Taylor Swift and Usher are two of the biggest names in the music industry, but they also share a surprising friendship that goes back more than a decade. The pop and R&B stars have performed together, supported each other, and even joked about the possibility of Swift joining Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.

How Taylor Swift and Usher Met and Performed Together

Taylor Swift and Usher first crossed paths in December 2009, when they both performed at Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York. Swift was promoting her Fearless album, while Usher was gearing up for his EDM-pop crossover with Raymond v Raymond. The two also posed for some backstage photos with Justin Bieber, who was Usher’s protégé at the time.

Two years later, Usher made a surprise appearance at Swift’s Speak Now World Tour in Atlanta, where he joined her on stage to perform his hit single “Yeah!”. Taylor Swift rapped Ludacris’ verse, while Usher brought his sons Naviyd and Usher Raymond V to join the fun. He later praised Taylor Swift for her “crunk” and “hip-hop swag” and revealed that she invited him to the show while he was hanging out with his kids.

Swift was known for bringing in special guests to her concerts, and Usher was one of the many stars who accepted her invitation. Others included Nicki Minaj, Hayley Williams, Kenny Chesney, and Selena Gomez.

How They Stayed in Touch and Teased a Super Bowl Reunion

Since their 2011 performance, Taylor Swift and Usher have not been seen together publicly, but they still seem to be on good terms. In November 2023, Usher appeared on Today with Hoda & Jenna to share details about his upcoming halftime show at Super Bowl 58. He hinted that he might have some special guests, and Swift was one of the names that came up.

At the time, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, had not yet secured his spot in the championship game. Usher joked that if Kelce made it, Swift would definitely be there, and he might try to impress her with his vocal riffs. He also said that Swift was one of the few people he would make an exception for as a guest act.

As it turned out, Kelce and the Chiefs did make it to the Super Bowl, where they will face the San Francisco 49ers. Swift, however, has a concert in Japan the night before for her Eras Tour, which might make it difficult for her to attend the game. According to TMZ, Swift will not perform at any point during the night, including before kickoff or during the halftime show.

Still, fans are hoping for a reunion between Swift and Usher, who have both achieved incredible success and acclaim in their respective genres. Swift recently made history by winning her fourth album of the year Grammy for Midnights, while Usher is preparing to headline his first Super Bowl halftime show after winning eight Grammys in his career.