It goes without saying that it’s been a massive year for Kendrick Lamar. The hitmaker went head-to-head with Drake in what would become one of the most explosive battles hip-hop fans have seen in a while. Of course, this has his supporters more eager than ever to know what his next move will be. Luckily, fans have more of an idea now, thanks to an announcement he just made on Twitter/X.
“Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans,” he wrote simply alongside a YouTube link. The video shows Kendrick positioned in front of a huge American flag, announcing that he’ll be headlining the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show, which is scheduled for February 9, 2025. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” he explained. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
This won’t be Kendrick’s first Halftime Show, however, as he was a special guest during Dr. Dre’s showcase back in 2022. Either way, fans can’t wait and are sounding off about the exciting news online. The announcement arrives amid the tremendous success of the Compton-born performer’s track, “Not Like Us.” The song has sold over 5 million units in the United States alone, an impressive milestone for being just four months old. It was the second track to do so this year, per Chart Data.
The announcement also comes just as Drake has been teasing the idea of a second round of their viral rap beef. Late last month, the Toronto artist shared a clip of Rasheed Wallace saying “We will win Game 2” on his burner Instagram account, which many took as a hint at what’s to come. What do you think of Kendrick Lamar announcing that he’s heading Super Bowl LIX? Are you surprised or not? Are you looking forward to his performance? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
In the blink of an eye, Jennifer Goicoechea became Usher’s wife. The R&B icon and the talented music executive have been turning heads with their love this year. And now, they’ve taken it a step further with their recently announced wedding. They exchanged vows after Usher’s amazing Super Bowl Halftime performance. Evidently, these two are madly in love, and Usher’s swooning confessions even made it to his ninth album, Coming Home. As the pair are now on their next phase as a couple, let’s journey through Usher and his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea’s relationship timeline.
While it is unknown when the two first met, Usher and Goicoechea were first photographed together in 2016. The next time they were seen together was two years later. Goicoechea posted a photo on Instagram, which featured her positioned between two friends, and Usher laughing as he leaned over the trio. The photo immediately sparked dating rumors, especially since Goicoechea seemed to be quite close to Usher and his close circle of friends. Usher and his now-wife eventually came out and confirmed the rumors in 2019. While attending the Hollywood Bowl, the two shared a photo with Goicoechea kissing Usher on the cheek.
By 2020, the couple was revealed to be expecting their first child together. The pair was spotted in Los Angeles, outside a production studio, showcasing Jennifer’s visible baby bump. A source speaking with Us Weekly shared that the couple was “thrilled and very excited.” A few months later, the couple welcomed their baby girl, Sovereign Bo Raymond.
In May 2021, Usher revealed that he and his now-wife were expecting their second child together. By September, Sire Castrello Raymond was born. Usher gushed about the baby on his Instagram and posted a close-up of Sire’s face with the caption: “Hi, my name is Sire Castrello Raymond. I am the newest addition to the Raymond crew. I was born Sept 29 2021 at 6:42pm weighing 7lbs 13oz. Hear me roar … A.K.A Ra Ra. Gang.”
Even before she became his wife, Usher regularly posted Goicoechea on his Instagram account, from Mother’s Day celebrations to Halloween. In November 2023, Usher gushed about his love and relationship with Goicoechea to PEOPLE Magazine. “I have an amazing partner, a support system,” he said. He rounded out the interview by revealing that he’s “very happy, very fortunate to have an incredible friend, not just a partner. She’s my best friend and I love her.”
Usher and Goicoechea obtained a marriage license in Nevada a few days before the Super Bowl. After giving a phenomenal performance at the Super Bowl Halftime, the eight-time Grammy winner went off and tied the knot with his love. Usher also took to his Instagram to post various pictures of the wedding. The intimate moment also featured Usher and Jenn’s kids, as well as his children with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster.
