The Super Bowl Halftime show and some of the most iconic singers and performers are nothing without surprises. From Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs winning the game to pop star Usher joined by Alicia Keys during the Halftime made this year’s Super Bowl LVIII extremely engaging.

Fans immediately flocked to social media to weigh in, with many claiming the hug lingered just a little too long. “Usher was really getting freaky with Alicia,” one fan tweeted, sparking thousands of retweets. Another joked: “Somebody check on Swizz Beatz right now,” referencing Alicia’s husband, the hip-hop producer. Memes flooded Twitter and TikTok, showing exaggerated reactions from “jealous partners” watching the show in real time.

While some fans laughed it off as harmless stage chemistry, others argued that the interaction crossed a line. “It’s one thing to perform together, it’s another thing to hug like that in front of millions,” one critic posted. Others defended the pair, insisting that both artists are seasoned professionals who were simply putting on a great show. “This is what performers do—they sell the moment,” a fan countered.

Adding fuel to the fire, Usher has long been known for his smooth, flirtatious stage persona. From his iconic “Confessions” era to his Las Vegas residency, the R&B star has never shied away from blending sensuality into his performances. Alicia Keys, meanwhile, is widely respected for her soulful, heartfelt delivery, making the sudden injection of “spice” feel unexpected for some viewers.

Alicia Keys and Usher during their performance at the Super Bowl Halftime
However, there have been moments being called out by fans after they saw Usher’s body language and gestures toward the Girl on Fire singer. The social media is filled with netizens and fans shocked by the pop star hugging Alicia Keys. What resulted in these reactions is the fact that Keys is a married woman, and her husband, after watching this, will probably get ready for a battle.

Fans Criticize Usher For Being Super Close To Alicia Keys During Their Super Bowl Halftime Show
Fans react to Alicia Keys and Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime performance
 

The Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, was intensely absorbing. Watching Alicia Keys in her head-to-toe red bodysuit while singing with Usher made it even more interesting. However, fans are calling out the Hey Daddy maker hugging and embracing the Brand New Me singer during their performance.

Usher opened his stunning performance with Caught Up with other performers transforming the stage into a party. Among the surprise guests was Alicia Keys, joining the singer with a red piano and duetting If I Ain’t Got You. And if Usher and Alicia Keys are blending their voice, how can they not sing My Boo.

Usher losing his glove in an apparent tribute to Michael Jackson also contributed to the success of the Halftime show, which literally felt like a gala filled with some of the most iconic artists.

Alicia Keys Talked About Embracing The Process of Aging
Alicia Keys (image via her Instagram)
Now that half of the world is talking about the Super Bowl 2024 and the breathtaking performances by Alicia Keys and other notable artists, many fans might wonder about how stunning and energetic the Dream On maker looked. Well, it’s no secret as Keys herself revealed embracing and loving the process of aging.

While talking about her style and beauty, Alicia Keys also shared her thoughts on her thoughts again and how she’s loving the process of getting older and wiser. In an interview with The Cut, she said:

“I think you get more beautiful as you get older, too. I feel like there’s something about it. Your heart opens more. You have a quality about you that is so much stronger in a way.”

The renowned singer also talked about the beauty standards and how she prefers a makeup-free or glam look instead of going for intense looks. Her stunning look at the Super Bowl Halftime show was evident in how glamorous Alicia Keys is when it comes to flaunting her fashion and style.

The Super Bowl halftime show is supposed to be a celebration of music and entertainment, but this year, Usher found himself at the center of controversy after his performance with Alicia Keys. What should have been a powerful duet turned into a trending debate when fans accused Usher of getting “a little too freaky” with Alicia on stage.

The moment came when Alicia Keys made her grand entrance, seated at a red piano as she launched into her classic hit “If I Ain’t Got You.” Usher soon joined her, and the two seamlessly transitioned into a duet that had the crowd on its feet. But as the chemistry between the two intensified, cameras captured Usher embracing Alicia in a close hug that quickly became the night’s most talked-about moment.

The debate has since taken over social media, overshadowing even parts of the halftime show’s setlist. On Instagram, clips of the hug have racked up millions of views, with comment sections divided between fans calling it “iconic” and others labeling it “awkward.” On TikTok, reaction videos featuring Swizz Beatz memes have gone viral, pushing the conversation even further.

As of now, neither Usher nor Alicia Keys has addressed the controversy directly, but Swizz Beatz did share supportive posts about his wife’s performance, subtly shutting down speculation of any tension. Still, the viral chatter has proven that even a brief embrace can steal headlines during the most-watched event of the year.

Ultimately, the hug may be remembered less as scandal and more as a classic example of how stage chemistry can blur the lines between performance and reality. But for fans tuning in, one thing is certain: Usher’s halftime show wasn’t just about music—it was about a hug that had the entire internet talking.