Kori Barnes 
It’s an official Usher takeover.
Usher fans received news of a lifetime in a bundle unload by this legendary artist. Not only has this R&B artist been confirmed to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, but he’ll also be releasing a new album. He’s officially announced that the upcoming album will be titled Coming Home and is slated to release on February 11, 2024. Fans will be able to enjoy his Super Bowl performance while also experiencing his new music.
This will be Usher’s first new album since his 2016 release Hard II Love, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. He plans to pay homage to where he’s coming from with the meaning behind his new album cover’s artwork. According to billboard.com, “I’m coming home, I’m back with my team,” Usher told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, noting that he’s working with Antonio “L.A.” Reid. “Even when you see the artwork, you will understand it. When you see the peach. You get it. You understand where I’m from and what we’re doing.” Usher wants fans to feel connected with the message behind his album of “coming home” and how everything will become full circle. He stated, “More than anything, it’s a celebration of music. Coming home in many other ways as you get more acclimated. When I put out more records and also to put more visuals, actually begin to really understand it. But I think that it is something to be celebrated.”
Although Usher is known for providing some of the most classic R&B hits, performing at the Super Bowl is a milestone that he feels he finally has accomplished. All of the greats have performed at this iconic halftime show, now it’s his turn. He stated, “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,” the singer said in a statement. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.” Roc Nation and the NFL will continue their fifth year partnership to produce the halftime show. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement over the announcement of his new album and performance on the same day. This is definitely an interesting marketing strategy for both scheduled debuts.
Hopefully Usher will perform all of the hits he’s known for and new tracks from his upcoming album.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
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