Two years ago, the “Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show” became the first special of its kind to conquer a program category at the Emmys. Now, the latest edition of the annual mini-concert has brought headliner Usher his first Emmy nomination, which he shares with eight producers. If they all succeed, the show’s eight-time Grammy-winning star will join producer Jay-Z in being halfway to EGOT status.
Included among the programs challenging the halftime show on its franchise’s fifth consecutive Best Live Variety Special nomination are the latest eligible editions of the Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. Rounding out the lineup is Netflix’s “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady,” the subject of which is known for winning more Super Bowls than any other NFL player.
In order to pinpoint the likelihood of Usher and his team’s potential win, let’s take a closer look at each nominee. Be sure to make your predictions in this and 30 other Creative Arts Emmy categories by September 7.
“The Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show Starring Usher” (CBS)
Shortly before the Kansas City Chiefs achieved their fourth Super Bowl win (and second against the San Francisco 49ers), Usher took to the field to perform a 13-minute medley of more than a dozen of his greatest hits. Having supported The Black Eyed Peas’ Super Bowl performance over a decade ago, the R&B superstar was in turn joined on stage by will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., Lil Jon, and Ludacris.
“66th Grammy Awards” (CBS)
At this point, eight Grammys ceremonies have earned program Emmy notices but none have won. This February’s show was the fourth in a row hosted by comedian Trevor Noah and featured performances from major honorees Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and SZA, who all ended up falling behind solo artist and Boygenius member Phoebe Bridgers in terms of their win totals.
“The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady” (Netflix)
This star-studded event aired live in early May, more than a year after the premiere of Netflix’s first nominee in this category, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.” Over the course of three hours, the titular twice-retired NFL quarterback was thoroughly roasted by numerous friends and colleagues, including Rob Gronkowski, Peyton Manning, Kim Kardashian, and Will Ferrell in character as Ron Burgundy.
“96th Oscars” (ABC)
Although more than 30 previous Oscars ceremonies have picked up program Emmy nominations, the 1991 edition is the only one that has taken the gold. That was Billy Crystal’s second time hosting, while the latest show was the fourth presented by Jimmy Kimmel (after 2017, 2018, and 2023). “Oppenheimer” dominated the ceremony by conquering seven categories including Best Picture, while “Poor Things” and “The Zone of Interest” also scored multiple wins apiece.
“76th Tony Awards” (CBS)
Over the course of four decades, 27 Tonys ceremonies have earned program Emmy mentions, resulting in a dozen wins between 1987 and 2017. As was the case the year before, Oscar recipient and Tony nominee Ariana DeBose hosted the 2023 show under the direction of 14-time Emmy champ Glenn Weiss. Best Musical winner “Kimberly Akimbo” came out on top with five awards, followed by “Leopoldstadt” and “Some Like It Hot” with four each and “Life of Pi” with three.
So, what will win the 2024 Emmy for Best Live Variety Special? While one might think to critique the halftime show’s frontrunner status by citing the 2023 version’s loss, it could be true that current voters simply prefer such events to include many artists rather than just one. In that sense, Usher and his guests’ concert stands apart from Rihanna’s preceding solo performance by instead being reminiscent of the Gen X/Y-targeted 2022 show starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.
This year’s race further resembles 2022’s in that the older halftime show also had to fend off the Oscars and Grammys as well as a post-COVID lockdown special attached to the 74th Tonys. Given that none of those institutions have won in the six years since this specific category was established and considering the Brady roast’s mixed reception, predictors can more than reasonably expect the halftime show franchise to bounce back.
PREDICT the Creative Arts Emmy winners through September 7
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