Usher delivered a poignant tribute to the late drummer Aaron Spears during his electrifying halftime performance at the 2024 Super Bowl.
Taking the stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the R&B sensation paid homage to Spears, who passed away in October last year. Known for his exceptional talent, Spears had been a longtime collaborator with Usher, contributing to the artist’s Grammy-nominated album Confessions and accompanying him at the 2005 Grammy Awards ceremony.
To honor Spears’ memory, Usher incorporated two drum kits into his performance. While drummer Devon ‘Stixx’ Taylor played one kit live, a golden drum kit remained empty, symbolizing Spears’ absence yet profound impact on Usher’s music journey.
Throughout the halftime show, Usher welcomed several surprise guests to join him on stage, including Alicia Keys, who serenaded the audience with a snippet of “If I Ain’t Got You” before joining Usher for a heartfelt rendition of their 2004 hit collaboration, “My Boo.”
The star-studded performance continued as H.E.R. showcased her guitar prowess during “U Got It Bad,” while will.i.am made a memorable appearance for “OMG.” The lively atmosphere reached its peak as Lil Jon joined Usher on stage, igniting the crowd with a snippet of “Turn Down For What” before Ludacris joined in for a dynamic rendition of “Yeah!”
Amidst the high-energy performances and star-studded collaborations, Usher’s tribute to Spears stood out as a touching moment of remembrance and celebration of the late drummer’s enduring legacy.