San Francisco 49ers

Usher gets the next crack at Apple Music's reign over the Super Bowl Halftime Show -- and they're going all out with a highly-produced promo ... an ode to "The Hangover."

Super Bowl LVIII's in Vegas this year and Apple gathered Usher and the gang -- Ludacris, Lil Jon and Taraji P. Henson -- to recreate the classic comedy flick in a 7-minute clip loaded with other stars, and it seems to suggest these stars might be in the mix on Sunday.

The short film opens with Apple CEO Tim Cook alerting Luda, Jon and Taraji via FaceTime (shameless plugs, duh!) that Ursh had gone MIA  ... and the trio proceeds to run amuck through Sin City to find the missing R&B superstar.

Along the way they encounter Anderson .Paak, J Balvin and Wesley Snipes, and Vegas staples -- The Blue Man Group and Criss Angel -- in full character to beef up the comedy and there's a strong hint that Usher will incorporate his masterclass roller skating into his halftime set.

Around this time last year, Usher, Floyd Mayweather and several other celebs hit the rink to celebrate Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" album with Apple Music so the synergy is running high.

It's shaping up to be Usher's year ... he's dropping his new album "Coming Home" on Sunday and also going on tour in August.

Fans in Detroit are still lickin' their wounds after the crushing NFC Championship loss ... and things didn't get any better for Motor City sports fans last night when they were trolled by the Sacramento Kings!

But, Big D got the last laugh!

The last place Detroit Pistons were in Sactown Wednesday night, and for some reason, the Kings (29-21) chose video violence, playing lowlights from the Lions' loss to the San Francisco 49ers during player introductions.

The Kings played the key Brandon Aiyuk catch, where the ball bounced off Lions DB Kindle Vildor's helmet ... a miraculous play that ended up being the start of the end for the Lions, who blew a 17-point lead, losing 34-31. Crushing. And, they put it on repeat.

The bright side for Detroit fans ... the Pistons players seemed to take things personally.

Jaden Ivey balled out, scoring a career-high 37 points. Ivey’s breakout performance gave Pistons fans some sweet revenge, shocking one of the better teams in the NBA, 133-120.

Just the Pistons winning alone is news ... they're having a historically bad year, once losing 28 consecutive games.

Andrew Whitworth's playing days are officially in his rearview mirror ... the former NFL star tells TMZ Sports there's absolutely "no chance" he comes back to the gridiron.

Of course, ever since the 42-year-old said he was done playing following his Super Bowl LVI win in 2022 ... there's been rumors he could return.

After all, at the time that he hung up his spikes, he was still widely considered one of the best left tackles in the game ... and in the two years since he's stopped playing, a championship contender has been in need of his talents.

But, Whitworth made it clear to us this week ... he'll never strap on a helmet and shoulder pads for an NFL team again.

"I get in the weight room every now and then and I kind of convince myself maybe I could do it," he said. "But I tell you what, there's no chance."

Whitworth -- who's become a star analyst for Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" in retirement -- explained he's simply enjoying watching ball from the sidelines too much to get back into it.

"I feel too good walking around, hanging out, eating food, having drinks and watching people play football," the 16-year NFL vet said. "It's a much more fun way to do it. So, I'm going to stick with that. That's for sure."

As for this weekend's big game ... Whitworth, unsurprisingly, told us he thinks it could come down to the trenches. For the Chiefs, he said it's paramount they stop Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave. For the Niners, he said they need to build a strategy around slowing down Chris Jones.

Whitworth also said it'll be key for Brock Purdy to control his jitters -- though he's confident the SF quarterback will get it done.

The owner of the only Chiefs-inspired bar in San Francisco is clearing up whether 49ers fans are actually "banned" -- as has been suggested -- and he's saying they're not, but also noting ... it might be hard to get in come game day.

Here's the deal ... Vlad Cood -- who owns the sports bar Buzzworks in SF, which has come to be known as a Chiefs-friendly haven for Kansas City diehards -- tells TMZ that recent reports he and his staff weren't letting San Fran fans into the establishment are false.

There were a lot of headlines locally that ran with that narrative, but Cood says his words were taken out of context -- although, he does admit ... it could be difficult for the 49ers faithful to actually get into the building, especially around Super Bowl weekend.

While he tells us his doors are open to any and all -- regardless of team affiliation -- Cood says that his bar tends to get packed with Chiefs fans on football Sunday early and often ... and that's just how it's gone for a while.

