Jump to content

Usher (musician)

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Usher Jamie Raymond IV)

Usher
Born
Usher Raymond IV[1][2]

(1978-10-14) October 14, 1978 (age 46)[3]
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • actor
  • businessman
Years active1993–present[4]
OrganizationUsher's New Look
TelevisionThe Voice
Spouses
(m. 2007; div. 2009)
Grace Miguel
(m. 2015; div. 2018)
Jennifer Goicoechea
(m. 2024)
PartnerRozonda Thomas (2001–2004)
Children4
MotherJonnetta Patton
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Labels
Member ofOcean's 7
Formerly ofNuBeginning
Websiteusherworld.com

Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is recognized as an influential figure in contemporary R&B and pop music. Usher first released his self-titled debut album (1994) at the age of 15, and rose to fame in the late 1990s following the release of his second album, My Way (1997). It spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Nice & Slow", and the top-two singles "You Make Me Wanna..." and the title track. His third album, 8701 (2001) saw continued success and contained two number-one singles, "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad", as well as the top-three single "U Don't Have to Call". It sold eight million copies worldwide and won his first two Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance consecutively in 2002 and 2003.

Confessions (2004) established Usher as one of the best-selling musical artists of the 2000s decade, supported by four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles—"Yeah!" (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and "My Boo" (with Alicia Keys)—and the top-ten "Caught Up". The album sold over 20 million copies worldwide and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). After splitting from his manager and mother Jonnetta Patton in 2007, he released the albums Here I Stand (2008) and Raymond v. Raymond (2010), both of which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the respective number-one singles "Love in This Club" (featuring Young Jeezy) and "OMG" (featuring will.i.am). The latter also spawned the single "There Goes My Baby", which won his third Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

His debut extended play, Versus (2010) produced the top-five single "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" (featuring Pitbull). His seventh album, Looking 4 Myself (2012) likewise debuted atop the chart and saw further electronic production; it spawned the top-ten single "Scream" and top 20 single "Climax"—which received a Grammy Award. His 2014 standalone single, "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J) reached the top-15 of the Billboard Hot 100, and his eighth album, Hard II Love (2016) peaked at number five on the Billboard 200. His ninth album, Coming Home (2024) was released as a first independent project, preceded by the single "Good Good" (with 21 Savage and Summer Walker).

Referred to by some critics as the King of R&B, Usher has earned nine number-one singles and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[7][8] At the end of 2009, Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the decade, the number-one Hot 100 artist of the decade, and ranked Confessions as the top solo album of the decade. Usher has won numerous awards and accolades including eight Grammy Awards, twelve Soul Train Music Awards, eight American Music Awards, three Guinness World Records, and eighteen Billboard Music Awards. Usher co-founded the record label Raymond-Braun Media Group (RBMG) in a joint venture with talent manager Scooter Braun, which was the first label to sign Canadian singer Justin Bieber in 2008. Outside of music, Usher founded the charitable non-profit Usher's New Look in 1999.

Early life

Usher Raymond IV was born on October 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.[9] His parents are Jonnetta Patton (née O'Neal; from Tennessee) and Usher Raymond III.[10][11] He spent the majority of his young life in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His father left the family when Usher was a year old. Usher grew up with his mother, then-stepfather, and half-brother James Lackey (born 1984). Directed by his mother, Usher joined the local church youth choir in Chattanooga when he was nine years old. There, his grandmother discovered his ability to sing, although it was not until Usher joined a singing group that she considered he could sing professionally.[12] Believing that a bigger city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent, Usher's family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where there was a more conducive environment for beginning singers.[13] While in Atlanta, he attended North Springs High School.[14]

Career

Late 1980s–1996: Musical beginnings and Usher

At age ten, Usher joined an R&B local quintet called the NuBeginning, which was organized by local music promoter Darryl Wheeler. Usher recorded ten songs with the group in 1991, and the ensuing album, Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV, was only made available regionally and by mail order.[15] However, Patton took him out because, according to her, it was a "bad experience".[12] The album was re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip-O Records.[15][16]

At age 13, Usher met A.J. Alexander at a local talent show in Atlanta.[17] Alexander, who at the time was Bobby Brown's bodyguard, would take Usher around and have him perform in parking lots and talent shows.[18] Alexander invited Bryant Reid, an A&R representative from LaFace Records to see Usher perform on the television talent show Star Search. Following the performance, he arranged an audition for Usher with L.A. Reid, the co-founder of LaFace; Reid signed Usher on the spot to a contract with the record company after Usher sang Boyz II Men hit record "End of the Road".[19][20] Usher's mother left her job as a medical technician to manage his career. Usher was introduced to the public on "Call Me a Mack", a song he recorded for the soundtrack album to the 1993 drama-romance film Poetic Justice.[15] During this time period, the young Usher first met Chilli of TLC, his label-mate whom he would later date.[citation needed]

While preparing for his debut album, Usher lost his voice. He was going through puberty and had a difficult time adjusting his vocals. LA Reid became skeptical of Usher, put his album on hold and considered dropping him from the label.[21] Usher pleaded with the label to keep him and they did. From this point Reid didn't know what to do with Usher so he sent him to New York in the spring of 1994 to live with record executive Puff Daddy to "attend" what Reid called "Flavor Camp". Usher quickly adapted to the lavish lifestyle of Puff Daddy although in an interview with Rolling Stone, he described this period as the "hardest days" of his life. "I had to knuckle up, figure shit out in New York" he said.[22]

On August 30, 1994, LaFace released Usher's self-titled debut album behind the co-executive production of Sean "P Diddy" Combs.[19] Usher peaked at number twenty-five on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was accompanied by three singles: "Can U Get wit It", "Think of You", and "The Many Ways".[23] The album has sold over 500,000 copies, to date.[24] The album received backlash because Usher was singing about sex, and him only being 15 years old, the public had a difficult time believing that this was so. Again LaFace had their reservations about signing Usher because the album wasn't as successful as they anticipated. At this time Usher's mother took control of his career and put him in more talent shows the summer of 1995 building Usher a larger fan base and ultimately giving L.A. Reid more confidence in Usher.[citation needed]

