Usher says Lil Jon and Ludacris must be invited to perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show

Usher, the celebrated R&B luminary, has recently taken a vocal stance on the Super Bowl halftime show, advocating fervently for the inclusion of Lil Jon and Ludacris, emphasizing their indispensability to the event.

The entertainer, aged 45, disclosed to Entertainment Tonight on Thursday that he would be unwise to miss out on performing his 2004 hit track "Yeah" alongside Ludacris and Lil Jon, both present in Las Vegas.

"I would be a fool to not play ‘Yeah!' let's just start there," Usher said. "It would be foolish to make it all the way to Las Vegas, Jon is here, Luda's here and not play 'Yeah!'"

The trifecta, comprising Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris, boasts a repertoire of chart-topping hits, most notably "Yeah!" and "Lovers and Friends." Usher underscores the profound significance of their participation in the halftime show, viewing it not only as a tribute to their seminal contributions to hip-hop but also as a prime opportunity to amplify the genre's resonance to a broader audience spectrum.

Usher's recent remarks about his upcoming performance follow his discussion about the challenge of condensing a 30-year career into just 13 minutes.

"I gotta do it in 13 minutes," Usher said in a press conference interview with Apple Music on Thursday. "That makes it a bit difficult.
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"I was very mindful of my past, celebrating my present — which is here in Las Vegas — and thinking about where we're headed in the future,” he added. "That was really the idea."

The Super Bowl halftime show stands as an epitome in the musical landscape, drawing millions of viewers globally. Over the years, it has hosted an array of megastars, ranging from Beyoncé to Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake.

Nevertheless, the halftime spectacle hasn't been immune to controversy, with select artists opting to boycott the event due to the NFL's treatment of Colin Kaepernick and fellow players who've protested against police brutality and racial inequality.

Despite the tumult, Usher underscores the halftime show's pivotal role as a platform for hip-hop artists to showcase their prowess and connect with a global audience. He contends,

"hip-hop has undeniably shaped the musical landscape for the past three decades, and it's high time the Super Bowl reflects that reality."

In essence, Usher's fervent advocacy for Lil Jon and Ludacris' inclusion in the Super Bowl halftime show serves as a poignant tribute to their indelible mark on hip-hop and underscores their indispensable role in the genre's narrative. Given Usher's stature in the music industry, his endorsement carries significant weight, likely resonating with both the NFL and music aficionados worldwide.

Usher's call to action isn't merely about musical inclusion; it's about recognizing and celebrating the diverse voices and influences that shape contemporary culture. By amplifying the presence of Lil Jon and Ludacris, the halftime show has the potential to transcend entertainment, becoming a symbol of unity and appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of hip-hop.

Below, you'll find the music video for "Yeah," featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon. Given this, it's highly likely that Usher will include "Yeah" in his performance, suggesting that Ludacris and Lil Jon will join him on stage.