Cood says 49ers heads can certainly swing by anytime they want, but by the time kickoff starts -- he tells us Buzzworks is usually stuffed with Chiefs people ... and he doesn't expect that to change for the SB. In other words, come as you are ... but come with time to spare!

He also says this ... if 49ers fans are truly interested in coming to his business, he's got an alternative for them where they can congregate and pound booze among their brethren. As it turns out, Cood owns another bar across the street there called Butter, which he says has more than enough room for anyone who wants to file in and catch Super Bowl LVIII.

Here's the irony in all this ... Cood tells us he himself is actually a longtime 49ers fan -- so even though Buzzworks caters to Chiefs lovers, it sounds like he'd love to be with his own kind.

Everybody's talking about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ahead of the Super Bowl, but they're getting associated with a different kinda bowl -- a toilet bowl, to be exact -- before the Big Game ... with Dude Wipes launching new ads inspired by the superstar couple.

TMZ Sports has learned -- the popular wet wipe company came up with a cheeky way to get in on the Traylor craze while promoting its product in Las Vegas this weekend ... by whipping together some silly slogans to feature on the massive Resorts World display.

Some of the ads include pretty timely Swift-related mentions ... including a nod to her new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," which she announced at the Grammys just days ago.

One sign reads, "If you're living in the Tortured TP Department, welcome to the Wet-Wiping Era" ... with another channeling the singer's "Anti-Hero" hit -- "It's me. Hi. I'm the solution. It's Me. Not TP."

But one in particular addresses the relationship that's taken over the world ... with "We love a clean tight end, too" shown in big white letters above a package of Dude Wipes.

The company teamed up with Max O'Neil at Clear Channel and the Curiosity agency to execute the campaign ... which will be seen by millions throughout Sin City this weekend.

Of course, Taylor has taken over the Super Bowl this year ... with her presence being felt all over -- including countless Swift-related questions during media availability, themed parties, and a free wedding ceremony offer from a local venue.

Hay una GRAN fiesta en la Ciudad del Pecado para ver el Super Bowl, con estrellas de la franquicia de telerrealidad "Mujercitas" ¡mezclando bebidas y sirviendo tragos!

Little Jess le dice a TMZ que ella es camarera de un evento en el Bar Nerd en Fremont Street con otras dos estrellas del reality, y hay barra libre.

Little Jess dice que los otros camareros incluyen a Tiffani y a Jordanna James, quienes se hacen llamar las "Tiny Tenders" (pequeñas camareras).

Con todas las damas por debajo de los 5 pies de altura, Jess dice que son "pequeñas personas calientes" y "las chicas más calientes que jamás conocerás por debajo de 5 pies". Van a utilizar una plataforma elevada para que puedan estar a la altura de la mirada de los clientes.

Las chicas tienen experiencia. Little Jess dice que todas han sido camareras en el pasado y ella mimsa cuenta con 15 años de experiencia, y llevarán pantalones cortos negros a juego con pequeñas camisetas negras con el lema "Tiny Tenders".

Los boletos van por los $60 por adelantado o $100 en la puerta y Little Jess dice se han vendido 50 entradas hasta ahora y que esperan que varios cientos de personas aparezcan en el lugar con una capacidad máxima de 1.000.

Las puertas se abren a la 1 PM el domingo del Super Bowl y la barra libre es de 3 PM a 5 PM, que debe cubrir la primera mitad del Super Bowl LVIII.

Little Jess dice que la barra libre incluye bebidas, cervezas de barril, Capri Suns, chupitos de gelatina y tragos de tests de drogas servidos en vasos de orina. La barra libre también tiene descuentos en bebidas de primera calidad, como 5 dólares por un Jack Daniels.

Una vez que Usher suba al escenario para el espectáculo del descanso del Super Bowl, volverán los precios normales.

La pequeña Jess dice que apuestan por un ambiente tipo "Coyote Ugly" y que van a ir por ahí sirviendo tragos y bailando. Ella dice Jordanna James trabajó en el bar "Coyote Ugly" original en Nueva York.

Ninguna buena fiesta del Super Bowl está completa sin comida, y Little Jess dice que servirán aperitivos como patatas fritas, cerdos en una manta y de pizza.

