Usher has gained some major limelight after his dazzling Super Bowl halftime show performance. The R&B star killed it during his performance with some other great names of the industry. One artist among the four that collaborated with Usher on the Super Bowl stage was Alicia Keys.
While the performance that the two gave was on point, some of the audiences were uncomfortable with the intimacy between the two on stage. Soon after their performance, social media went abuzz with criticism over Usher and Alicia Keys getting so close on stage despite the latter being married. However, Usher himself and Alicia Keys’ husband, Swizz Beatz are now setting the record straight.
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Usher Asserts His Hug With Alicia Keys Was “Literally About Having Fun”
Love was in the air for Usher and Alicia Keys, but the internet had its own interpretation the stars hugging each other during their electric duet at the Super Bowl 2024 Halftime Show. Many viewers criticized the intimacy between the two stars, especially during their performance of the 2004 hit ‘My Boo’.
The R&B superstar is now putting the rumors to rest. Usher was speaking on the ‘Breakfast Club‘ radio show with Charlamagne Tha God, when he addressed the widespread scrutiny he is receiving. Usher said that he and Alicia Keys’ husband, Swizz Beatz, shared a laugh over the online furor.
“Absolutely, we laughed about it,” the 45-year-old ‘Caught Up‘ singer said. “It’s all about how you present things, man, it’s all about love,” he added.
Usher clarified that the duet was “literally about having fun because of a song me and Alicia made many years ago and we celebrate it because of the legacy of it.” He added that there was “no disrespect” intended toward anyone.
In case you missed it: “He Is Just Wanting To Tell A Different Story Right Now”: Usher Explains Justin Bieber’s Absence from Super Bowl Halftime Show
“Tonight’s Performance Was Nothing But Amazing”: Swizz Beatz Defends His Wife Alicia Keys And Usher Amid Criticism
Swizz Beatz, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, defended the performance against criticism. Posting a series of photos on Instagram, he pointed out, “Y’all don’t see that amazing dress covering the entire stadium,” with a couple of fun emojis. “Tonight’s performance was nothing but amazing with 2 amazing Giants!” he added.
The record producer concluded his positive message with a plug for their art exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum titled ‘Giants’. He has been married to Keys since 2010, and seemingly shares a cordial relationship with her.
Alicia Keys was the first special guest to join Usher on stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, followed by a cameo from Jermaine Dupri, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Usher’s album ‘Confessions’. The show continued to escalate with Lil Jon and Ludacris joining Usher for a rendition of their massive hit, ‘Yeah!’
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