ron Laffitte of Laffitte Administration Group) — isn’t stunned by her son’s gorgeous trajectory. “He might actually sing at a younger age,” she explains. “I stated, ‘That is your subsequent star. That is the subsequent Michael Jackson.’ ” She provides with fun, “Folks stated, ‘His mother’s loopy.’ ”

When puberty claimed Usher’s vocal vary, everybody round him (together with, at the least momentarily, Usher himself) thought his profession was over earlier than it had even began — apart from Patton, who made certain the label secured a vocal coach to assist him discover his voice once more. “It was so miserable for him; he nearly misplaced his report deal,” she recollects. “However Usher fought. He was actually decided and devoted to the aim that he set for himself: that in the future everybody would know his title. He stayed the course. [Today], he’s a real performer who has no worry.”

To his legion of followers who despatched 4 of his albums to the highest of the Billboard 200 and 9 of his songs to No. 1 on the Billboard Scorching 100, Usher’s endurance was by no means in query. However previously 12 years, since 2012’s Wanting 4 Myself and after two albums (Arduous II Love and A) that weren’t huge hits like his earlier initiatives, he has skilled an indeniable renaissance in tandem together with his residencies. And people 100 reveals set the stage completely for the Feb. 9 launch of Coming Dwelling, which coincides with the twentieth anniversary of his RIAA diamond-certified 2004 basic, Confessions. Usher’s first solo album since 2016’s Arduous II Love (and first studio venture since 2018’s A with Zaytoven), Coming Dwelling is, like Confessions, executive-produced by Usher and Reid (who dropped by the singer’s Billboard picture shoot however declined to be interviewed for this story). Nonetheless, it’s most actually not a sequel, one of many rumors that swirled within the lengthy lead-up to its announcement.

The 20 tracks — which serve up R&B, hip-hop, pop, funk, Afrobeats and amapiano — embody three latest releases: the R&B hit “Good Good” with Summer time Walker and 21 Savage, the remix of the Michael Jackson-esque “Standing Subsequent to You” with Jung Kook and the tender ballad “Threat It All” that includes H.E.R. from the Coloration Purple soundtrack album. However with the pulsating rush of tracks like “Carry on Dancin’,” the album delivers what followers proceed to like about Usher: his emotive vocals, relatable lyrics and danceable beats. Standouts embody the thematic title observe with Burna Boy, a enjoyable pairing with rap pressure Latto on the upbeat “A-City Woman” (which comprises components of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Woman”), breakup track and subsequent single “Break” that includes Nigerian singer-songwriter Pheelz and “Kissing Strangers,” a placing reflection on a relationship’s aftermath.

The lattermost, a holdover from a stockpile of songs that Usher was contemplating for his then-untitled new album in 2021, was co-produced by the late busbee. Recognized primarily for his work with pop and nation artists like P!nk, Maren Morris and Keith City, busbee may appear an uncommon selection for Usher — however for the reinvigorated singer, such collaborators are a part of a push to experiment extra with totally different genres and rhythms whereas “digging deeper in what I select to jot down about.” That doesn’t imply Usher is abandoning what has gotten him this far: The album is stuffed with reunions with the R&B vets who helped craft his earlier successes, like Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, The-Dream, Christopher “Difficult” Stewart and Pharrell Williams.

“[Malcolm] Gladwell talks in regards to the 10,000 hours rule for changing into the last word skilled in a single’s area or craft,” gamma.’s Jackson says, referencing the creator’s best-selling Outliers: The Story of Success. “And Usher has achieved his 10,000 hours of mastery. He exudes it. He’s sitting on the high of his mountain — the primary impartial artist to ever play the Tremendous Bowl.” And even at this level in his profession, milestones like that also matter to Usher.

How did your residency put together you for this international efficiency?

I’m comfortable that I’m coming off a profitable residency, which helped me put together and get into the rhythm of it total. In any other case, I’d have needed to restart and relive moments. However occurring that stage each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday jogged my memory of what my music has meant, how folks really feel about me and the way I really feel about all of it. After years and years of doing this, you’ll be able to develop drained and annoyed, particularly as music modifications the requirements of how we rely what’s scorching, what’s cool or what’s not. All of these issues can get to your thoughts and make you even query should you actually wish to proceed to do it. However once I went to Las Vegas, it simply made me enthusiastic about all of it another time.

Any hints you’ll be able to share about what viewers can count on?

It should positively be an occasion. There are particular friends. And I’ve thought of new songs. However you recognize, it’s 12 to fifteen minutes. So it’s actually arduous to find out what second issues greater than others, particularly with a brand new track. However there’s the dance, the wardrobe, the lighting, how lengthy you keep in a track, the truth that the viewers might sing alongside … It’s loads. So I’m attempting my hardest to not overthink it.

Did you get in contact with different halftime performers for pointers?

