R&B crooner Usher will be kicking off the 2008 NFL season in New York next week.

The Atlanta bred singer will take the stage at New York’s Columbus Circle on Thursday (September 4) prior to the game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants.

Usher will perform “Here I Stand,” “Changing Places” and “What’s Your Name”.  He will be joined by Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am.

According to The Associated Press, Usher revealed that he also plans to perform during the Super bowl’s half-time show in February.  Past half-time performers have included Prince, Nelly and P. Diddy.

“I don’t think it’s too early to consider it,” Usher said.  “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.”

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