Un bar abierto en Las Vegas el domingo tiene el potencial de ser ruidoso, pero Little Jess dice que las damas estarán atentas por si alguien cruza la línea y causa problemas.

Little Jess dice: "Haremos sonar los silbatos tres veces para indicar que hay problemas y luego nuestros guardias de seguridad de 6 pies se harán cargo de la situación".

There's a BIG party going down in Sin City for the Big Game ... a Super Bowl watch party with stars from the 'Little Women' reality franchise mixing up drinks and pouring shots!!!

"Little Women: NY" star Little Jess tells TMZ ... she's bartending a ticketed event at the Nerd Bar on Fremont Street with two other reality stars, and there's an open bar.

Little Jess says the other bartenders include "Little Women: Dallas" star Tiffani and "Little Women: NY" star Jordanna James ... they're calling themselves the "Tiny Tenders," short for bartenders.

With all of the ladies under 5 feet tall -- Jess says they are "hot little people" and "the hottest chicks you will ever meet under 5 foot" -- they are going to use a raised platform so they can be eye-level with customers and reach the bottles.

The ladies are experienced ... Little Jess says they've all bartended in the past and she has 15 years under her belt ... and they'll be wearing black booty shorts with matching black tiny crop tops emblazoned with "Tiny Tenders."

Tickets are going for $60 in advance or $100 at the door ... and Little Jess says 50 tickets have been sold so far and they're expecting several hundred folks to show up to a venue with a 1,000 max capacity.

Doors open at 1 PM on Super Bowl Sunday and the open bar is from 3 PM to 5 PM ... which should cover the first half of Super Bowl LVIII.

Little Jess says the open bar includes well drinks, draft beers, Capri Suns, Jell-O shots and failed drug test shots served in urine cups. The open bar also has discounts on premium booze, like $5 for Jack Daniels.

Once Usher hits the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show, it's back to regular pricing.

Little Jess says they're going for a "Coyote Ugly" vibe ... and they'll be going around serving up body shots and doing some go-go dancing. She says Jordanna James worked at the OG 'Coyote Ugly' bar in NYC.

No good Super Bowl party is complete without food ... and Little Jess says they'll be serving up appetizers like tater tots, pigs in a blanket and pizza nuggets.

An open bar in Las Vegas on Super Bowl Sunday has the potential to get rowdy ... but Little Jess says the ladies will all be wearing whistles which they use if anyone steps out of line and causes trouble.

Be warned ... Little Jess says, "We will blow the whistles three times to indicate there is trouble and then our 6-foot all-male security guards will take care of the situation."

Vegas has rolled out the red carpet for Super Bowl LVIII weekend ... capitalizing on the sporting event of the year with some exclusive swag.

Check it out ... the NFL Super Bowl Experience at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is selling some funky gold sequined SB branded tops -- a must-have if you wanna stand out at those watch parties.

For those hoping to keep things low-key, there's also some casual clothing merch on sale ... and you can make a touchdown of your own by grabbing one of the footballs lining the walls.

Oh, and there are loads of toys on sale to keep those kiddos preoccupied while you enjoy the match.

Of course, excitement is high ahead of the game, with Vegas gearing up how they know best -- tons of Elvis Presley impersonators, bright lights, and massive SB billboards everywhere down the strip.

Preparation is also underway at Allegiant Stadium, where either the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs will reign supreme come Sunday.

Donna Kelce has apparently forgotten that her son is dating a known billionaire -- 'cause she's out here acting like she might not be in the luxury suite come game time.

Travis Kelce's mom did an interview on the 'Today' show Wednesday, and they were asking her where exactly she'd be sitting in the private luxury suite that Taylor and Co. will be in during the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

Hoda suggested DK oughta sit next to Taylor for good luck -- amounting to a pretty standard and easy softball question ... but instead of knocking it out the park, Donna muddied things up a bit.

Check it out ... she says that the suites referenced are actually quite expensive (indeed, they are) and that as far as he knows, she'll be in the bleachers cheering Travis on around a bunch of normies. You can tell the 'Today' crew wasn't buying it ... and nobody else is either.

Fact is ... Donna will almost certainly be among the select few in the private box -- just like she has been for several weeks this season -- and it goes without saying ... Taylor and Travis's camps can absolutely afford it, even if it is in the price range of millions.

