A new trailer for the performance reconstructs his classic smash “Yeah!” through a variety of clips and cameos
The NFL playoffs start this weekend, which means — more importantly — the countdown can officially begin for Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show.
To mark the occasion, a new trailer for the performance was released today, Jan. 12, featuring a clever, cameo-filled cover of Usher’s perennial classic with Lil Jon and Ludacris, “Yeah!” The song is constructed from an array of clips, including old Usher performance footage, a gospel choir, a marching band, fan home videos, a busking flautist, a small string section, and a group beatboxing at a diner table.
The award for the most creative instrumental contribution, though, definitely goes to J Balvin, whose squeaky oven door just happens to sound a lot like the “Yeah!” lead synth riff. The trailer also features LeBron James singing along in his car and BTS’ Jung Kook dancing with Usher (as previewed a few months back on TikTok).
Usher was announced as this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer back in September, with the superstar saying in a statement, “It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
Usher also wisely took the occasion to announce that his next album, Coming Home, would be released on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11. The album marks his first since 2016’s Hard II Love and will feature his 2023 summer single, “Good Good,” with Summer Walker and 21 Savage. A full track list has yet to be revealed, though the album is also expected to feature Usher and Jung Kook’s recent collaboration “Standing Next to You” remix, as well as “Risk It All,” Usher and H.E.R.’s duet from the Color Purple soundtrack.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