After graduating from high school, Usher continued to develop his skills as a stage performer and laid the groundwork for his second album. He also appeared on LaFace's version of "Let's Straighten It Out", a 1995 duet with fellow Atlanta teen recording artist Monica;[25] and on "Dreamin'", from LaFace's 1996 Olympic Games benefit album Rhythm of the Games. He was also featured on "I Swear I'm In Love" off the soundtrack to the 1996 film Kazaam.[26]

1997–2003: My Way and 8701

Usher developed a friendship with American record producer Jermaine Dupri, with whom he co-wrote and produced several tracks for his second album, My Way, released on September 16, 1997. The album's lead single, "You Make Me Wanna...", reached number one in the United Kingdom, becoming Usher's first record to be top single; this resulted in him increasing in popularity.[27][28] It also became Usher's first gold- and platinum-certified single in the United States.[29] The album's second single, "Nice & Slow", peaked in January 1998 at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Usher his first US number-one single.[30] In February of the same year, the single was certified platinum by the RIAA. My Way has been certified seven-time platinum in the United States.[29][31]

"You Make Me Wanna..." won the Best Male R&B/Soul Single at the 1999 Soul Train Music Awards.[32] In the closing months of 1997, Usher embarked on a series of tour engagements including a spot on Puffy's No Way Out tour, dates with Mary J. Blige, and the opening spot on Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope Tour. Usher's first concert album, Live, was released in 1999, which featured appearances by Lil' Kim, Jagged Edge, Trey Lorenz, Shanice, Twista and Manuel Seal; the album has been certified gold in the United States.[29]

Usher made his acting debut on the UPN television series Moesha, which resulted in a recurring role on the series and subsequently his first film role in 1998's The Faculty.[13][24] Usher's extracurricular activities outside of the recording industry gathered momentum over the following year, as he was cast in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.[13][24] He completed two more films, She's All That, and his first starring role in Light It Up.[13][24] He also appeared in the Disney TV movie Geppetto.[33]

Usher's third studio album, originally titled All About U, was stated to be released in early 2001.[34] The first single, "Pop Ya Collar", was released in late 2000 and became a number two hit in the UK but underperformed in the United States.[35] The album was subsequently pushed back and retooled after select tracks were later leaked to the radio and Internet. At the same time, LaFace went dormant, moving most of its artists (including Usher) to its parent company, Arista Records.[citation needed] After having revised and renamed to 8701, the album was released on August 7, 2001 (8.7.01).[13] The first two singles "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad" each topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four and six weeks, respectively. 8701 has been certified five-time platinum in the United States.[29]

Usher appeared in the 2001 film Texas Rangers.[36] In February 2002, Usher won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "U Remind Me".[37] The next year, he won the same award for "U Don't Have to Call",[13] making Usher the only artist aside from Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder to win this award consecutively. In the summer of 2002, Usher contributed vocals to P. Diddy's "I Need a Girl, Part I". The year closed out with a trio of TV series appearances, all in November, on The Twilight Zone, 7th Heaven, Moesha, and American Dreams, the latter in which Usher portrayed Marvin Gaye.[38][39]

2004–2009: Confessions and Here I Stand

Usher arriving in Miami, Florida, to attend the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards

Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions, was released on March 23, 2004—just as its first single, "Yeah!", was in its sixth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and fifth week on top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.[40] The album's nearly 1.1 million unit debut sales was the highest first-week numbers ever scanned by a male R&B artist and the seventh best of the Nielsen SoundScan history.[41][42] The album has since sold over 20 million copies worldwide,[43] with over 14 million in the United States, earning the album a Diamond certification by the RIAA.[44][45][31]

The album's second and third singles, "Burn" and "Confessions Part II", also topped the Billboard Hot 100, the former for eight weeks. Usher became the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay with four consecutive number-one singles,[46] In September 2004, "My Boo", a duet with American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, also peaked at number one at the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's fourth number-one single.[47] In December, the album's final single "Caught Up" peaked at number eight on the Hot 100.[35] By that time, Arista went inactive[48][49] and following its parent, BMG's merger with Sony Music,[50] his previous label, LaFace, was revived under the Jive/Zomba Group banner, bringing Usher back to the fold.[citation needed]

Confessions earned Usher numerous awards, including four American Music Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and three World Music Awards.[51][52][53][54] At the 47th annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2005, Usher won three awards, including: R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for "My Boo", which he shared with Keys; Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!"; and Contemporary R&B Album for Confessions. At the 2004 Billboard Music Awards, Usher was recognized Artist of the Year, in addition to receiving 10 other accolades.[55]

Usher supported Confessions with "The Truth Tour". The tour set featured a small stage up on top of the main stage, where the band played with Usher and his supporting dancers left with enough room to perform. The smaller stage had a mini platform attached to it which lowered to the main stage and had two big staircases on both sides of it. To the left, a group of circular staircases climbed to the top, and to the right, there was a fire escape replete with steps and an elevator. Kanye West and Christina Milian were the opening acts for the tour.[56] Usher at select dates would bring out a special guest, during his Atlanta show taping he brought out his artist at the time Rico Love to rap a verse on the song "Throwback". During a more intimate part of the show, Usher's dancers selected singer Monica from the crowd to be serenaded by Usher while he sang album favorites "Do it to Me" and "Superstar". Usher also performed the Confessions Pt. II remix, where Kanye West would appear from back of the stage. Then lastly Usher would also bring out artist Lil Jon and Ludacris where they would finish the show performing the hit "Yeah". This concert date was filmed to make the official tour DVD of Truth Tour: Behind the Truth "Live from Atlanta". It has been certified by the RIAA selling more than 7 Million copies.[57]

External image
image icon Usher on Rolling Stone magazine's cover in 2004

In the spring of 2005, Usher scored a number three Hot 100 hit as a featured vocalist on Lil Jon's "Lovers & Friends".[58] In 2007, Usher also collaborated with R. Kelly on the track "Same Girl", for Kelly's album Double Up.[59] He was also featured in a remix version of Omarion's "Ice Box".[60] Usher also appeared on the track "Shake Down" on American singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige's 2007 album Growing Pains.[61] According to Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times, Usher was voted number-one on the executive voting based "Pop's Power List" and described as a "sure-fire property".[62] In November 2005, Usher starred as a disc jockey named Darrell in the Lions Gate film In the Mix.[63]

