The Super Bowl is one of the most important events of the year in America. Accordingly, the halftime music program also attracted the attention of many fans around the world. Therefore, performing here will bring artists more fame. The invited artists were also honored to have the opportunity to perform on this stage.
Usher will be the next artist to perform at the Super Bowl after Rihanna in 2023. Before that, the 2022 stage was the explosion of the famous rapper Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent.
The performance was not as successful as expected
Usher appeared promisingly with the melodies of the songs My Way, Caught Up, Love In This Club,… but then the atmosphere became boring when he chose to perform melodies with slow tempos, Not suitable for exciting events like the Super Bowl. Not stopping there, the stage of this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was also criticized for being “built but not built”, the lighting system and effects were also criticized for being dark and did not highlight the artist.
Even the appearance of guest Alicia Keys did not help the performance add more vitality. Alicia Keys constantly sings crack. In addition, the overly intimate interaction between Usher and Alicia Keys – a married woman – also caused strong controversy. Especially when Alicia Keys’s husband – producer Swizz Beatz and his children – are right in the crowd.
Immediately after the performance aired, the performance received countless criticism from audiences around the globe. Many people are ready to rank Usher’s stage right in the top of the worst performances of the Super Bowl. Many viewers also suggested that in the years after the Super Bowl, they should invite female artists who are “fiery” enough to stir up the atmosphere of the Halftime Show, rather than male artists.
Previously, music legend Usher once shared: “It’s the honor of a lifetime to finally be able to cross performing at the Super Bowl off my to-do list. I can’t wait to bring it to you.” a show unlike any I have performed before for audiences around the world”, Usher expressed excitement when mentioning his upcoming performance for the Super Bowl Halftime Show stage.
How much was Usher’s salary for performing at the Super Bowl?
The halftime music show often features performances by talented singers. Despite this, the organization does not pay performers, the only exception was in 1993, when Michael Jackson received a fee.
Big artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé and Madonna, who performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, were not paid. The organization only pays expenses set by the regional federation. Therefore, singer Usher also predicts no salary when performing at this major tournament.
Even the NFL never pays the performers, but tries to charge the performers for the opportunity to bask in the attention of the Super Bowl crowd. The NFL in 2015 asked Rihanna, Coldplay and Katy Perry to pay performance fees, but they ultimately rejected the offer.
Why do musicians who are used to making six or seven figures per show agree to perform for nothing or only a small stipend from their regular paycheck? Essentially, they will be able to showcase their music to over 100 million people without paying any costs, as the NFL covers travel and production costs. This can be costly. The NFL once said it spent about $13 million to cover the costs of Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 vacation.
In Usher’s case, the widely anticipated 15-minute performance will help promote the singer’s upcoming world tour and the release of his new album. “This is going to be a celebration. I’m going to try my best not to cry, break down or cry on stage,” music legend Usher told CBS Mornings.
Usher is a famous American male singer of R&B, hip hop and pop music. He has won 7 Grammy music awards and is considered a legend of the American music industry.
