You may have heard that there is a reasonably big sporting event taking place in Las Vegas this weekend. Super Bowl LVIII is almost among us, with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs set to do battle.
But the Super Bowl is not just about a game of football. The event is its own cottage industry of hyperbole, spectacle and razzamatazz, where sport meets showbiz and hundreds of millions of fans are entertained.
Central to this is the half-time show, where one of the planet’s biggest music stars is handed the chance to strut their stuff in front of the biggest television audience of the year.
As you probably already know, R&B icon Usher has been handed the reigns this year as he celebrates 30 years in the music industry with a back catalogue packed with hits that will get the fans inside the Allegiant Stadium on their feet.
So what can we expect from the performance? Here’s a look at what we know so far and what we think may happen.
What songs will he perform?
As usual, we won’t be given a tracklist before the big night and Usher will keep his setlist under wraps. But this never stops anyone from speculating.
The bookies have even priced up various markets including the first and last song, with a number of bangers to choose from.
At the time of writing, My Way is the favourite to kick off this set, as this is how he has been starting his recent Vegas residency. OMG is another shout for the first song and we are likely to see him perform the likes of DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love, Without You, Somebody to Love, Burn and Love in This Club.
Performers usually sprint through seven or eight shortened, remixed and/or overlapping songs, with close attention paid to the climax of the set. Confessions, Part II is a contender to end the set, but the smart money is on Yeah!, which should bring the house down and end the set on a high.
What about guests?
Guest appearances are another staple of the half-time show and Usher has a career full of collaborations he can call upon. He’s had hits with the likes of Alicia Keys, Post Malone, Ludacris, Lil Jon and Nicki Minaj, so be prepared for a surprise appearance or two.
How long will it last?
Usher fans will be pleased to know that this year’s half-time performance will be longer than usual. The show normally lasts 13 minutes, but Usher has been told he can squeeze in an extra couple of treat the fans to a 15-minute performance.
What time will it be on?
For those only wanting to watch the half-time show, you’re at the mercy of the actual game that’s going on. A safe bet for the start time would be around 8pm ET/1am GMT.
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