will.i.am on Full-Circle Super Bowl Halftime Show Moment With Usher
The singer joined Usher during his Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show to perform ‘OMG.’
will.i.am is opening up about what it meant for him to join Usher on stage at the 2024 Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Talking with ET’s Kevin Frazier after the big game, the 48-year-old Black Eyed Peas frontman said he was ecstatic to get that call from his friend and collaborator for a full-circle moment 13 years after his own group performed in front of the world.
You’re lucky to be selected to play that stage. It’s America’s biggest stage — that’s impacting the world. Michael Jackson kicked it off for us, Prince was like heavenly on it. U2 did an amazing job on it. To be added to that list, Black Eyed Peas played that in 2011 and now Usher who performed with us in 2011, will.i.am mused.
During the Black Eyed Peas’ performance in 2011, the group brought out Usher to perform OMG with them. Slash also played Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine alongside Fergie.
will.i.am told ET that he found it only fair that he should answer the call when Usher asked him to perform OMG again with him at his halftime show.
You know, I rock with him [Usher] on his set in 2024, he said, adding that they may have inadvertently made history in the process. I think it’s the first time someone has played the same song twice.
Despite what he called tedious rehearsals to perfect the 2024 performance, will.i.am said he could not have been prouder of Usher for bringing the energy and pulling off the incredible feat in the same vein as those who came before him.
[The] Rihanna show was awesome, Dr. Dre’s show was amazing. Usher just added a whole different dimension of choreography on the grass, he shared. He really like did his thing.
will.i.am added, I’m really proud of him.
As for his outfit choice, will.i.am told ET the style statement was a no-brainer.
You know I have to come with the futuristic gear each time, he said, describing his techno-esque look which he said lit up based on his own excitement level. It lights up with the energy. It feeds off of my electro-magnetic field.
After the performance, will.i.am had to get right back to work on his weekly SiriusXM show, will.i.am Presents the FYI Show, which examines artificial intelligence and how the latest technology intersects with pop culture, entertainment and world news.
will.i.am Presents the FYI Show airs on The 10s Spot (Ch. 11) on the SiriusXM app and car radios.
