Usher is standing firm against the storm of speculation surrounding his close embrace with Alicia Keys during their performance at the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show.
Amidst swirling chatter online about the nature of their hug, Usher clarified that it was all in good spirits. Speaking with Charlamagne the God on the Breakfast Club radio show, Usher revealed that he and Alicia's husband, Swiss Beats, shared a laugh over the uproar. "It's crazy how people think," Usher remarked, emphasizing that the moment was rooted in love rather than anything else.
The uproar stemmed from Usher's tight embrace of Alicia Keys while performing their 2004 hit "My Boo." But for Usher, it was simply about reliving a fun moment from the past. "It's all about how you present things, man," he explained, underscoring the nostalgic significance of their duet. He stressed that there was no disrespect intended towards anyone, including Keys' husband, Swiss Beats, whose real name is Cassim Dean. Swiss Beats echoed Usher's sentiments, defending the performance and praising the duo's onstage chemistry.
Despite the controversy, Usher and Keys' performance was hailed as a highlight of the Super Bowl halftime show. Swiss Beats took to Instagram to share his pride, posting a series of photos from the event and emphasizing the greatness of the moment. Alongside images from the performance, he celebrated their artistry and promoted their joint Art Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum titled "Giants."
The halftime show was a star-studded affair, with Usher joined onstage by various musical talents. Alicia Keys was the first special guest to grace the stage, followed by Germaine Dupri, who marked the 20th anniversary of Usher's album "Confessions." The energy soared as Lil Jon and Ludacris joined Usher for a rendition of their hit song "Yeah."
Notably absent from the stage was Justin Bieber, despite Usher extending an invitation. However, Bieber declined, citing his lack of enthusiasm for the event. Nevertheless, it was a day of triumph for Usher, who not only headlined the prestigious halftime show but also celebrated personal milestones.
In addition to his musical achievements, Usher tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Goode, capping off years of love and commitment. Their journey together began in 2019, and in the following years, they welcomed two children, Sovereign and Sire, solidifying their bond as a family.
