Dark
Light
Illustration by Lee Ortiz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The NFL’s Got It Bad—Usher at Superbowl LVIII

How Will the Siren Appeal to NFL Fans?
December 4, 2023
5 mins read

In September, eight-time Grammy Award-winning Usher announced he would perform for the SuperBowl LVIII. Fans are going wild over this information and are counting on the performance he will have in store for us. Usher is known for his alluring and seductive performances. Reaching his female audience has always been a part of his persona. How will he translate his previous performances at the SuperBowl LVIII?

Usher’s Vegas Residency

Usher had been doing his “My WayLas Vegas residency since July 2022. He performed his greatest hits while doing what he does best: serenading the women in his audience. This serenading has even led to controversy in Keke Palmer’s love life. Many women celebs have since visited the residency and been by the serenaded Dallas-raised performer.

The slew of hits he performed consisted of “My Boo,” “Yeah!”, “Love in This Club,” “Nice & Slow,” and “You Make Me Wanna, etc. All songs were featured on his earlier albums “My Way,” “Confessions & Confession II” and “Raymond v. Raymond.”

These classic albums carry his most seductive tunes that his female fans love to hear. 

Usher, the Siren

Since the early 2000s, Usher has carried the torch for male “siren singers.”

This alluring type of singing has influenced other artists such as Omarion, Trey Songz, Miguel, Eric Bellinger, and more. This sensuous approach to music appeals to a fantasy that sells. Usher follows a long line of lustful singing including Michael Jackson, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Brown, etc. This sonic seduction plays into a fantasy while serving the most beautiful voices.

Usher dominated in the 90s/early-2000s with this sound in his R&B music.

How Will Usher Translate His Sex Appeal in the SuperBowl LVIII Performance?

The SuperBowl is one of the biggest stages to perform as an artist. Singers like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga have graced the same stage. It’s a big deal!

These artists performed their biggest hits over time in a way that showcased what they had been doing for the last decade. How will Usher follow suit?

Will he use the same intimate allure that he shows at his concerts/residency? Or will he go a different route to appease every audience at the SuperBowl LVIII? 

Leave Your Boyfriend at Home

Usher, an iconic figure in the music industry, is renowned for his charismatic stage presence and electrifying performances. His concerts are not just musical events; they are experiences that captivate audiences with a mix of soulful melodies, energetic dance routines, and a magnetic connection with the crowd.

For many, attending an Usher concert is not just about the music. It’s about being part of a cultural phenomenon. The jealousy that some boyfriends may feel about their partners attending Usher concerts is multifaceted. It could stem from concerns about the intense atmosphere at such events, where emotions run high, and the energy of the performance sweeps away fans.

Additionally, Usher’s status as a heartthrob might trigger insecurities among some partners, leading to worries about attention from other concertgoers. One controversial situation that arose after Usher’s Vegas residency.

Keke Palmer attended the residency in a revealing, sexy, black dress with her girlfriends. Palmer, a lifelong Usher fan, has always aspired to work with and meet him. Her dreams came true as Usher serenades her at the concert after seeing her recite the lyrics to “There Goes My Baby.” After footage surfaced of Palmer being serenaded, Palmer’s boyfriend at the time and father of her child, Darius Jackson, took to X (formerly Twitter) where he complained about Palmer’s behavior and her outfit. 

This situation became such a big topic on social media people were debating if women’s partners should allow them to go to Usher concerts. This brought a large amount of attention to Usher’s residency.

Despite the controversy, Usher dropped a music video for his new song, “Boyfriend,” where he features Palmer as a love interest.

Why Are Usher Fans Excited?

Usher has done a lot of legendary work as an artist. Some of his greatest hits will be played generations from now. That’s what makes him legendary. He will be able to showcase all his hits over this last decade and is getting the flowers he deserves.

Paiton Young, University of Georgia

Writer Profile

Paiton Young

University of Georgia
Screenwriting

"I’m a creative writer hailing from Louisiana. After graduating from the illustrious HBCU, Dillard University, with a B.A. in English, I continued my education at the University of Georgia with an M.A. in Screenwriting. My goal is to impact underrepresented people with my writing."

Don't Miss