It’s often expected for music legends to wane in popularity decades into their careers. However, Usher is one of the artists defying expectations, and his ninth album, Coming Home, is a testament to his status as the King of R&B. Hitting the streets ahead of his sultry, sweaty Super Bowl halftime performance, Coming Home reverts Usher back to his peak stardom of the 2000s. Remarkably, while distinctive in a newer sound, it’s a perfect blend of the old and the new.
As a result, Usher crafts a unique lane with Coming Home. The 45-year-old ATL crooner is more confident than ever while channeling the sex appeal of his younger days with much ease. During his spellbinding Vegas residency last year, Usher “steal yo’ girl” Raymond reminded the world why it would be a great disservice to compare him to anyone else in the game. He is evidently in his own lane, and just like wine, he’s only gotten more delicious with age.
Taking away from his signature sensuality, Coming Home is a culmination of the Usher’s legacy. When he sings about sex, he does so with enough intensity that it’s rather easy to swoon. However, the love songs scattered across the album prove one thing — Usher’s madly in love. After it was reported that he had privately tied the knot with music executive Jennifer Goicoechea, it became clearer. There are talks of wanting to be “a better man,” and “doing it right this time” that show forth his commitment to remaining faithful to his wife.
The quality of the music is also assuredly more sexually charged than ever, although his romance could potentially divert the listener’s attention. Therefore, even though Usher might not be singing to anyone else, it’s hard to remove oneself from the equation, almost as though the bachelor is still as present as the married man. This feels almost identical to his iconic Confessions album, where the average listener ignores the album’s plot, to immerse themselves in Usher’s own world. This ability to capture the audience is why, 30 years later, Usher still has us by the neck.
The King Of R&B Takes Necessary Leaps
Right at the center of Coming Home is passion, which Usher translates effortlessly into his craft, vocal abilities, and unmistakable arousal. Between baring his heart and soul out, he leaves his body on the line as well. The breakup anthem for mature lovers, “Good Good,” reunites him with Summer Walker for an easy standout on the project. He also chooses his features for their respective buzz. Particularly, Nigerian singer and producer Pheelz contributes production, writing, and vocal credits, introducing Usher to a more diverse Afrobeats sound. Their collaboration, “Ruin,” which is also co-written with South Africa’s Manana, is perhaps the best track on Coming Home.
Concurrently, on Coming Home, Usher proves he can stand on his own two feet and still make a major splash. With his flexible vocals, the R&B maestro is bold, nasty, vulnerable, and raw when he’s riding solo. “Stone Kold Freak,” “BIG,” “I Am The Party,” and “I Love U” maintain Usher’s versatility, proving he’s a Jack of all trades. Closing out the album is the remix of “Standing Next To You,” a collaboration with BTS’ Jungkook. Evidently, there’s no better way to describe the single, other than a sugary, pop-disco number that features two unlikely collaborators. Furthermore, Usher finds a similar comfort on the track, which is reminiscent of his union with none other than his idol, Michael Jackson.
Altogether, Usher keeps his place in R&B alive with Coming Home. The album also marks his most successful debut on the Billboard 200 in over a decade. As the artist preps for his Past Present Future World Tour, it’s clear that Usher’s determined to dominate the 2020s with newfound vigor. With all the uncertainty surrounding older acts attempting to make a powerful return, Usher breezes on by to the top. Altogether, talent and legacy unite for the legend, but this feat was no overnight endeavor. Through careful planning, a masterful combination of nostalgia and futurism, and strategic performances, Coming Home has the world longing for some more Usher, one of the last true R&B heroes of our time.
Usher has had an incredibly blessed year so far, with 2024 bringing a landmark Super Bowl halftime performance, a brand new album release, and even a long-awaited marriage ceremony for the artist. Usher wed his long-time girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea on Super Bowl Sunday, with an outdoor ceremony attended by the Grammy Award-winner’s mother, Jonetta Patton. Unlike many chart-topping public figures, who opt to engage in romance with other household names, Usher’s wife is a music industry executive who generally tends to remain behind the camera and out of the spotlight.
