Usher On Controversial Super Bowl Performance with Alicia Keys: ‘I’m Not a Pervert’

Usher has responded to the public outcry over his Super Bowl halftime show performance with Alicia Keys, as backlash continues nearly one week after the show. He emphasized that it was a celebration of their musical legacy.

The duo’s rendition of their 2004 hit “My Boo” at the event sparked discussions among fans, particularly regarding a moment when Usher tightly hugged Alicia from the back.

Speaking on “The Breakfast Club” on Monday, Usher defended their performance, stating, “In no way, anything that was done there should have been viewed as bad [or] perverted in any way. It was literally about having fun because of a song that me and Alicia made many years ago and we celebrate it because of the legacy of it.”

The singer made it clear that their intention was to honor their collaboration and not to disrespect anyone. The performance, which he described as having the “Usher effect,” was meant to be a joyful celebration of their past work.

Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys’ husband and a renowned music producer, also addressed the criticism on Instagram. He shifted the focus to the positive aspects of the performance, highlighting Keys’ stunning outfit that captivated the stadium.

“Y’all talking about the wrong damn thing !!! y’all don’t see that amazing dress covering the entire stadium,” he wrote, showing his support for his wife’s performance with Usher.

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The discussion surrounding the performance underscores the impact and enduring appeal of “My Boo,” as well as the scrutiny that comes with high-profile events like the Super Bowl halftime show. Both Usher and Alicia Keys, along with Swizz Beatz, have made it clear that their focus remains on the music and the celebration of their artistic achievements.