On August 22, 2006, Usher took over the role of Billy Flynn in the long-running Broadway revival of the musical Chicago.[64] Usher's opening night brought out stars Penélope Cruz, Gabrielle Union, Clive Davis, and Rosie Perez among others.[65] Usher played the role of Flynn for two months but a case of strep throat brought an abrupt ending to Usher's run in Chicago, which saw a spike in ticket sales after he joined the cast. The New York Post reports that Usher's absence cost the production an estimated $400,000 in refunds to disappointed ticket buyers. The producer of Chicago, Barry Weissler, issued a statement sending his "thoughts and best wishes to Usher for a quick and speedy recovery. Usher made a spectacular Broadway debut, bringing a great dedication, work ethic and his amazing talent to the show. We all hope that he might return at some point for the many fans that were unable to see his wonderful performance as Billy Flynn. Usher has found a new home on Broadway and is welcomed back anytime."[66]

Usher performing at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009

Here I Stand was released on May 26 in the United Kingdom and May 27, 2008, in the United States. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart with first-week sales of over 433,000 copies.[67] To date Here I Stand has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States,[68] been certified two-times platinum by the RIAA,[69] and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.[70] While not approaching the success of his previous album, it received positive reviews from most music critics, who praised the maturity in the album's lyrics. To promote Usher's fifth studio album, the single "Love In This Club" was sent to radio in February 2008 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to spend three consecutive weeks at the top—becoming Usher's eighth number-one single and the fastest-rising song of his career.[67][71] It also reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The single was another huge international success for Usher. It reached No. 1 on the New Zealand Singles Chart, No. 3 on the Irish Singles Chart, No. 3 on the Eurochart Hot 100, No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 5 on the Japan Hot 100, No. 5 on the German Singles Chart, No. 5 on the Belgian Singles Chart (Flanders), No. 6 on the Canadian Hot 100, No. 8 on the Swedish Singles Chart, No. 8 on the Australian Singles Chart, No. 9 on the French Singles Chart, No. 9 on the Swiss Singles Chart, No. 10 on the Norwegian Singles Chart, No. 12 on the Austrian Singles Chart, No. 13 on the Belgian Singles Chart (Wallonia), and No. 18 on the Finnish Singles Chart. The follow-up single "Love in This Club Part II", which features American singer Beyoncé and rapper Lil Wayne, peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its third single "Moving Mountains" peaked at No. 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached No. 6 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The album's fifth single "Trading Places" peaked at No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[30] In September 2008, Usher announced he would embark on the 15-date tour One Night Stand, in which the audience is only females.[72] On January 18, 2009, Usher performed with Stevie Wonder and Shakira at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. He also sang "Gone Too Soon" at the memorial of Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009.[73]

2010–2011: Raymond v. Raymond and Versus

Usher on the OMG Tour in 2010

Raymond v. Raymond was released on March 26, 2010, in Germany, March 30, 2010, in the US, and April 26, 2010, in the UK.[74] The album was expected to follow in Usher's Confessions album's footsteps. Raymond v. Raymond was released only months after Usher's divorce from Tameka Foster. "Papers", a song about divorce,[75] was released as the first single for the album in October 2009. It topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two consecutive weeks, becoming his tenth number one single on that chart. It also peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Critics praised the song for its emotion. "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" was released as the second single on December 8, 2009. The single peaked at number 24[76] on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2[77] on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was released as the second international single in July 2010. "Lil Freak" was announced as the album's official second single in the United States. Usher and Nicki Minaj shot the music video for the song on March 9, 2010, in Los Angeles with director TAJ Stansberry.[78] It reached number 8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[79] and number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.[80] It became Usher's fourth Top 40 hit single from Raymond v. Raymond, when including the buzz single "Papers".[81]

"OMG", which features will.i.am, is the third official US single and the first international single. The song received mixed reviews, complimenting the song's dance and club vibe but criticizing the Auto-Tune effect. It reached number-one in Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. The song became his ninth number one in the United States, making him the first 2010s artist to collect number one singles in three consecutive decades, and only the fourth artist of all-time to achieve the feat. Usher also became the third artist to have at least one number one song from five consecutive studio albums. The song's choreography and dance-heavy accompanying music video has been compared to that of "Yeah!". "There Goes My Baby" was released to airplay as the album's fourth single in the United States on June 15, 2010.[82] The song reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number-one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Usher's eleventh number-one hit on that chart. The song ended up tying with "You Make Me Wanna" for fourth longest stay on the chart with 71 weeks. All of the album's singles received very heavy air play. On April 7, 2010, Raymond v. Raymond debuted at number No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, becoming his third consecutive No. 1 album and selling an impressive 329,107 copies in its first week of release,[83] making him the first male artist since Eminem to have three consecutive albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. After one month of release the album was certified Gold by the RIAA.[84] On February 9, 2024, the album was certified three-times Platinum by the RIAA.

Raymond v. Raymond also dominated the International Charts, debuting inside the top 10 in Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Due to the huge international success of Usher's single "OMG" and the good first week sales for Raymond v. Raymond, the album reached number two in Australia and has been certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).[85] The album debuted at number four in Canada[86] and has been certified Gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA).[87] Raymond v. Raymond debuted at number-two in the United Kingdom.[88]

Usher announced on July 8, 2010,[89] a follow-up extended play to his sixth studio album Raymond v. Raymond called Versus, and a deluxe edition of Raymond v. Raymond, both to be released on August 24, 2010.[90] Usher described Versus as "the last chapter of Raymond v. Raymond", and that it would explore the subjects of being newly single and a father.[89] The album included 9 tracks, including 7 new tracks, Raymond v. Raymond single "There Goes My Baby", and Justin Bieber single "Somebody to Love (Remix)". The tracks would be included on a deluxe edition of Raymond v. Raymond. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and is preceded by the singles "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" featuring Pitbull, for mainstream audiences, and "Hot Tottie" featuring Jay-Z, for urban circuits.[91]