Despite being relatively unknown by the public, Goicoechea has truly stolen Usher’s heart and currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the hit-maker and their two children. Die-hard fans have many questions regarding how the happy couple met, when they became engaged, and more. Here’s everything we know about Jennifer Goicoechea.
Jennifer Goicoechea hails from the Sunshine State of Florida, where she attended Full Sail University in Winter Park. Goicoechea’s mother was the director of operations at ACT Productions, prompting the young woman to study recording arts and eventually shadow her mother at the media production company. Goicoechea got her start in the industry by serving as an assistant to Ciara for a time before eventually opening her own private firm, Boogs’N’Effect Management.
Goicoechea earned recognition as one of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players in both 2020 and 2021, following her appointment as the senior vice president of A&R at Epic Records. Though the details of how the exec developed a close relationship with Usher remain elusive, social media posts dating back to 2016 depict the pair interacting at music and social networking events.
Though many fans assumed Usher was intimate with the mysterious music executive beforehand, Usher and Jennifer Goicoechea seemingly confirmed their romance during a 40th birthday bash for producer Keith Thomas in 2019. Months later, the couple kissed at the Hollywood Bowl, and they subsequently announced via Good Morning America that they were expecting their first child in 2020.
Their first daughter, Sovereign Bo Raymond, was born on September 24, 2020. Not wasting any time, Usher and Goicoechea welcomed a second child on September 29 the following year, a boy named Sire Castrello Raymond. Usher also has two boys that he shares with his ex-wife Tameka Foster, causing the artist to reflect in recent years on the joy and blessing of growing a blended family together.
Though Jennifer Goicoechea may not be a household name lighting up the stage wherever she goes, the music industry executive seems to be a perfect fit for Usher. In a November 2023 interview, Usher offered some loving words for his soon-to-be-wife, stating, “I have an amazing partner, a support system. We have any amazing dynamic between our relationship where I’m able to be passionate still about what I do and have an incredible partner to work through some of the harder times as a young man dealing with children and dealing with the dynamic of how you communicate with them.”
The couple finally tied the knot at Terrace Gazebo on Super Bowl Sunday, the very same day that Usher took to the stage at Allegiant Stadium for his groundbreaking half-time performance.
Usher’s recent Super Bowl half-time performance reinvigorated fans’ love for the prolific singer-songwriter and reminded audiences why he’s been a fixture in the music industry since the late 1990s. As one of the most influential figures in contemporary R&B and pop, Usher’s career has been defined by his soulful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and commitment to musical innovation. He has even been called the king of R&B.
Beyond his commercial success, Usher’s talents have earned him recognition at the highest levels of the music industry, including the prestigious Grammy Awards. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Usher has taken home eigth Grammy wins, with just under two dozen nominations. Here’s a look into the singer’s career and Grammy wins.
Usher Won His First Grammy In 2001
Per the official Grammy Awards website, Usher’s first ever Academy Award was for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance on the track “U Remind Me.” Usher had previously received two nominations at the 40th and 41st Grammy’s, respectively, for his performance on the tracks “You Make Me Wanna” and “My Way.” “U Remind Me” is a story-telling ballad that follows a man who meets the perfect woman but ultimately fails to court her because she looks too similar to his ex-girlfriend.
Though the track brought in Usher’s very first Grammy Award win, it was far from his last. Since 2001’s 44th Grammy Awards, Usher has become a fixture of the event, often performing live when he isn’t too busy taking the stage with an acceptance speech. In fact, Usher brought home back-to-back wins with the release of the track “U Don’t Have To Call” just a year later.
2005 Saw Usher’s Biggest Year At The Grammy’s Yet
After not receiving any nominations at the 46th Grammys, Usher had a massive year during 2005’s 47th Grammy Awards. During the show, Usher took the stage alongside James Brown and performed hit tracks such as “Get Up — I Feel Like Being Like A Sex Machine” and “Caught Up.” During the event, Usher brought home three Grammy wins out of eight nominations, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the track “Yeah!” with Lil Jon and Ludacris.
