Usher’s Super Bowl halftime show did not get off to the best start – but fans are divided on who is to blame.
The 45-year-old singer was hoping to put on a performance of a lifetime, but his early vocals were plagued by technical issues.
Usher got up on stage during a break in play between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Fransisco 49ers at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
He was joined by legends such as Alicia Keys and Lil Jon for the biggest performance of his life.
But viewers watching at home complained about his voice being shaky at the beginning, which may have been nerves or an issue with his microphone.
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Speaking before the performance, Usher discussed why it would go down in history.
He said: “It feels amazing. I’m putting my album out, actually, on the ninth so this is just really a testament to dedication.
“I don’t have this moment by myself. All my fans that I bring with me, each and every person that had anything to do with the music, the creativity, everybody is a part of this celebratory moment.
“But what I feel is this is just the beginning, because I launched that album in 1994 as an independent artist and I will be, up until this day, the only independent artist that’s ever performed the Super Bowl halftime show. This is the beginning, this is a new beginning for me.”
Usher also expressed gratitude towards Jay-Z for the role he played in securing this “incredible” opportunity.
“Sometimes, affirmations and words of confirmation isn’t enough, you have to put in the work. But great that Jay-Z and the Super Bowl would have me to be able to be there to entertain the world,” Usher remarked.
He highlighted the significance of performing at the Super Bowl as the pinnacle of his time in Las Vegas, where he has enjoyed a successful residency with 100 sold-out shows.