Usher performing in 2010

The first single from the album, "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love", was released to iTunes on July 13, 2010, and sent to radio on July 20, 2010. Due to strong digital sales the song debuted at number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100.[92] The song became the fourth highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 of his career, behind 1997's "Nice & Slow" at number nine, 1998's "My Way" at eight, and 2010's "OMG" at number fourteen. Since its release, it has gained international success, peaking in the top 5 in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It reached the top 10 in Canada and Europe. It reached number-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in its third week of release, and became the first time Usher has had two top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time since his album Confessions.[76] It also became Usher's sixteenth Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hit of his career. The second single, Hot Tottie, reached number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[93] and number twenty-one on the Billboard Hot 100.[94]

Usher appeared at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010.[95] He then performed at the 2010 American Music Awards on November 21, 2010, and also won the awards for Male Soul/R&B artist and Favorite Soul/R&B album for his album Raymond v. Raymond.[96] According to Rap-Up.com, Usher started working on his next studio album,[97] again teaming up with long-time collaborator Rico Love.[97] The OMG Tour began in November 2010[98] and ended on June 1, 2011. On February 6, 2011, Usher also made an appearance in the Super Bowl XLV halftime show to sing his song "OMG" with The Black Eyed Peas' singer will.i.am.[99]

On September 8, 2011, Usher appeared on Romeo Santos' second single "Promise" from his debut studio album Formula, Vol. 1. The song was his first number-one on the Billboard Latin Songs chart. A month later, on October 7, Sony Music, which was a parent company to the RCA Music Group, confirmed the consolidation of Usher's previous labels, Jive, and Arista, along with J Records.[100] Following the consolidation of the three labels, Usher (and various other artists previously signed to the three aforementioned labels) were deferred to release planned material for RCA Records.[101]

2012–2014: Looking 4 Myself and The Voice

In November 2011, Usher revealed that for his next album he was working on a new type of music which he has depicted as "revolutionary pop", which combines different genres to form a new sound.[102] His seventh studio album Looking 4 Myself was released on June 8, 2012, worldwide, and received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics.[103][104] American singer-songwriter and record producer Rico Love was interviewed by Billboard magazine, where he spoke about his relationships with artists and experiences. He commented on how Usher wanted to do things differently on the album compared to his previous efforts, saying: "What he wanted to do [on Looking 4 Myself] was explore himself musically. He stepped outside of what was safe and normal. He wanted to make an album that expressed where he was going sonically and not just where he's been for the past 12 to 15 years. He's growing, developing, moving, shaking, and being something that's new, cultural, and that's affecting people sonically. That's kind of forcing the people to grow and elevate".[105] In an interview for MTV News, Usher stated that Looking 4 Myself is "the most artistic of an album" he has ever had in history.[106] When questioned by Reuters during an interview regarding the latter quote, and how this project was different, Usher explained that he felt he was near a 'rebirth' and that prior to Looking 4 Myself, he felt restricted and conformed to a specific standard. He said to himself "I gotta go with what I feel and hopefully people will follow me".[107]

The lead single from Usher's seventh studio album is titled "Climax". It impacted Urban radio on February 21, 2012, and was made available for purchase as a digital download on February 22, 2012. It impacted US mainstream radio on March 13, 2012.[108][109] The second single released from the album was "Scream" and the third single "Lemme See" which features Rick Ross. "Scream" was premiered on April 26, 2012, while "Lemme See" was premiered on May 8, 2012.[110] On Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, "Climax" enabled Usher to add a second song of his in the six longest stays at number one for 11 weeks after "You Make Me Wanna" with 12 weeks.

In 2013, Usher substituted for CeeLo Green as a coach for the fourth season of NBC's The Voice. His last act, Michelle Chamuel, lost the winning title to Danielle Bradbery, mentored by Blake Shelton.[111] He returned for the sixth season and his last act, Josh Kaufman, won.[112]

Usher on the URX Tour in 2014

On March 19, 2013, Usher announced that his eighth studio album, titled UR, was in the works.[113] Talking to The Fader, he described the album as "everything you can imagine", saying that it's "gonna be freaking out of here".[113] Singer-songwriter Eric Bellinger told Rap-Up that he, along with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Brian Alexander Morgan, was working on Usher's next album.[114] Bellinger compared the album's music to Usher's Confessions (2004), saying that it is "more R&B, more urban" than Usher's Looking 4 Myself.[114] The latter declared that his next album would show that he is "still Usher".[114] "Good Kisser", a dance-heavy throwback R&B track, was released as the first single allowing Usher to achieve his 13th no.1 on the Airplay chart, tying Drake for most leaders in the list's history.[115] Produced by Pop & Oak, it was performed at The Voice.[116] Since then, two other singles have been released from the album: "She Came to Give It to You" featuring Nicki Minaj and "I Don't Mind" featuring Juicy J. The latter allowed Usher to lead the Rhythmic charts with the most number ones (13).

On August 25, 2014, Usher announced his UR Experience Tour in support of his then-titled eighth studio album UR. The UR Experience started in Montreal, Quebec on November 1 and ended in Tampa, Florida on December 14.[117] The 27 city North American leg was supported by opening acts DJ Cassidy and R&B newcomer August Alsina. The European leg of the tour visited 23 cities and the support would be Nico & Vinz.[118] "With The UR Experience, I want to give my fans an ever-changing live show full of surprises and special guests," Usher says, via a press release. "I am really excited to be with my fans and give them an Usher experience like they've never seen or heard before."[117] While on tour, with the collaboration of Honey Nut Cheerios, he released "Clueless", a new song that could be downloaded free using a code from specially-marked Honey Nut Cheerios boxes bought from Walmart.[119]