I’ve occurred to be round a couple of individuals who’ve performed the Tremendous Bowl, and so they did give me some pointers. I additionally occurred to be on a ship not too way back with Katy Perry, who gave me some notes. I heard that Rihanna stood up for me [in a December interview with E! News] and stated one thing actually unbelievable [about Usher’s qualifications for the gig]. I actually appreciated that. I’ve watched each performer, analyzing how they maximized these 12 minutes. However you recognize, your second is your second. And this can be a second I’ve ready for over the past 30 years.

Which previous halftime performances stand out probably the most for you?

All of them begin with the concept that the Tremendous Bowl modified when Michael Jackson carried out. I’ve loved Prince, Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Madonna. There are tons of issues that I used to be in a position to choose up on, from how they selected to enter, what they did whereas they had been onstage and the way they selected to shut. However the one that actually stands out is Michael. Earlier than then, they simply employed a random band or whoever. Michael introduced in his personal director, clearly paid some huge cash and spent plenty of time designing that unbelievable second. He reframed how we have a look at the Tremendous Bowl reside efficiency.

What elements should a Tremendous Bowl halftime present need to resonate with viewers?

You must have hit information. (Laughs.) I all the time say {that a} new track is a little bit of a danger. However then, Beyoncé performed one thing pretty new [“Formation,” at the Coldplay-headlined Super Bowl 50 in 2016], which I assumed was actually attention-grabbing, and The Weeknd did a fairly cool job as nicely. You additionally must have a singalong second. I feel each Tremendous Bowl ought to have a reside band and your mic needs to be on, or needs to be, as a result of folks wish to join with you. They wish to really feel it’s reside and within the second. And each halftime efficiency ought to have dancing. Even when the artist isn’t doing that, you need to have some type of choreography.

Is there one track that you just nonetheless like to sing and dance to probably the most?

I like to carry out all my songs. However to today, I nonetheless love “U Received It Dangerous.” I feel due to the connection between me and the viewers. Then the truth that the track sort of reinvented the ballad in a means as a result of it’s nearly like a tempo [song]. It was now not like a sluggish, sultry singalong ballad about emoting. It has rhythm and I dance to it; that’s the opposite aspect. And the truth that folks sing it the way in which that they do once I’m performing it, they really feel a connection to it and it feels actual. When all of it comes collectively — the track, the connecting message to the viewers, the dance — it nearly appears like classical music.

It’s now the eve of releasing Coming Dwelling. What can followers count on from 2024 Usher?

Each album gives a little bit of the place I used to be in my life and what I felt I wished to share. However that is the primary time that I’ve ever felt so snug to only be the place I’m. I’m 100% in my pores and skin. And after 30 years, it shouldn’t even be a query about whether or not that is going to be better than one thing in my previous. And I don’t imply that in a derogatory means. I’m simply saying it’s arduous as a result of each time you set out an album, you’re attempting to determine how to not mess up what you’ve accomplished previously. And I don’t wish to suppose like that.

I simply wish to love what I do, make what I really like, enable folks to return to my area and see what I’ve to supply. You would possibly establish with it. It might provide help to take care of a few of the sh-t chances are you’ll be going via, or it might be useful in making a child or simply having an excellent time. (Laughs.) I’m not pondering of this album compared to something apart from what it’s: uniquely its personal. And it’s a tough factor, particularly whenever you’ve amassed an viewers that goes all the way in which from “OMG” to “Consider You.” Now I would like [the audience] to return again to see me yet another time and know that I got here dwelling to this area the place I’m snug.

That is your first solo album since 2016. What have you ever realized about your self musically that has introduced you to this snug, artistic area?

That there are new genres that I can play in; concepts and collaborations, rhythms and issues that I can take part in and never be beholden to only the general normal of making the basic R&B album. I realized that how folks take heed to music can be a snapshot these days. So you need to sort of change your method of the way you even sequence songs; folks don’t even essentially know the distinction between a hook and a bridge. Due to this fact, the way in which I’m creating is being adjusted a bit as a result of the place I used to be, I’m now not, and the producers that I work with, they’re now not there both. We’re in a brand new area. What I even have realized is, don’t maintain on to music so rattling lengthy. You’ve bought to let it go. I labored actually for about 4 to 5 years simply amassing music [for this album].

I’m snug as a result of I’m in my very own zone, by myself throne. I did it my means. I’m quoting myself. (Laughs.) I’ve nothing to show. I’m not racing time. If there’s any query about whether or not a 45-year-old artist can launch music and nonetheless be related: I’ve been releasing music over the past yr that’s positively related differently. I hope that units a precedent for artists who’re my age. I sing tougher and with extra precision than I’ve ever accomplished on this album.

What’s your tackle R&B’s rebound over the past couple of years, with next-gen artists like SZA, Coco Jones, Victoria Monét, H.E.R. and Brent Faiyaz? The place will the style evolve from right here?

I’m very comfortable that there’s a brand new set up of R&B artists who care to be genuine to what they’re creating, impressed by artists of the previous. Everyone who has ever stated to me that R&B is useless sounds loopy. Particularly once I know the origins of R&B are in all different genres of music.