The event marked the first time in Usher’s career that he won multiple Academy Awards in a single evening and remains the most at-once nominations he has received. The singer would go on to receive several nominations in the years following the 47th Grammys, though he didn’t take home another trophy until the 53rd celebration in 2011.
His Most Recent Win Was In 2013
Usher’s eighth and most recent Grammy win was for Best R&B Performance in 2013. Usher took home the award for his hit track “Climax,” which, despite its suggestive title, is a slow, meditative jam focusing on long-term relationships’ complications. By this point, both the Academy and audiences at large had abundantly recognized Usher as a certified hit-maker, known for producing radio-friendly tunes that were equally enjoyable in clubs and at home.
Since 2013, Usher has amassed another five Grammy nominations despite slowing his musical output to focus on many behind-the-scenes roles within the music industry. Yet, the beloved singer recently dropped an album just before his Super Bowl performance, so next year could see the long-awaited return of Usher on the Grammy’s stage.
As fans anxiously await Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show, rumors are flying about which special guests he’s invited to join him. Last week, he confirmed that he’ll be bringing out Ludacris and Lil Jon. Of course, they plan to perform their hit, “Yeah.” Alicia Keys was also later confirmed, though it’s unclear whether or not they’ll perform their Confessions classic, “My Boo.”
On Friday, talk even began that Justin Bieber might come out at some point, though they’ve yet to confirm or deny this. Rumors only heated up when the Kardashians landed in Vegas yesterday, accompanied by someone who looked a lot like JB. Reportedly, the “Baby” singer was even spotted roaming around the Wynn at some point today alongside his wife Hailey and Pastor Judah Smith.
Beyonce and Usher backstage at ÒWe are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration At The Lincoln MemorialÓ presented exclusively by HBO on Sunday January 18th 2009. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Based on fans’ reactions to that, JB’s appearance would certainly be well received. Yet another artist is now rumored to be joining Usher’s lineup, however, and its none other than the Queen herself, Beyonce. Moreover, the hive is hopeful that the duo will perform their Here I Stand cut, “Love In This Club, Pt. II.” While it’s to be seen whether or not Beyonce will actually perform, it’s not the only exciting moment rumored to be happening during the Super Bowl.
It’s speculated that Bey will announce her own residency in Vegas at the Sphere. Fans suspect that it’ll be announced during Verizon’s Super Bowl commercial. A few days ago, the company dropped a photo of Beyonce’s iconic Renaissance disco horse, Reneigh, prompting rumors. Are you looking forward to Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime show? What about rumors that Beyonce could make an appearance? Do you think she’ll announce a Vegas residency tonight? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Usher is currently gearing up to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and supporters can’t wait to see what he’s come up with. He’s already confirmed that various special guests will be joining him for the eagerly-anticipated show. He’s even teaming up with Ludacris and Lil Jon to perform their 2004 hit, “Yeah!” Now, a source has chatted with TMZ, claiming that they saw Usher rehearsing with none other than Alicia Keys.
For obvious reasons, fans speculate that they’ll perform their Confessions collab “My Boo,” though this is not yet confirmed. It’s also unclear at which point in the show Keys will join Usher, as he’s rumored to have various other special guests lined up. Usher’s set is also 15 minutes long, two more minutes than what’s typically allotted.
Singer Usher and musician Alicia Keys perform Usher’s number one song “My Boo” on stage during the 32nd Annual “American Music Awards” at the Shrine Auditorium November 14, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Earlier today, TMZ also reported that a source with inside information told them Usher’s been in talks with Justin Bieber. According to them, Usher reached out to JB to ask him if he was interested in performing during the show. It’s unclear whether or not he plans on it, but the source claimed they communicated directly.
As for Usher, he couldn’t be more excited for the show. He is feeling some pressure to make sure everything goes off without a hitch, however. “It has to be perfect,” he told Vogue last month. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I want people who have been a part of that journey to feel like it’s a celebration for everybody, for all of us, from the beginning up until this point.” What do you think of reports that Alicia Keys will join Usher onstage for his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance? Do you hope that they perform “My Boo”? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Super Bowl commercials have long been cultural staples. In a limited amount of time, they seek to tug at human emotions. However, most of these ads love a good joke as their backbone. That’s why the most memorable Super Bowl commercials are usually the funniest ones.