2015–2017: Hard II Love and Hands of Stone

Usher at the 2015 Global Citizen Festival

On October 16, 2015, Usher released an interactive music video exclusively on the music streaming platform Tidal called "Chains" featuring artists Nas and Bibi Bourelly. "Chains" literally forces the viewer to confront the issue of racial profiling and police brutality head-on: By utilizing the webcam on the viewer's computer as well as facial recognition technology, "Chains" paused mid-song whenever the viewer's eyes deviate from the video. Usher performed the song for the first time at the Tidal X:1020 concert on October 20, 2015, at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena.[120] On January 14, 2016, after continual delays of his eighth album, Usher announced via Daniel Arsham Instagram post that he changed the title of the album from UR to Flawed. It was scheduled to be released in April 2016, but has been pushed back with no release date.[121] On February 29, 2016, Yuna released "Crush" as the first single from her forthcoming album Chapters featuring Usher.[122] On June 9, 2016, Usher released a new single from his expected forthcoming album Flawed on the music streaming platform Tidal titled "No Limit" featuring Young Thug, along with a second single titled "Crash" on June 10 for all digital platforms.[123]

On June 12, 2016, it was reported that Raymond signed a management deal with business partner Scooter Braun. Braun already represented Justin Bieber and had a joint venture with Raymond and Bieber.[124] This report was confirmed by Usher during a sit down interview with Ryan Seacrest at the 73rd annual Cannes Festival on June 21, 2016.[125] Usher furthered his acting career, starring as American former professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the 2016 American-Panamanian biographical sports film Hands of Stone about the career of Panamanian former professional boxer Roberto Durán. In it, he starred opposite of Édgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, and Ruben Blades. On August 26, 2016, Hands of Stone premiered worldwide.[126] "Missin U" was also released as a third single by RCA Records for online streaming and digital download, along with "Champions (from the Motion Picture Hands of Stone)", both on Vevo.[127] On August 30, "Rivals" featuring Future was released and debuted exclusively on Tidal with its accompanying video.[128] It was released on Vevo on September 2, 2016.[129] On September 13, 2016, both "Missin U" and "Rivals" were sent to radio as the album's third and fourth singles.[130]

The album Hard II Love was released on September 16, 2016, and received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics. It debuted at number 5 on the US Billboard 200, and sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week.[131] It also became his seventh consecutive top ten album in the United States. The lead single, "No Limit" featuring rapper Young Thug initially was serviced to Urban radio on June 9, and eventually peaked at number 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[132][133] On December 16, 2016, Chris Brown released "Party" as the second single from his forthcoming album Heartbreak on a Full Moon featuring Usher and Gucci Mane.[134]

2018–2020: A and return to The Voice

On October 12, 2018, Usher released a collaborative studio album, titled simply A. The official tracklist contains 8 songs with features from Future and Gunna.[135] The album was produced entirely by Zaytoven, who previously collaborated on Usher's Raymond v. Raymond album as a co-producer for the single "Papers".[136] Between November 9–17, 2018, Usher served as the headliner for the RNB Fridays Live concert series. The six date stadium tour in Australia and New Zealand sold over 150,000 tickets[137] On November 14, 2018, Billboard reported that Usher signed a worldwide management deal with Luke Mitzman and 100 Management. It was also reported he is working on a follow up album that will be released in 2019.[138] On December 2, 2018, Usher performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in Johannesburg, South Africa, celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Usher and DJ Black Coffee performed a mash-up featuring the South African Indigenous Dance Academy (IDA).[139]

Usher at the Kennedy Center in 2019

Usher had a cameo in the crime film Hustlers, which was released on September 13, 2019, and stars Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, Cardi B, and Lili Reinhart.[140] In September 2019, director Lorene Scafaria told Vulture magazine his cameo was written into the script in 2016, before the film went into development.[141] Usher is featured on the film's soundtrack, with his single "Love in This Club".[142] In March 2019, Usher posted a photo of himself in the studio next to a whiteboard with the title "Confessions 2" and a blurred out tracklisting.[143] The following day producer Jermaine Dupri, who produced the original Confessions went live on Instagram and previewed new music. On June 15, 2019, Usher, alongside Erykah Badu, headlined the second annual Smoking Grooves Festival at the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, California.[144]

On September 6, 2019, Usher returned for season seventeen of NBC's The Voice. He joined John Legend team as this season's battle advisor.[145] On September 10, 2019, DJ Black Coffee released his single "Lalala" featuring Usher from his forthcoming album.[146] It reached number one on the South Africa airplay charts.[147] Usher appeared on Summer Walker's debut album Over It, which was released on October 4, 2019.[148] They collaborated on "Come Thru", which samples "You Make Me Wanna...", his hit from his second album, My Way. Time,[149] Entertainment Weekly,[150] and Paper[151] all named it one of the best songs of the week.

On December 13, 2019, Usher released the lead single, "Don't Waste My Time", featuring British singer-songwriter Ella Mai for his upcoming ninth studio album. It was co-produced by longtime collaborators Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri.[152] Usher, Ella Mai, and Jermaine Dupri performed the song on BET's SOS: Saving Ourselves - A BET Covid 19 Relief Special, to benefit African American Communities Impacted By Coronavirus on April 22, 2020.[153] It topped the Adult R&B Chart, becoming his fifth number one single on that chart.

Usher performed at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020.[154] Usher and Shelia E. performed a special tribute honoring Prince. This performance was teaser for the Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince concert at the Staples Center scheduled for January 28, 2020 on CBS featuring performances from Alicia Keys, John Legend, Chris Martin, H.E.R., and more. On January 31, to initiate a tribute for Kobe Bryant, who was killed five days earlier in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, Usher performed Amazing Grace at the Staples Center prior a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, in what was the Lakers' first game played since the tragedy.[155] Usher had been set to host and perform at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which had been set scheduled to broadcast live on Fox on Sunday, March 29.[156] The event was postponed due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus.[157]

Usher served as executive producer and judge on a dance competition series called The Sauce. The seven-episode series premiered on April 6, 2020, on the streaming service Quibi.[158] On April 11, 2019, Usher released a single, "SexBeat", featuring former collaborators Lil Jon and Ludacris.[159] It was co-written by Jermaine Dupri and Antoine Harris. The release of "SexBeat" came days after Lil Jon premiered the track on April 5 during an online music battle called #VERZUZ hosted by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.[160] He appeared on NBC's Songland and released the song "California" featuring Tyga on June 15, 2020.[161] On June 26, 2020, Usher released "I Cry".[162]

