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Hey Usher, Please Have These Guest Performers at Your Super Bowl Halftime Show on January 12, 2024 at 3:45 pm The Hollywood Gossip

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I’m a sucker for a special guest performers during the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Truth be told: I only watch the big game for the Halftime Show anyway, and I am STOKED that Usher is performing in 2024!

Usher performs onstage during iHeartRadio Q102’s Jingle Ball 2023, only a few months before his big Super Bowl Halftime Show. ((Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for iHeartRadio))

But here’s the thing: the best part of performing on the biggest night of sports is that you get to put on the biggest show you can think of. That means you can all your friends and make it quite the party!

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And let’s face it, it’s not just me that loves a special guest. The Halftime Shows that live in infamy all had surprise guests!

Destiny’s Child reunited during Beyonce’s act; 50 Cent quite literally dropped in during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show; and no one can top Rihanna in 2023 with her surprise guest — her second child, Riot Rose.

Usher’s Super Bowl Guest Performers Wishlist

While no official announcement has been made, Usher admitted he’s “absolutely” taking calls from past collaborators and friends about a potential Super Bowl appearance. In fact, he told ET that it’s something he’s been “considering a lot.”

Well, since it’s on your mind, Ush, may I be so bold as to make some suggestions?

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Alicia Keys and Usher perform onstage at the Keep a Child Alive Annual Fundraiser in 2005. ((Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images))

Alicia Keys

Ok, first of all, I’m FLOORED Alicia hasn’t been asked to perform the Halftime Show herself by now.

But still, the turf of football’s biggest game isn’t new territory for her. She performed The National Anthem live at Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans over a decade ago.

Then, she returned in 2021 to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” live at Super Bowl LV.

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Experience? Check! Killer voice? Check? Duet with Usher? I mean, if you haven’t already started singing the chorus to their 2004 smash “My Boo,” what’s wrong with you?!

“My Boo” was released in 2004 on Usher’s fourth studio album, Confessions. Alicia Keys featured on the track, which stayed at Number 1 in the US for six consecutive weeks.

Usher and Justin Bieber perform on NBC’s “Today” in the TODAY Plaza on November 23, 2011. ((Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images))

Justin Bieber

Ok, I know this one is a long shot, namely because their duet is technically one of Justin’s songs.

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But c’mon, no matter the status of your Bieber fever, we can all admit that his 2010 track “Somebody to Love” slapped.

Besides, as Bieber’s mentor, Usher is within is right to call in a favor. And when Usher calls, who would be fool enough not to answer.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj and Usher perform onstage during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. ((Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images))

W

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“Lil Freak” is a sexy, sophisticated R&B track, elevated to a whole new level with Nicki Minaj dropping bars.

The song doesn’t get enough credit, given that it was the next single to be released after “OMG.”

Despite not being as successful, there’s nothing fans would like to see more than these two reunited on stage again.

Plus, Nicki’s a pro at this. She was one of Madonna’s special guest performers when the Queen of Pop headlined the Super Bowl Halftime in 2012.

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Lil Jon and Ludacris

Last, but certainly not least. Actually, if these guys don’t show, I’m not even really sure there’s a point to having the Halftime at all!

Rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris have been at Usher’s side for years, being two of his closest pals in the industry and his best collaborators.

Yeah, I said it!

 Lil Jon, Usher, and Ludacris perform onstage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival. ((Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images))

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First, there’s the track ‘Lovers and Friends.’ Released in 2004, the song was Usher’s second collaboration with Lil Jon and Ludacris. While the slow jam doesn’t have much of a place on a Super Bowl playlist, it’s still one of Usher’s best collaborations.

But the best is … YEAH!

When “Yeah” dropped in 2004, it was an instant banger. With Ludacris and Lil Jon hyping things up, Usher’s lead single for his fourth studio album, ‘Confessions’, ended up staying at Number 1 on the charts for 12 consecutive weeks.

And actually, Usher has a track record of surprising audiences with his pals. Just this past November, during Usher’s My Way Las Vegas residency , the superstar brought out  Ludacris for a surprise performance of “Yeah”.

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So, we can we just count them in or….?

Usher’s Super Bowl guest performers will officially be announced in due time, so fingers crossed for this lot!

The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is set to air on CBS during Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024.

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Hey Usher, Please Have These Guest Performers at Your Super Bowl Halftime Show was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

I’m a sucker for a special guest performers during the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Truth be told: I only watch …
Hey Usher, Please Have These Guest Performers at Your Super Bowl Halftime Show was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip. 

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DJ Shinski Brings AfriqueFest To Life

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AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.

Spotlight on DJ Shinski

At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.

He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.

DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.

At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.

DJ Tunez and the rest of the night

Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.

Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.

Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir

Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.

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If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.

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STREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026

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Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel

A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.

It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.

A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs

Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.

The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.

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Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.

The Women Behind the Show

Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:

  • Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
  • Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
  • Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)

“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star

Already a Festival Favorite

The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:

  • 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
  • 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
  • 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
  • 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
  • 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
  • ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
  • 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez

Where and When to Watch

Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.

Click Here To Get Tickets

Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:

For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


About Christin Jezak

Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.

About The Roku Channel

Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.

About Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.

Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.

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What Filmmakers Should Actually Steal From Euphoria

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Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?

Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.

1. Put the Camera Inside the Character

Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.

That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.

So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.

2. Your Style Has to Mean Something

The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.

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The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.

The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.

3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant

When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.

Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.

By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.

It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.

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What Not to Take

The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.

The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.


This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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