Even though most everyone assumes this ... Donna is almost making it seem like she's not sure where she'll be sitting -- and on its face, it sorta makes Taylor and Travis look bad, which is bizarre. You'd think this issue would've been cleared up by now ... apparently not!

Remember, Christian McCaffrey's mom also recently suggested she wouldn't be in a private suite because of the astronomical price ... but her son's GF, Olivia Culpo, quickly clarified that her potential future mother-in-law was, in fact, gonna be sitting pretty in a box at the game.

Ya gotta imagine Taylor and Travis will do the same as well at some point. Yes, Mama Bear ... you're gonna have a great freakin' view, and you're 100% getting the VIP treatment.

Brock Purdy has a passing resemblance to the man who assassinated John F. Kennedy -- something he was asked about this week ahead of the Super Bowl ... and it was awkward.

The 49ers QB was made aware of comparisons people have been floating lately between himself and Lee Harvey Oswald -- who, of course, killed JFK in 1963 using a sniper rifle. He's one of the most infamous people in American history ... and BP kinda looks like him.

During a press conference Tuesday, Brock had the question posed to him -- namely, was he aware folks have been calling him an Oswald look-alike? Unsurprisingly, he said he wasn't.

When Brock denied any knowledge about it, he was asked the obvious follow-up ... what do you make of the comparison? His response is funny -- you can tell he's at a loss for words.

It's probably not the greatest feeling knowing you're a bit of a dead ringer for the man responsible for murdering a U.S. president ... and Brock's stammering here reflects that.

The dude already had a lot on his mind right -- y'know, on account of the fact that he's gotta try and lead his team to a win on Sunday in the biggest game of the year -- and now ... he's got this weird connection to LHO that's been concocted by the Twitter-sphere. Not great!

Taylor Swift tribute artist and "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Jade Jolie is calling all Swifties ... for a meet and greet and Swiftie look-alike contest ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.

Jade is hosting the contest at the Cat's Meow in Downtown Vegas the day before Taylor's beau Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

There are 3 prizes for Swifties who can pull off Taylor's iconic look -- first place gets a Cat's Meow Party Package valued at $1,500 ... it's 4 hours of karaoke and a premium open bar for up to 20 people.

Second place gets $500 toward a bar tab and third place wins free admission for life to the Cat's Meow ... a famous karaoke joint on Fremont Street.

Jade, a damn good Taylor look-alike, will also host a meet-and-greet with fans.

The event is going down Saturday night from 9 PM to 1 AM ... which should be around the time Taylor is potentially touching down in Vegas after wrapping up her concert in Japan, hopping on her jet and zooming east to catch Travis and the Chiefs play.

Taylor and Jade have crossed paths in the past ... Jade was in her music video for 'You Need To Calm Down' and attended the 2019 VMA's with Tay. It doesn't sound like Taylor's gonna be on hand for this event ... so we're gonna have to settle for a bunch of look-alikes.

Start making those friendship bracelets!!!

La artista tributo a Taylor Swift y concursante de "RuPaul's Drag Race" -Jade Jolie- está convocando a todos los Swifties para un encuentro y un concurso de imitación de Swiftie antes del Super Bowl LVIII.

Jade organiza el concurso en el bar de karaoke Cat's Meow en Las Vegas el día antes de que Travis Kelce y sus Kansas City Chiefs se enfrenten a los San Francisco 49ers en la Super Bowl.

Hay tres premios para los Swifties que puedan lucir el icónico look de Taylor. El primer puesto se lleva un Cat's Meow Party Package valorado en 1.500 dólares... son 4 horas de karaoke y barra libre premium para hasta 20 personas.

El segundo lugar recibe $500 hacia una cuenta de bar y el tercer lugar gana la entrada gratuita de por vida a Cat's Meow, un famoso bar de karaoke en la calle Fremont.

Jade es una excelente doble de Taylor que también será la anfitriona de un meet-and-greet con los fans.

El evento tendrá lugar el sábado por la noche de 21:00 PM a 01:00 AM, que será más o menos la hora en la que Taylor podría llegar a las Vegas luego de su concierto en Japón. A tiempo para subirse a su jet y partir a ver a Travis y los Chiefs jugar.

Taylor y Jade se han cruzado en el pasado, Jade estuvo en su video musical para "You Need To Calm Down" y asistió a los VMA 2019 con Tay. No parece que Taylor vaya a estar presente en este evento, así que tendremos que conformarnos con un montón de parecidos.