2021–present: Residencies, Coming Home, and Super Bowl LVIII halftime show

On September 4, 2020, Usher announced he will be headlining a 12 show residency at the Colosseum at Caesars' Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.[163] The show is scheduled to start on July 16, 2021, and is slated to run until January 1, 2022. Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment will be donating $1 from every ticket purchased to Usher's New Look foundation.[164] In December 2021, Bruno Mars announced onstage with Usher that he was moving his residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM.[165] On February 17, 2022, Usher officially announced that he would be moving his residency from Caesars Palace to Park MGM and would be headlining 23 shows.[166] Usher released the single "Bad Habits" on September 10, 2020, as the second single off his forthcoming studio album. A music video directed by Chris Robinson accompanied the song.[167] It topped the Adult R&B Chart, becoming his sixth number one single on that chart.[168]

On March 8, 2022, it was announced that Usher had parted ways with RCA Records after ten years and five months with the imprint following the RCA and Sony Music Group merger. He later signed a joint venture with Larry Jackson's Gamma music company.[169] Usher and his longtime partner, L.A. Reid, founded Mega in partnership with Gamma. Usher's eighth studio album will be released through this partnership.[170] On June 30, 2022, Usher performed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts series. He was joined by vocalists Eric Bellinger and Vedo, bassist, Dmitry Gorodetsky, trombonist Lemar Guillary, trumpeter Brandyn Phillips, saxophonist Jay Flat, keyboardist Darek Cobbs, guitarist Erick Walls and drummer Ryan Carr.[171] A clip from the performance of Usher whispering "watch this" went viral on the internet as a meme.[172][173] On March 17, 2023, Usher released the single "GLU", his first solo single in over two years.[174][175][176] It was co-produced by longtime collaborators Lil Jon, The Avila Brothers, and Sean Garrett. It topped the Adult R&B Chart, becoming his seventh number one single on that chart. On April 14, 2023, Usher announced his 8-night show residency in Boulogne-Billancourt, titled "Rendez-Vous À Paris" at La Seine Musicale presented by Live Nation Entertainment. The residency starts on September 24 and runs through to October 5.[177] On August 4, 2023, Usher released the single "Good Good" with Summer Walker and 21 Savage as the lead single to his upcoming ninth studio album.[178] It topped the R&B/Hip-Hop AirPlay chart, becoming his 16th number one on that chart.[179] It also topped the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, becoming his seventeenth number one single on that chart.[180] He followed it up with a second single, "Boyfriend", released several weeks later. On September 14, 2023, he appeared on J Balvin's single "Dientes". The song reached number-one on the Latin Airplay chart.[181]

On September 24, 2023, Usher announced that he will headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.[182] He described the opportunity as "an honour of a lifetime" that he will finally be able to check off his bucket list.[183] In addition, he announced in an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe that his ninth studio album, Coming Home, would be released on February 11, 2024, the same day it was reported that he would perform at the Super Bowl.[184][185][186] The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200.[187] The album's second single, "Ruin," featuring Nigerian artist Pheelz, was released on February 2, 2024, along with its accompanying music video. It was directed by Dave Meyers and shot on an iPhone 15 Pro.[188] On February 6, Usher announced the Usher: Past Present Future 24-stop tour, which will visit North America and Europe. Due to overwhelming demand, it expanded from 24 to 58 shows. [189][190] On June 30, 2024, Usher was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th BET Awards for his notable contributions to the music industry. [191] In October 2024, Usher was named the 11th "greatest pop star of the century" by Billboard Magazine, between Eminem and Adele.[192]

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Usher's music is generally R&B, but also incorporates pop among other genres.[5][193][194] Elias Leight of Rolling Stone wrote that "catching pop's waves has always been one of Usher's greatest strengths, whether that means collaborating with Lil Jon when crunk was going mainstream or charging into EDM".[195] Complex stated that Usher provided some of "the best of pop music in R&B".[196] His narratives have an autobiographical nature of emphasis on lifestyle, relationships and love,[197] resembling "an R&B Casanova".[198][199] Usher was new jack swing oriented,[200] while My Way contained influences of soul.[201] 8701 "introduces touches of '80s rock guitar and the minimal rhythm of '80s hip hop" displaying versatility, according to NME's Lucy O'Brien.[202] Confessions is viewed as a "top-of-the-line pop-soul showcase",[203] with established critic Robert Hilburn of Los Angeles Times seeing lead single "Yeah!" as something Michael Jackson would have created "if he still had the old Thriller magic".[204] Here I Stand was noted as more ballad-heavy by critics,[205] where the title track's usage of jazz notably drew comparisons to Stevie Wonder.[206] Raymond V Raymond was described as a "skillful fusion of R&B/hip-hop/pop" by Billboard.[207] Looking 4 Myself further explored progressive R&B, hip hop ballads, and synth pop, with its overall sound coined "hybrid pop" for its dynamic incorporation of EDM, dubstep, neo soul, and funk.[198][208][209] Hard II Love sees Rolling Stone's Maura Johnston view it to "stretch the boundaries of R&B while winding toward the brooding atmospherics that have enveloped much of pop over the past 12 months".[210]

Boyz II Men performing at Las Vegas in 2008

On many occasions, Usher has named Michael Jackson as his biggest influence. Usher once told MTV, "He influenced me in so many ways, more than just music ... as a humanitarian, as a philanthropist, as an artist, as an individual who transcended culture. I wouldn't be who I am today without Michael Jackson".[211] During the television special 'Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special', Usher was able to dance with Jackson while performing "You Rock My World".[212] Prince being another main influence, Usher said "every album I'd always do like one song that is very Prince-influenced, because he's a great influence on me musically, especially just kind of being expansive and creating music that represents many different genres."[213] In Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" issue, he explained "I was interested in music and trying to find a model. It was Michael, or it was Prince. He had an attitude, a rawness that Michael didn't have. He was not urban, but he was our version of what cool could be."[214] Other musical influences are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Al Green, and Boyz II Men.[215][216]

