Usher is granting fans an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of his electrifying Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance through a new documentary in collaboration with Apple Music.
Released on Saturday (February 17), the 10-minute documentary, directed by JAY-Z and Hamish Hamilton, captures the essence of Usher’s monumental performance, all shot entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro.
Offering a comprehensive view of the meticulous preparations involved, the film showcases rehearsals, studio sessions, and the intricate process of crafting the setlist.
“As I put together the songs, like a puzzle piece to represent this type of soulful music, R&B and mixture of this pop that is my own, I think God really blessed me with the right people to help build the artist that I am. I’m happy that I’m able to share this moment with them,” Usher said in gratitude message.
At the highly anticipated event, Usher treated viewers to a captivating showcase of 13 of his greatest hits, accompanied by a stellar lineup of special guests, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, and will.i.am, all donning futuristic space masks.
The performance dazzled with intricate dance choreography, including a mesmerizing roller-skating sequence, and paid homage to Atlanta’s vibrant strip club culture, adding layers of depth and meaning to the spectacle.
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Usher’s dynamic performance in Las Vegas garnered widespread acclaim, captivating over 30 million households and an estimated 100 million viewers across the United States. According to TV intelligence company Samba TV, these figures surpass last year’s viewership for Rihanna’s memorable halftime performance by 5 percent, and even exceeded the audience for the star-studded set featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent in 2022.
The Super Bowl itself shattered records, emerging as the most-watched installment in the event’s history, with a staggering 123.4 million viewers tuning in across various platforms including CBS, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Plus.
This audience marks the second largest viewing figure ever for a TV broadcast, trailing only behind the historic moon landing in 1969.
Additionally, Taylor Swift’s presence at NFL games, spurred by her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has been attributed to drawing a new audience to the sport, contributing to the surge in viewership. The playoffs also witnessed a surge in viewership, with games averaging 38.5 million viewers