The Swifties have something to look forward to at the Super Bowl, but it will not be their fave Taylor Swift entertaining them on stage.
However, music fans have nothing to worry about, as Usher is set to bring the house down as the main act for the annual event.
Taylor Swift Has A Busy Calender Ahead Of Super Bowl
The rumor mills started spinning last year about a possible appearance by Swift for the halftime musical break, especially after her relationship with the Kansas City Chief’s Tight end went public.
However, Swift will grace the event as a worthy spectator and will not do the NFL any free favors despite her current acquaintance with them by proxy. The pop star is also scheduled to perform in Tokyo for four straight shows before the biggest event in football, which means she will definitely be worn out and jetlagged.
The Japan leg of her Era’s tour is slated for February 10, leaving her less than 24 hours to appear just in time for the Super Bowl, which will be held on Sunday, February 11.
Digging deeper into how the alleged Swift performance started making rounds, one can draw a straight line from the rumors to the NFL’s decision to announce the halftime show sponsor at Midnight in November 2022!
The body announced the joint with Apple Music for the show via a statement released by Nana-Yaw Asamoah, SVP of Partner Strategy for the NFL, who described Apple as an “appropriate partner for the world’s most watched musical performance,” adding that:
“the platform entertain, inspired, and motivates millions of people around the world through the intersection of music and technology.”
Vice president of Apple Music and Beats also applauded the move and expressed the service’s readiness to deliver more “epic performances next year and beyond with the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
The Blast noted that Swift had cultivated the habit of making major announcements and even releasing albums at midnight and had also sung the word “midnight” approximately 2,000 times on different tracks at that time.
Hence, it was not far-fetched for her fans to take the NFL’s news as a sign of something serious, as she was gearing up to release her“Midnights” the following month.
Well, two years have passed since the big hint; perhaps next year is another chance for the Nashville native.
Usher’s Has Big Plans For His Super Bowl Performance
The R&B icon disclosed his plans to recreate his popular jaw-dropping performances and insane dance moves on February 11. The 45-year-old told Vogue that he would make his genre(R&B) take center stage that night and might even serenade the women in attendance.
It was reported that fans should expect skating, well-coordinated choreography, and one or two outfit changes for the halftime show that will celebrate Usher’s legacy, past works, and his journey around the globe.
“I’m thinking about the fact that I’ve been able to walk through the front door as a result of their sacrifice and ability. So I’m carrying a little bit of that. It’s made me feel joyous,” shared the “Good Kisser” singer as he paid homage to Black R&B legends Michael Jackson and Prince.
Usher also shared his expectations for everyone who tunes into the show, stating, “People will tune in for a football game, but I hope when they look at that halftime performance, I’m hoping they walk away with something that’s healing them.”
The father of four was announced as this year’s main act of the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show in September 2023, to the excitement of fans and colleagues in the industry.
Rapper Jay-Z showered praises on the singer for the feat, describing him as the “ultimate artist and showman,” adding that, “Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography.”
He continued that the artist “bares his soul” during his performances and his “remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world” as he expressed his eagerness to see Usher perform magic at the Super Bowl.