The boy band New Edition and its solo member Bobby Brown were childhood influences. Usher told ABC News, "I can remember as a kid attending a New Edition Concert", and called it "one of the greatest moments in my performance history" years later when he was invited on stage with the group to perform "N.E. Heartbreak" at a concert in Washington, D.C.[216] On Bobby Brown, Usher told CNN, "the first record that I ever bought was Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel", and that he admired him "Just for being an edgy artist, being a true representative of R&B and rhythmic music".[217] Usher's Live album would feature a medley performance of Brown's original singles - "Don't Be Cruel", "Every Little Step", "Rock Wit'cha", and "Roni". Usher was inspired by Frank Sinatra's My Way album released in 1969 so much that he decided to name his second album My Way.[218] Prince would inspire "Nice & Slow" while giving him his first number-one single on the Hot 100 chart.[214] Usher's third album 8701 would be inspired by love and heartache, containing influences from Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson.[219][220] His fourth album was inspired by the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and Eminem whom he credited for the album having a transparent reputation. Usher said in an interview with Sway Calloway, "The honesty of hip-hop, and what Eminem was saying in his records, it motivated me. Like, yo if he could be that honest, you know through hip-hop - and there've been other stories, storytellers, but never quite as vivid as his...and I got that Cleveland, because, you know with the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, you know what I'm saying, is to just understanding that the rhythm and the flip of it to make it be able to make it be at least, you know, hip-hop appropriate."[221]

Vocal style

Usher possesses a leggiero tenor vocal range of 3 octaves and 4 notes,[222] and is considered to be "one of the most soothing in R&B".[5] At the age of 13, he set the record for the longest note ever held by a child on Star Search, with 12 seconds.[223] Usher's vocal coach since My Way, Jan Smith, cites him as "the single most gifted singer I've ever worked with in 26 years".[224] On the dynamic 8701, Rolling Stone's Kathryn McGuire describes his vocals as "velvety" and "impressively adaptable" as it won him his first two Grammys as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.[225] With Confessions, Sasha Frere-Jones of The New Yorker generally noted him as "long on control and short on texture".[226] He received another Grammy Award nomination in 2006 through a cover of Luther Vandross's "Superstar" he performed on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005.[227][228] Here I Stand displayed his vocals as "agile" and "balletic",[229] as well as his ability to "easily drift from wavering tenor to fine-tuned falsetto" that create emotions of urgency and burning according to Clover Hope of The Village Voice.[230] On his One Night Stand: Ladies Only Tour in 2008, Lee Hildebrand of San Francisco Chronicle assessed "Usher's chest tones have a ringing, Gaye-like quality, and his high head tones suggest Prince's falsetto, but his frequent use of syllable-splitting curlicues owes much to Wonder. Usher is a stronger, more assured singer than he was a decade ago, though the melismas in his lower range sometimes meander off pitch. His falsetto tonality is more on target."[231]

Looking For Myself exemplified his vocal craft earning him positive acclaim as Gawker's Rick Juzwiak states "his vocal range is even more impressive than his emotional one" with emphasis on his falsetto being "something that sounds as natural as a speaking voice ... he's the picture of grace against shrieking synths ... His emotional range is vast enough to sell tenderness, lechery and wistfulness within minutes of each other".[232] On "Climax", his performance lauded as "blistering" by Maura Johnston,[233] and "hair-raising" by Jody Rosen,[198] as he won Best R&B Performance in 2013.[234] "There Goes My Baby" and "Dive" are also commended as showcase standouts of his "superior R&B vocal range" by Consequence of Sound's Ryan Hadfield,[235] and MadameNoire's Brande Victorian.[236] For Hard II Love, Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented "a genuinely expressive voice that encompasses an ardent croon, a melting falsetto and quick, singsong declamation".[237] On the 2023 Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of all time, Usher ranked at number 97.[238]

Performance

Usher on his 2008 One Night Stand: Ladies Only Tour, at the Warfield Theatre

Usher's stage performances have been complimented by critics as "packed with high-octane choreography held together by sleek, masterful showmanship",[239] and his presence "engaging enough to pull off a one-man show".[227][240] Vibe magazine notes him as being Bobby Brown-esque for his displays of "brash sexuality and arrogance",[241] leading to antics such as being "prone to dropping his pants",[242] and a "tendency to shed his shirt on stage",[243] while John Aizlewood of The Guardian observed that "For all his pelvic thrusting and crotch-grabbing, Usher is a rather courtly presence."[244] On his 8701 Evolution Tour in 2002, Larry Nager of The Cincinnati Enquirer hailed his simultaneous ability, stating "the 23-year-old Atlantan proved you can sing and dance at the same time. Of course, that's how James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Usher's most obvious role model Michael Jackson did it, but in today's high-tech, gimmicky concerts, it's a lost art", claiming his show "ended the reign of 'Nsync, Britney and the rest of the lip-synching, teen-pop acts".[245] Usher told People magazine "James Brown introduced me to soul. Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be. I learned showmanship from him",[246] and has seen comparisons to his influences.[240] At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, he performed "Confessions Part II" and "Yeah!" under a rain machine, in which he eventually threw the mic stand at a mirror during the former. Rolling Stone placed it at number 13 of their "20 Best MTV VMAs Opening Performances".[247]

Usher is an old-school showman who has been performing since childhood: a dancer, a singer, five feet and seven inches of raw charm and taut musculature. I've seen superstars perform before, but always in large venues, where they are isolated from the plebes by an appropriate distance. Seeing Usher in such a small venue, beaming ear-to-ear the whole evening, I was bowled over by the sheer amount of raw talent and charisma on display.

