Usher just headlined the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas, just two days after releasing his new album and not too long ago after completing his lucrative residencies in the same city.
His performance at the halftime show, which took place on Feb. 11, showcased his longstanding career and his ability to make calculated money moves. According to estimates, while although he was not paid for his performances but an appearance fee of $1,000, the exposure will most likely lead to millions being made, say experts.
But where he has generated the most money recently is his two Vegas residencies, which when combined made in excess of $100 million, Billboard reported.
Usher’s first residency began in 2021 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, but he moved to the Park MGM in July 2022, where tickets consistently sold out.
His Caesars residency comprised 20 dates and earned $18.8 million, and his MGM residency grossed $95.9 million across 80 shows, Rolling Stone reported. In total, he completed 100 shows and generated $114.6 million, averaging $1.198 million per show.
Usher’s Vegas Residencies Versus Others
Toni Braxton had a residency in late 2006 at the Flamingo hotel (which was cut short in 2008 due to illness). While the gross from Braxton’s stint is undisclosed, given that Usher completed more shows spanning two years, Braxton presumably generated less. She will be co-headlining a new Vegas residency in 2024 with comedian Cedric The Entertainer called Love & Laughter starting April 27.
A string of Black performers are in residency now, such as Boyz II Men, who started in March 2023 started at the Mirage; Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… is in residency at Virgin Hotel.
Usher reportedly fell short of breaking Celine Dion’s residency record at Caesars Palace, which began in 2003 and reportedly earned her almost $700 million by its end in 2019, per The Hollywood Reporter. Similarly, Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me” residency at Planet Hollywood from 2013 to 2017 reportedly grossed more than $130 million. And Adele, reportedly pocketed between $1 and $2 million per evening last year, according to Inside the Industry. She is slated to come back to Vegas in 2024 at Caesars Palace.
The Halftime Show
Joining Usher on stage were Alicia Keys, will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., Lil Jon, and Ludacris, all of whom have a significant history in Usher’s 30-year career, as reported by The New York Times.
Usher is set to continue his success with his new solo headline tour, “Usher: Past Present Future,” which was announced on Feb. 6.
His solo tour has the potential to earn more than $50 million from the initial 24 North American stops, with potential for additional dates, according to Billboard.