It’s about creating commerce in different areas. Lovers & Buddies [where Usher will perform Confessions in full in May] is a profitable R&B competition that offers you a spot to go and have fun the songs that we make. We’d like issues that you just affiliate with R&B that you could purchase into. Like with hip-hop — glasses, garments, automobiles, jewellery, sneakers … ancillary issues that individuals can entry. R&B wants and has the potential to have these issues as nicely.

My level is, I by no means felt like R&B was dying. I feel it simply wants enlargement. We’re shifting towards a regular the place persons are snippets — TikTok, Instagram and different issues — and when followers get it, they take it and do one thing with it. But when we begin to consider it that means and create from that place, the requirements for R&B will change. You received’t be capable of evaluate it in an old-versus-new means. It’ll simply be what it’s.

What prompted your transition from major-label to indie artist as a label proprietor with mega and reteaming with L.A. Reid?

I wished to do one thing that I felt would characterize R&B and are available from a spot of ardour. L.A. [who also consulted on the My Way residency] and I had talked about working collectively once more. He was managing a couple of artists and nonetheless engaged on his manufacturing firm, HitCo. This might be a journey that will require us resetting a second on our subsequent go-round as a result of we had labored collectively different instances with Justin [Bieber] and on different initiatives. However he and I’d discover and develop artists who characterize this new normal. And because the first artist on mega, I’d be the primary as much as bat. It appeared bold. However I couldn’t consider a greater accomplice or higher music man with wonderful ears.

L.A. additionally has unbelievable sensibility in creating artists as a result of he set the usual at LaFace Information for the artist I’m and the way in which I consider leisure. Then we managed to attach Voltron (laughs) with Larry Jackson, and it simply went to a different stage as a result of he had the same curiosity in desirous to put money into artists and their artistic; to tug from a few of the issues that we’ve accomplished in our paths to create sustainable artists and educate them collectively. Now we have a studio in L.A. and Atlanta; we’re on the lookout for artists and are very excited in regards to the potential of constructing some unbelievable issues collectively.

You reportedly offered your curiosity in Bieber’s catalog to HarbourView. Shifting ahead, do you intend to put money into know-how and different music-related ventures?

I’ve by no means publicly made that assertion [about Bieber]. Nonetheless, I’m at an incubation area in my life, on the lookout for new ventures, new concepts, partnering with individuals who have like-minded pursuits in leisure, not only for music however hopefully with the NFL, NBA [Usher holds a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers] or different ventures. I feel that we’d like a Black-owned workforce someplace. A minority share is nice, don’t get me unsuitable. I adore it. However to at the least have one workforce that’s owned by minorities in a means that’s vital, continues to develop and you’re feeling it — I’d like to know that there’s a minority and/or majority [interest] that’s all Black.

Jimmy Iovine, Liberty Ross and I began a model of skating rinks referred to as Flipper’s, and we’re within the strategy of launching a skate particularly via Flipper’s. Yearly now, through the scorching season, we flip Rockefeller Heart in New York right into a skating rink. We flipped the Hollywood Palladium to a rink for Grammy Week final yr, and we’re seeking to do extra of that. We additionally opened a rink in London. And I’m engaged on an official opening of a skating rink right here in America. It’s so vital for folks to comprehend that you must smile and luxuriate in your self. And the one means that I do know I can pull that out of all people is with skates.

Is your Las Vegas residency on hiatus for now?

Hopefully, we are going to proceed to have a profitable competition in Las Vegas with Lovers & Buddies. I’ve roots there. I actually did get pleasure from my time in Las Vegas. Am I going to return, if I ever do, in the identical means? No. I’m not planning on doing that proper now. I do love what I’m seeing in Las Vegas with the kind of curated experiences which might be getting a entrance stage that they didn’t earlier than. Love what Bruno Mars and Boyz II Males had been in a position to do in Las Vegas and, now, to see New Version and Wu-Tang [Clan] coming in. I really like Vegas. It has a chance to be a cultural basis for experiences that aren’t nearly music however about leisure, about different ancillary issues that you just expertise. That’s the lengthy of it. The wanting it’s, I’ll be again in Vegas sometime.

Wanting again now, what are the takeaways out of your 30-years-and-counting profession?

I actually do get pleasure from what I do. And I don’t take kindly to the truth that folks at instances have doubted it. Nevertheless it has positively been motivating for me to proceed to push to be nice. To make one thing that was nice and encompass myself with individuals who don’t simply wish to see what I noticed or what they noticed however are invested in what’s occurring at the moment and sooner or later. They’re invested in affirmations, with the ability to communicate issues into existence. To look within the mirror at your self and say it, consider it. Then have the braveness to not simply hope however consider in what you had been saying and staying invested in that. We’re as highly effective as we select to be. That’s what bought me right here. I simply believed and didn’t take note of what anyone else needed to say.

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This story will seem within the Feb. 10, 2024, situation of Billboard.