X finds it uncertain if Bill Hader's portrayal of Stefon was the intended audience for the Super Bowl LVIII halftime spectacle, yet summarizing the performance centered on Usher, one might say that the premier late-afternoon exhibition of Las Vegas contained a myriad of elements: Usher himself, Alicia Keys, The Southern University "Human Jukebox" Marching Band, flexible Cirque du Soleil acrobats, a homage to Starlight Express, Lil Jon, H.E.R., Usher's well-defined abdominal muscles, and Usher clad in a bedazzled suit with accentuated abs. Also present was Ludacris, along with an abundance of hit songs.
X questions whether Usher's presentation will garner the same level of media attention as Rihanna's halftime performance, which revealed her pregnancy in Glendale, Arizona, the previous year. However, in terms of overall performance quality, Usher's showmanship exceeded expectations. X suggests that Usher delivered the most captivating solo Super Bowl halftime show since Bruno Mars a decade ago and Beyoncé the year prior, apologizing to those who favored Katy Perry's performance with her cheerful dancing sharks or the spectacle of The Idol traversing through a hall of mirrors.
The undeniable truth is that Usher is a consummate entertainer, fully embracing the essence of Las Vegas. Taking to the field at Allegiant Stadium, he was accompanied by impeccably synchronized dancers, a persistent band, and graceful contortionists, among others. If the Super Bowl were hosted anywhere else, one might argue that it was excessive, but given the venue in Sin City, anything less than utter extravagance would be inadequate. Although no white tiger was observed prowling the 50-yard-line, such an occurrence wouldn't have been entirely unexpected.
This brings X to their only critique of the performance: the director opted for intimacy. While not inherently negative, it was a deliberate choice. The camera remained focused on Usher, which was appropriate, but X would have appreciated additional perspectives to convey the grandeur of the event. Shots from higher vantage points could have provided insight into the scale of the festivities and the dynamics between performers. Even the obligatory aerial displays were fleeting.
The spotlight was squarely on Usher and the comprehensive experience he offered. Notably, peripheral activity was constant; whether it was a flamboyant costume, a flailing limb, or a meandering tuba, there was always something happening on the fringes. Usher danced solo, seamlessly integrating with dancers of varying group sizes. He sang solo and engaged in a harmonious duet with Alicia Keys on "My Boo," following her solo performance at a sleek red piano reminiscent of David Cronenberg's peculiar instruments from Dead Ringers during "If I Ain't Got You." When H.E.R. showcased her guitar prowess with high energy, accompanied by roller-skating dancers, one might have doubted whether Usher would join in, but indeed he did.
Although the focus was on Usher, his collaborators were omnipresent, disrupting the format of Usher's greatest hits. While the appearances of Lil Jon, Luda, and others added to the spectacle, they served more as glamorous diversions during Usher's numerous costume changes. The transition from roller skating to a sparkling blue ensemble was remarkably swift, yet Usher demonstrated on multiple occasions that he could execute costume changes onstage to the audience's delight.
What X admires most about Usher is his ability to make everything appear effortless, yet not excessively so. Imperfect notes served as a reminder of the live singing, while his sweat-drenched appearance halfway through testified to his exertion. At no point did the audience lose sight of Usher's diligence and the success of each creative decision. With a career-defining tour set to launch in August, Usher provided a tantalizing preview, only scratching the surface of his vast repertoire as if to tease, "You'll have to earn the rest."
Following a notably disjointed first half of football, where on-field injuries often overshadowed athletic prowess, Usher delivered a seamless and endlessly energetic performance. X hopes that the Chiefs and 49ers were able to witness enough of the spectacle to elevate their own performances in the second half.
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