August 29, 2008 22:11

Usher, Natasha Bedingfield to kick off NFL season

Keith Urban will also play season kick-off gig

Usher is set to kick off the forthcoming NFL season, with a concert at Columbus Circle in New York on Thursday (September 4).

The R n’ B singer will perform alongside Natasha Bedingfield and Keith Urban at the afternoon concert which will take place before the Redskins Vs Giants game.

And despite rumours that Bruce Springsteen will provide the halftime entertainment at the 2009 Super Bowl, Usher says he would like to take part.

"I don't think it's too early to consider it," he told the Associated Press. "Certainly being associated with the organization makes that a lot more possible. There have been conversations for a lot of years about me being part of a performance at a Super Bowl."

And he says he is performing next week’s gig in an effort to score the coveted halftime slot.

"I'm hoping that this leads, definitely, to that,” he said “This whole process is basically you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

The concert on Thursday will stream on NFL.com, and Usher plans to perform three songs: ‘Here I Stand’, ‘Changing Places’ and ‘What's Your Name’, accompanied by Obama supporter will.i.am.

--By our New York staff.
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