How Usher, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift Build Th...

Tom Cruise is often said to be the last of a dwindling breed: the true movie star. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz consider the performances that have earned him that designation. The hosts are joined by Tyler Foggatt, a s ...  Show more

On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss the perennial appeal of survival stories. They trace the theme of man versus nature from early novels like Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” to new releases like “Heart of the Beast,” ...  Show more

Last week we revisited our conversation with Usher to celebrate his Super Bowl performance and the incredible career resurgence he’s had over the last couple of years. In thinking about our catalog, I thought there was another conversation worth revisiting - Malcolm Gladwell spea ...  Show more

Grading Usher and his halftime performance. Taylor Swift was clearly the big winner of the night. Beyonce had a big commercial moment, but it wasn't viewed as a total success. Kanye has moved on from upsetting the public to now upsetting other musicians.

A conversation about his long career path through several generations of R&B, and what he might do on such a big stage. Guests: Thomas Hobbs and Danielle Amir Jackson. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favori ...  Show more

R&B superstar Usher Raymond IV catapulted from breakout teen performer to multi-platinum music sensation. Usher details how he dealt with fame at a young age and the role that family has played in shaping his career and life along the way. Usher is an eight-time Grammy winner and ...  Show more