We have less than three weeks before Super Bowl LVIII is set to take place in Henderson, Nevada, and the anticipation is starting to reach a fever pitch. This year’s game is set to feature one of the greatest singers of the millennium, with R&B crooner Usher taking the stage at the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium as the headliner for the halftime show.

Whether you’re a huge Usher fan wanting hints at how your favorite artist might end up performing, or if you’re a newcomer to the world of R&B wondering what to expect, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming performance.

What to Expect From the King of R&B:

One of the most important things to keep in mind about Usher’s upcoming show is that the halftime entertainment doesn’t take the form of your typical concert. While it can be exhilarating for fans of an artist to imagine seeing their favorite singer take the stage, maybe even belt out the lyrics to their favorite song if they’re lucky, that’s not how it works with the Super Bowl.

Most halftime shows only last for 10 to 15 minutes—there’s still the biggest football game of the year to be played, after all—and with a country full of people to please, most performers stick to the mainstream, playing a mashup of their greatest hits instead of burning precious time with full songs: a sample of “Burn” here, a chorus of “You Make Me Wanna” there.

Songs designed with radio play in mind like “Yeah!” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” are likely to get some time, even if it means that songs more in line with his image as an artist like “Confessions Part II” get left out. It’s unfortunate, but it’s just how the halftime show works… and it’s better to learn that now and be prepared for it than it is to not know and end up disappointed later.

Another fun thing to keep in mind is that almost all sports betting platforms are taking wagers on 2024’s Super Bowl, no matter which country they’re located in. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of sports, there’s still something for everyone to bet on in the biggest game of the year. With the halftime show, fans can typically place bets on what songs Usher will play, how many times (if at all) he changes outfits during the set or what other artists make an appearance on stage along with him: if you want to bet, keep in mind what I said about the big hits being played… and imagine the sensation if someone like Alicia Keys were to take the stage alongside him. 

What Usher is Saying About His Performance

Usher kept it humble when addressing his upcoming performance in a press release, paying due respect to his fans and promising the show of a lifetime. 

“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,” Usher said. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label and media agency will help produce Usher’s show, the fifth year running that they’ve had a hand in the proceedings. While Usher might have kept it humble, Jay-Z didn’t mince words when asked about the King of R&B’s track record as an artist. 

““Usher is the ultimate artist and showman,” Jay-Z said. “Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul. His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”

Roc Nation Steps Up

Before Jay-Z’s production company took over the halftime entertainment, Super Bowl shows were incredibly hit or miss: for every timeless performance like Tom Petty or Prince, there were a handful of disappointing acts by Coldplay, Maroon 5 or The Black Eyed Peas.

Since Roc Nation made their debut in Super Bowl LIV, though, we’ve had nothing but bangers, with 2020’s Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, 2021’s The Weeknd, 2022’s rap-focused ensemble that included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar or last year’s Rihanna.

It’s clear that Jay-Z knows how to call the shots, and his chance to pair up with a man with eight Grammy awards is something that no fans will want to miss: be sure to tune in on Sunday, February 11.