Usher turned back the years at this <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music-stage/2023/02/13/the-nfl-super-bowl-halftime-shows-hits-and-misses-from-rihanna-to-michael-jackson/" target="_blank">NFL Super Bowl half-time show</a> at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday night (Monday morning UAE time). Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his high-selling album <i>Confessions</i>, the US RnB singer – full name Usher Raymond – performed the hits from his 2004 release alongside singers Her and Alicia Keys, as well as rapper Ludacris and producer Lil Jon. The tight 15-minute set acted as a virtual mixtape of Usher's prowess, beginning with the blazing <i>Caught Up</i> and <i>U Don't Have to Call </i>before breaking into a snippet of <i>Superstar</i> and <i>Love in the Club</i>. Joined by a phalanx of dancers, Usher was front and centre throughout the performance with his silky croon strong and assured. The set then transitioned into a rare quiet moment with the appearance of Keys on piano for a duet of her 2003 hit <i>If' I Aint Got You</i>. Producer Jermaine Dupri then appeared to introduce Usher's <i>Confessions Part II</i>, which neatly segued with the slinky <i>Nice and Slow</i> and <i>Burn</i>. After a rock version of <i>U Got it Bad</i>, featuring squalling guitar solo by Her and bouncy version of <i>OMG</i> with Will.i.am, the stadium transformed into a supersized club. Lil Jon was at his manic best when performing his bass-shuddering hit <i>Turn Down for What</i> before Ludacris arrived to close the set with <i>Yeah!</i> 20 years on, the global hit sounds as vital and futuristic and a worthy tribute to Usher’s timeless body of work.
