Usher to headline Super Bowl, felt 'destined' for the job

Photo: BANG Showbiz. All rights reserved.

Usher believes it is his "destiny" to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

The 'OMG' hitmaker was unveiled on Sunday as the artist set to take to the stage at the NFL's showpiece game on 11 February at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and he is convinced his career so far has led him to the prestigious point.

He explained to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1: "It was like this was destined to happen.

"I think that everything that led up to that moment, going to Las Vegas for my residency for the last two years. The legacy, obviously, that is the music, the celebration of entertainment in that place. It's the City of Lights.

"You know, it's always been a place where entertainers go and find love and passion, connection to their fans. So for the Super Bowl to have made its way to Las Vegas while we were in Vegas, having such an amazing two years…"

But Usher - who joined Black Eyed Peas on stage during their 2011 Super Bowl gig - admitted he had been waiting some time to get the call to headline the sporting show.

He said: "I think being able to see performances from artists like Michael [Jackson], you know, eventually Prince, and then even more modern-day artists... I was like, 'Man, at some point I need to get a call with what's going on now.'

"But I'm really happy that I'm joining that short list of legacy artists from my genre who deserve this moment.

"And I'm really happy that Jay-Z and also Roc Nation really put thought into making certain that they could bring to the world this kind of experience. It is definitely going to be a moment to remember."

The 44-year-old star felt honoured when his "big homie" Jay-Z - whose Roc Nation partnered with the NFL in 2020 - called him to discuss the idea of him taking on the halftime show.

He said: "But when I got this call… he said, 'It’s time, it’s magic time. You know, it's time for you to have that moment.' I'm like, 'What are you talking about?'

"He's like, 'The Super Bowl.' I'm like, 'Oh, you ready? Absolutely.'"

The 'Yeah!' singer teased he'll be having some special guests on stage with him.

He said: "I've collaborated with a lot of incredible artists throughout the years. If anything, I'd like to socially engage the world. I'd like to hear who you think would be a great guest to complement this.

"So, by the way, there'll be many more Sundays to talk about this leading up to the (most) Grand Sunday of all."