As Usher preps to headline the halftime show, we expect a new wave of hilarious ads. For example, Cardi B will star in a Super Bowl NYX commercial. Moreover, as fans anticipate what’s to come from the hilarious rapper, many other stars like Ice Spice are set to star in a host of commercials as well. With that being said, the following is a list of humorous Super Bowl commercials that fans can’t get over.
7. “This Is Getting Old” (2018)
E*Trade has quite a long list of famous Super Bowl commercials. A more recent addition to the company’s hilarious commercials is 2018’s “This is Getting Old.” The video features clips of older folks belting out the eerily fitting “Day-O” chorus: “I’m 85, and I want to go home.” We get clips of the fur-coated DJ NANA headlining a rave, as well as a senior Firewoman as she’s whipped around by the water hose. There’s even a senior lifeguard disrupting the Baywatch-style march of his younger, toned colleagues. However, the humorous finance company’s commercial closes with a sobering stat: roughly one-third of Americans lack retirement savings.
6. “Puppy Monkey Baby” (2016)
Hated by some, loved by many, “Puppy Monkey Baby” was a bizarre yet hilarious commercial. Mountain Dew sponsored the commercial for their new drink: the Mountain Dew Kickstart. This drink was an interesting combination of soda, juice, and caffeine. In the commercial, the drink is served up by Puppy Monkey Baby—a dancing mascot with a pug’s face, monkey’s body and baby’s legs. The scene would probably remain bizarre if it didn’t end with the strange creature getting its own backup dancers to join in the party and birthing a viral sensation.
5. “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
As a brand, Old Spice managed to reach an advertising peak in 2010. In one of the most hilarious commercials of all time, this now iconic Old Spice ad premiered at the Super Bowl. On paper, it’s all about getting your man to smell as good as the protagonist. However, Old Spice opened up a multiverse of some sorts, with many other brands following a similar pattern.
4. “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2003)
In 2003, Reebok unleashed office mayhem with Terry “Terrible” Tate for Super Bowl XXXVII. The idea was born from the short film Pilot, by Peter Chiarelli in 2000. Tate, a character Lester Speight portrays, is an American football linebacker turned office enforcer. Tate’s catchphrases became popular, from the ominous “The pain train’s coming” to the coffee-centric “You kill the joe, you make some mo.” It remains one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials, blending humor and workplace dynamics seamlessly.
3. “It’s A Tide Ad” (2018)
In 2018, Tide pulled off the ultimate ad takeover, compiling numerous Super Bowl commercials and turning them into Tide ads. Narrated by David Harbour, the company basically declared that whenever viewers laid eyes on spotless clothes, they had Tide to thank. The twist? Harbour popped up not just once, but a whopping seven separate times. Did you think that was the beginning of Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” commercial? Wrong! It’s a Tide ad! Altogether, it was the Rick Roll version of commercials, and everyone loved it.
2. “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
One of the most iconic Super Bowl commercials features the talented and humorous Betty White. It starts with a group of guys getting down and dirty playing tackle ball with the iconic Golden Girl. Specifically, White gets tackled down hard into a mud puddle by one of the guys. Soon after, one of the guys shouts at her, “Mike! You’re playing like Betty White out there.” In a hilarious twist, she fired back: “That’s not what your girlfriend says.” Overall, heads were turned, and White furthered her icon status.
1. “Alexa Loses Her Voice” (2018)
Amazon hit the jackpot with the celebrity-fueled Alexa ad in 2018. It features notable names like Cardi B, Anthony Hopkins, and Gordon Ramsey. One of the most hilarious Super Bowl commercials of all time, it gives us a peek into what life would be like if Alexa lost her voice. Needless to say, Alexa doesn’t need any celeb replacements anytime soon.
