Usher pays tribute to late drummer Aaron Spears during Super Bowl halftime show

Usher's Super Bowl halftime show featured a celebration of his greatest hits with the help of some of the fellow artists he's worked with throughout his 20-plus year career. But one important person was missing from the night: his longtime drummer, Aaron Spears. The singer subtly paid tribute to his late friend during his show.

Usher's performance featured two drum sets on stage, with a gold one left open in honor of Spears, Rolling rock has confirmed.

Spears, who died in October 2023, served as a producer on Usher's 2004 smash Confessionswhich earned him a Grammy nomination, while he was also featured in Usher and James Brown's memorable performance of “Caught Up” and “Sex Machine” at the 2005 Grammys. The drummer has also collaborated with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne and Lady Gaga throughout his career.

Spears' wife, Jessica, confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media in October, although it did not specify the cause of death. “Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer, admired by many for his unmatched talent and passion for music, but he was also a devoted father to our precious son, August,” he wrote. “His love, guidance and warmth were the pillars of our family and his absence leaves a void that words cannot describe.”

As for Usher's halftime performance, the singer opened his set with “Caught Up,” before launching into a string of his greatest hits, including “My Confessions, Pt. II,” and “U Got It Bad.” .Lil Jon appeared to perform “Turn Down For What” before Usher launched into the iconic “Yeah!”, which also featured Lil Jon and Ludacris, who came out to drop his verses from the smash hit. Alicia Keys was also on hand for a duet of “If I Ain't Got You” and “My Boo.”