Usher revealed that he received a tense call from Jay-Z about the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
After it was announced he would be headlining the big gig, the singer, 44, spoke about a conversation he had with the rapper, 53, when he heard big news.
In an interview with radio DJ Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, he also shared his thoughts on headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show on February 11, 2024.
The R&B icon — who divided the internet as a seemingly controversial choice for the big show — said his “big homie” reached out to him personally.
He recalled what the Roc Nation founder said to him on the phone: “When I got the call, he said, ‘It’s time, it’s magical time. You know, it’s time for you to have that moment.’
Exciting: Usher Revealed He Received an Exciting Call from Jay-Z About the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show
Supportive: After it was announced he would be headlining the big gig, the singer, 44, spoke about a conversation he had with the rapper, 53, when he heard about big news
He said he didn’t know what Jay-Z was referring to at the time.
Usher said he then realized he was talking about his halftime show performance.
“I’m thinking, ‘What are you talking about?’ He’s like, ‘The Super Bowl,'” he said.
In response, he recalled being willing and excited to do something he has always dreamed of.
He remembered saying to Jay-Z, “Oh, are you ready? Absolute.’
Recently, he has been busy with an ongoing residency in Las Vegas and will take the stage at Allegiant Stadium as the city hosts the competition for the first time.
The eight-time Grammy winner said his performance at the upcoming Halftime Show “was meant to be.”
“I think everything that led up to that moment was me going to Las Vegas for my residency the last two years. The legacy is obviously the music, the celebration of entertainment in that place. It’s the City of Light.’
Special moment: The R&B icon – who divided the internet as a seemingly controversial choice for the big show – said his ‘big homie’ reached out to him personally
Talking the news: In an interview with radio DJ Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, he also shared his thoughts on headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show on February 11, 2024
“You know, it’s always been a place where entertainers find love and passion, connection with their fans,” he said. “So for the Super Bowl to make its way to Las Vegas while we were in Vegas and having such a great two years….”
“It will definitely be a moment to remember,” he said, before adding that performing at the Halftime Show “has been on my bucket list for a long time.”
“This is the biggest stage we’ve ever played on,” he added. “Those thirteen minutes mean everything.”
Previously, Usher performed with the Black Eyed Peas during their headlining performance at the 2011 Super Bowl.
His performance marks entertainment agency Roc Nation’s fifth Super Bowl halftime show under its partnership with the NFL.
Previously, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage in 2020, followed by The Weekend in 2021, Dr. Dre and friends in 2022 and Rihanna in 2023.
As he follows in the iconic performers’ footsteps, he said he was “very happy” and said the show will be “a moment to remember.”
‘I think when I was able to see performances from artists like Michael (Jackson), you know, eventually Prince, and then some more modern artists, I thought, ‘Man, at some point I’m going to have to get a call about what’s going on hand.” continues now.’
Monumental: The eight-time Grammy winner said his performance at the upcoming Halftime Show ‘was meant to be’
Grateful: “I’m really happy that Jay-Z and also Roc Nation have really put some thought into making sure that they can bring these types of experiences to the world,” he continued. ‘It will certainly be a moment you will never forget’
More big news: On the same day, Usher releases his ninth studio album, Coming Home – his first in seven years
“But I’m thrilled to join that shortlist of older artists from my genre who deserve this moment,” he told Lowe.
“And I’m really happy that Jay-Z and also Roc Nation have really put some thought into making sure that they can bring these types of experiences to the world,” he continued. “It will certainly be a moment to remember.”
Super Bowl LVIII will air live on CBS on February 11, 2024.
On the same day, Usher releases his ninth studio album, Coming Home – his first in seven years.
The upcoming release will also include his song Good Good, featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage, which was released in August 2023.