Usher recently expressed his preference for the next Super Bowl Halftime Show performer. He shared his thoughts during a fan interaction as reported by TMZ.
The R&B superstar was asked about which artist he would like to see headline the upcoming Super Bowl LX Halftime Show while signing autographs for fans.
When asked “Usher, is there any one you want to see on Super Bowl Halftime show?” Usher responded enthusiastically: “Metallica!”
The comment suggests Usher’s appreciation for the legendary metal band. It also shows his desire to see them bring their high-energy rock performance to the Super Bowl stage. This would mark a significant shift from recent halftime shows that have featured pop and R&B artists.
Usher’s endorsement comes at a particularly opportune time for Metallica supporters who have been campaigning for the band’s Super Bowl appearance. The timing and location of Super Bowl LX could work in the metal legends’ favor. The event presents unique circumstances that align with the band’s roots.
AFM Records reported that Super Bowl LX is set to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The venue is just a stone’s throw from Metallica’s headquarters. This proximity has fueled fan campaigns pushing for the band to perform at the event. It makes this year the most viable opportunity yet for Metallica to headline the halftime show.
However, the band’s frontman has previously expressed reservations about the spectacle-heavy nature of Super Bowl performances. Metal Injection noted that James Hetfield is not interested in the theatrical aspects usually expected at the halftime show.
“I can’t dance, I can’t jump around, I’m not an acrobat, I’m not a variety show… We love playing songs. We are not going to be flying through the air on a sparkly star with a unicorn,” Hetfield stated in previous interviews. His comments highlight the band’s preference for straightforward musical performances over elaborate productions.
If Metallica does secure the halftime show slot, it would represent a historic moment for rock music on the Super Bowl stage. Ultimate Classic Rock revealed that the last rock band to headline their own Super Bowl halftime show was The Who in 2009. This makes Metallica’s potential performance a long-awaited return of hard rock to the event’s main stage.
