“the final countdown!!” Usher Sing the 1986 European hit with your best wannabe metal screams “the final countdown.”
And in fact, Usher Raymond IV, 45, is just hours away from playing on perhaps the biggest stage of his life: the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
But as he stressed to the Post during rehearsals, he’s not breaking a sweat.
In fact, Usher gave us a special look by wearing his own dazzling accessories, including his trademark “U” necklace, his personal Super Bowl ring, and a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana soccer ball encrusted with numerous Swarovski crystals. He made time for us to take some photos. .
He’s a man who’s been preparing for this moment for 30 years, ever since he released his self-titled debut in April 1994 at the age of 15.
“You know, it’s been a great year leading up to this,” Usher said of his “My Way” Las Vegas sojourn. Ends at Dolby Live Park MGM in December After 17 months and 100 performances.
“It definitely helped that we were able to play 100 sold-out performances in preparation for the Super Bowl,” he added. “Obviously we have a much bigger audience now. 200 million people watching might be a little bit of pressure, but… I’m ready, dude. Enjoy it now. We are preparing for it.”
When you have a monster No. 1 hit like in 1998. “Nice and slow” 2001 “Let me remind you.” 2004 “Yeah!” and in 2008 “There’s love for this club” — Plus, their new album “Coming Home” is released on Friday — The biggest challenge isn’t execution.
“You know, the hardest part wasn’t actually creating it, it was actually creating it,” Asher said. “Twelve minutes is not a lot of time to fill up in 30 years, you know what I mean?”
And his popular stay in Las Vegas made him Sin City’s biggest stud. Sin City has since become the ultimate girls’ getaway destination. Usher serenaded Kim Kardashian He was the natural choice to lead the midgame throwdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, which will be seen on all social media in April 2023.
Jay-Z and his Roc Nation Company (producers of the halftime show since 2019) have serenaded virtually everyone from Keki Palmer to Janelle Monae to their underwear during Usher’s stay. Therefore, the obvious fact could not be denied.
“After spending this year in Las Vegas, I thought, ‘I don’t know if Jay-Z has any other options,'” Usher said matter-of-factly.
“I thought, “I understand.” I understand why they want me to do this. As a curator, I’m really grateful that they understood that.”
Back in the days when Wayne Newton was known as Mr. Las Vegas, this glamorous city was considered a haven for the bygone, and has recently hosted residencies from everyone from Adele and Lady Gaga to U2. People aren’t like that now.
However, none of these top artists have been able to liven up the scene with audience participation as much as Usher.
“I like to have a good time,” he said. “No one wants to get into trouble. But if you [do]They say what happens in Las Vegas should stay in Las Vegas. ”
Now, after appearing as a special guest, The Black Eyed Peas were the headliner. In 2011, Usher is about to have his own Super Bowl moment.
“Fortune favors the prepared,” he said. “As long as you stick to your beliefs, perseverance sometimes pays off.”
And Usher has been patiently waiting until he’s ready to release his first album in eight years, Coming Home.
“I went through a lot of experiences that I found interesting and gave me really great topics and things to talk about and share, but I didn’t feel like I was ready to share the entire body of work yet. “He said. “There were some things that needed to be resolved, and I feel like now is the time.”
Sure, Usher’s turn will be in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
“This is a legendary moment, a legendary moment that gave me the opportunity to celebrate in Las Vegas, the place I call my second home,” he said. “Now it feels like home to me.”