Rich people are gonna feast like it at the Super Bowl this weekend ... 'cause the luxury suite that comes with a $2.5 MILLION price tag will be fully stocked with the finest grub!!

Some lucky media members got an inside look at the expensive box that'll house 20 wealthy football fans when the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs face off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Super Sunday ... and they certainly won't have empty stomachs by the end of the night.

The spread consists of some bomb-lookin' items ... from a surf-and-turf buffet with wagyu beef and lobster to carne asada fries, seafood stuffed potatoes, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, cheesecakes and your classic souvenir popcorn, according to reporter Luke Sawhook.

There will be plenty to drink, too ... with a full-service bar complete with bartenders.

For those less financially blessed, StubHub says the get-in price is currently $5,300 -- a bargain from last week -- and the average ticket is going for $8,800.

The Kansas City Chiefs arrived in Las Vegas last night ... but before the team jet touched down in Sin City, star WR Rashee Rice got the cutest send-off from a bunch of his little neighbors!

The 23-year-old pass catcher documented his ride to the airport on Sunday -- just a week before the Super Bowl -- where 20-plus people, mainly kids, lined the street holding handmade signs.

“Let’s go Rashee #4”, one of the signs read ... while another said, “Good Luck Rashee”

Rice obviously appreciated the love, captioning the video with heart emojis.

The rookie WR will likely play a big factor in whether the Chiefs win or lose against the Niners ... despite it being his rookie season, outside of Kelce, RR's been their best receiver this year, especially in the second half, catching 79 balls for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns this regular season.

The 2nd round pick has carried his prolific play into the playoffs ... he had 130 yards against the Dolphins, and he scored a touchdown. The rook only trails Kelce in post-season receiving yards, topping all other Chiefs.

Move over, Jason Kelce ... Shaquille O'Neal tells TMZ Sports he's hoping to score a seat right next to Taylor Swift at Super Bowl LVIII!!

The Big Diesel made his intentions known during a chat with us this week ahead of the Big Game ... saying straight up he wants a premium chair in Swift's suite at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next Sunday.

"Hey, Taylor!" the NBA legend said with a smile. "Love you!"

Of course, there are plenty of people who are already vying for the spot. Jason obviously has some dibs -- his brother, Travis Kelce, is playing in the game after all -- as does Brittany Mahomes ... and anyone else from Swift's girl gang for that matter.

But it seems Shaq really wants in ... even saying he'll be rooting for Travis and Kansas City during the tilt!

There's more ... we also talked to the former Lakers center about his annual Super Bowl party, Shaq's Fun House, and he said in addition to Diplo and Lil Wayne, he's expecting even more artists -- perhaps even Snoop Dogg -- to show up.

Taylor Swift could help put some money in your pockets this Super Bowl ... 'cause there are a ton of prop bets surrounding the pop superstar!!

The folks over at BetOnline revealed their list to TMZ Sports ahead of the big game between the 49ers and Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas ... and naturally, Travis Kelce's girlfriend is at the center of attention.

Check out some of the most interesting -- and straight-up silly -- prop bets that fans can drop some dough on in hopes of cashing in:

Which will be higher?

• Taylor Swift live shots   +150
• Travis Kelce catches    -200

Where will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift?

• Vacation                   -200
• Field (non-end zone)    +400
• Podium                    +500
• End Zone                  +600
• After-party                 +800
• Tunnel                     +2000
• Locker Room             +2500

Who will be shirtless first?

• Jason Kelce  -10000
• Taylor Swift   +2000
• Olivia Culpo   +2500

Some other bets will be on the color of Tay's 'fit, if she'll be sitting next to Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany ... and if one of her songs will be played during a broadcast break.

There's even post-Super Bowl bets ... like if Swift and Kelce will still be together by the 2024-25 season or if she'll be pregnant before the New Year.

Usher also got some love ... with over 10 options for special guests who could join the R&B sensation during his halftime show -- including Swift (but it may be best to stay away from that one, given TMZ's recent report stating she will not join him during the performance).

Even if the "Cruel Summer" crooner doesn't take the stage, peeps could be feelin' rich if Ursher gives her a shoutout!!

Of course, President Joe Biden will be watching the biggest sports event of the year ... and there are several bets to see if he'll mention Mahomes or Swift in his pre-game interview.

Take a look at all the prop bets and put some money down by Feb. 11!!