Set list to special guests: All we know about Usher’s Super Bowl halftime show

Yes, American football is cool. But there’s a large proportion of the Super Bowl’s audience who are watching for one thing and one thing only: To see Taylor Swift. No, I’m kidding— it’s to see the halftime show. This year, performed by R&B’s king: Usher.

The Super Bowl halftime show has a long and winding history of wowing audiences in more ways than one. Last year, Rihanna revealed her her pregnancy mid-dance break by whipping away her giant red puffer jacket. And may we never forget the moment Lady Gaga jumped from the roof of the NRG Stadium in Texas to make her halftime entrance. Serious main character moment.

So, in case you’re curious about what exactly is going to be in Usher’s halftime performance this Super Bowl Sunday, here’s everything we know from rumoured special guests, hints he’s given himself, to TikTok’s setlist predictions:

Katy Perry has given him notes on his performance, which he’s been planning for 30 years

Usher isn’t messing around for his half time show performance and roped in the advice of pop star veteran Katy Perry to give notes on his performance: “I’ve happened to be around a few people who’ve played the Super Bowl, and they did give me some pointers,” Usher told Billboard. “I also happened to be on a boat not too long ago with Katy Perry, who gave me some notes.”

Referencing previous Super Bowl performers, he added: “I heard that Rihanna stood up for me [in a December interview with E! News] and said something really incredible [about Usher’s qualifications to take on the slot]. I really appreciated that.

“I’ve watched every performer, analyzing how they maximized those 12 minutes. But you know, your moment is your moment. And this is a moment I’ve prepared for during the last 30 years.”

Special guests could include Summer Walker, Beyoncé, 21 Savage and Justin Bieber

Usher has had no shortage of collabs during his long and winding career, so he’s definitely going to bring out some special guests for his Super Bowl halftime show. Two additions could be Lil Jon and Ludacris, as they feature on Yeah! – or do we dare to dream Beyoncé from his 2008 single Love in This Club, Pt. II?! Or could Justin Bieber pop up for Somebody to Love?!

Alternatively, if Ushers promoting his new album rather than looking back on the glory days, guests could be artists like Summer Walker and 21 Savage who feature on his single Good Good, which is currently in the charts. But, whoever he brings out, this is going to be amazing.

Usher’s Super Bowl performance will honour black artists who’ve gone before him

Usher has said he wants to pay homage to all the Black artists who paved the way for him to become the musician to headline 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,” he said during an interview with Good Morning America. “So I’m coming through the front door with this one.

“I didn’t start where I am now, and I didn’t get there by myself,” he added. “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.”

There are already loads of setlist predictions for Usher’s Super Bowl halftime show popping up on TikTok

Usher has remained tight lipped over which songs he’ll be performing at his Super Bowl halftime show. Although, obviously, he has to do Yeah!, DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love, OMG, and My Boo. However, people have started making prediction videos on TikTok, performing their suspected Super Bowl halftime show tracklists. And last year they were scarily accurate when it came to Rihanna’s performance:

So, where can I watch Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance in the UK?

If you’re in the UK you can still (don’t panic!) watch Usher’s Superbowl halftime performance. All you have to do is tune in on ITV1 or ITVX on 11 February between 10.45pm and (have a coffee) 4am. Plus, if you’re a Sky Sports customer, you can also see coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Showcase and Sky Sports NFL.

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Featured image credit via Meng Christophe/ABACA/Shutterstock