—Anna Silman of New York Magazine[248]

Chad Batka for The New York Times said "He has established himself as one of R&B's supreme performers and craftsmen, following through on what he learned from Michael Jackson in particular: songs that alternate between choppy and smooth, vocals punctuated by exultant high whoops, a dance vocabulary."[199] Capable of playing the piano,[249][250] he also began to adopt playing on other instruments such as the drums and bass guitar, amid singles "Good Kisser" and "She Came to Give It to You" in 2014.[240][251] The UR Experience Tour consisted of a nine-piece band and three backing vocalists according to Billboard,[252] as The Guardian called him "a masterful all-rounder who surrounds himself with talent on stage".[253] Maura Johnston of Rolling Stone labels him the "Award Show King", explaining "His dedication to choreography dates back to the days when Janet Jackson made videos that looked like they were shot in one take. He's an entertainer that would have been stunning at any point in the last 60 years of television."[254]

Public image

Usher aboard the USS Kearsarge in 2008

Usher has been regarded as "an international sex symbol" since a young age, predominantly for his stage persona.[243] Fusion states "Usher—one of the greatest R&B sex symbols in the past 20 years, paving the way for Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Justin Bieber—used sex as a major part of his image",[249] while VH1 considers him to be "the sexiest male performer ever to walk a stage".[255] People magazine named Usher the "Sexiest R&B Star" in 1998, with singer Monica who said on stage sexiness was manifest in "his movements, his gestures, the way he expresses his lyrics".[256] They included him in their 2004 "Sexiest Men Alive",[257] and 2008 "Sexiest Man Alive" lists.[258] The New York Times writer Kelefa Sanneh referred to him as "one of the country's most famous ex-boyfriends" after his breakup with Chilli of TLC.[259] He was ranked number-one on BET's "All Shades of Fine: 25 Hottest Men of the Past 25 Years" special in 2005.[260][261] Madame Tussauds New York also unveiled a wax figure of Usher during a competition to launch The Usher Interactive Experience,[262] and for the opening of a VIP room in 2007.[263] Rolling Stone magazine ranks "Confessions Part II" amongst its "30 Sexiest Music Videos of All Time".[264]

After his marriage to Tameka Foster, his sexual appeal was expected to mature as The New Yorker writer Sasha Frere-Jones wrote "The challenge here is to convince us that he is a married and responsible man—grown and sexy, [...]—without sacrificing the louche, frictionless sense of play that made him famous."[226] VH1 have listed Usher at number 9 of its 100 Sexiest Artists List.[265] According to Glamour magazine, he was one of the "Sexiest Men" of 2010,[266] and 2011.[267] In 2012, Billboard reviewed his fashion evolution stating "The singer came onto the scene in the '90s rocking baggy jeans and suits that made us question his celebrity status, but over the years this R&B star has developed his own signature look, rendering him a modern day fashion icon".[268] In 2013, Complex placed him in its "Most Stylish R&B Singers of the 90s" list.[269] Men's Health magazine was covered by Usher on its 25th anniversary issue, with Lou Schuler calling him "the man with the best abs in the entertainment industry".[270] In 2014 and 2015, his Calvin Klein Collection suits saw him listed as "Best Dressed Men" by outlets at the Golden Globe Awards[271][272][273] and Grammy Awards.[274][275][276] InStyle have rated him both in their "Hottest Celebrity Abs" collection,[277] and "37 of the Most Stylish Dads" list.[278]

Legacy

Usher at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors

Usher was named the Hot 100 Artist of the 2000s by Billboard stating "Usher's sexy brand of R&B dominated the last decade with the top-selling album and more No. 1s than any other act",[279][280] with Confessions selling 20 million copies worldwide as the top solo album.[281] Considered by Bonsu Thompson of Vibe to be "the Thriller of our generation",[282] Kia Turner of Rolling Stone stated that it "became ingrained in pop culture" because of its theme.[283] Pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones of The New Yorker remarks that "For a while, Confessions was pop music" and says it "may turn out to have been the last true blockbuster in pop".[226] Clay Cane said in 2008 "We didn't see pop-R&B artists on pop radio, and Usher is one of those people in the 90s who was the catalyst for that; he was kind of the pioneer ... He's the greatest example of pure crossover success".[284] Described as the best dancer in pop since Michael Jackson by writers of VH1[285] and The Guardian,[197] Jody Rosen said in 2012 "He's the biggest male pop singer in the world; sometimes, it seems like he's the only one, in a marketplace still dominated by divas".[198] Attaining 9 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles to tie with the Bee Gees, Elton John, and Paul McCartney,[286] Justin Charity of Complex referred to him as "the greatest male pop singer of the past couple decades" in 2015.[287]

James Brown, performed a duet with Usher in 2005 at the 47th Grammy Awards in which he honorably dubbed him the Godson of Soul.[288] Brown reiterated "The new godson; Usher, the new godson" following the performance.[289] Often cited as an "icon",[290][291][292][293] Los Angeles Times critic Randall Roberts marks dance singles "Yeah!", "Caught Up" and "OMG" to have influenced contemporary dance-pop, stating the former two also "helped define the [20]00s".[208] Time magazine's pop stardom ranking metric, ranked Usher 3rd in history, based on "all-time chart performance and contemporary significance".[294] Rolling Stone magazine named "Confessions Part II" the greatest R&B song of the 21st century and "U Don't Have to Call" the 25th.[283]

Usher has been referred to as the "King of R&B",[295] as well as "Mr. Entertainment"[296] by The Washington Times and Chicago Tribune.[297][298] The BET Honors honored him for his contributions to music with a Musical Arts award in 2015, presented by Bobby Brown who said "You remain a game changer, for your discipline, for your perfectionism. You're just a god man".[299][300] The BET Honors highlighted his influence on many contemporary artists such as Chris Brown,[301] Trey Songz,[302] Drake,[303] Justin Bieber,[304] Jason Derulo,[305] Miguel,[304] Omarion,[306] Ray J,[307] August Alsina,[308] and Eric Bellinger.[309] Ne-Yo further cited Usher as an influence upon the honor saying "I feel that without Usher, there would be no me, there would be no Chris Brown, there would be no Trey Songz. He paved the way for us".[310] Other artists who have also cited him as an influence are Zayn Malik and Liam Payne of One Direction,[311] Bryson Tiller,[312] Jungkook of BTS,[313] Lucky Daye,[314] 6lack,[315] Rico Love,[316] Jeremih,[317] Anderson Paak,[318] Trevor Jackson,[319] Sam Hunt,[320] Leon Bridges,[321] Sammie,[322] B.Smyth,[323] Jacob Latimore,[324] Kevin Woo,[325] Keke Palmer,[326] Justine Skye,[327] BJ The Chicago Kid,[328] Roy Woods,[329] YK Osiris,[330] Lukas Magyar of Veil of Maya,[331] Bruno Mars,[332] and actor Tahj Mowry.[333]

Achievements

Usher has received numerous awards throughout his career from having the 14x platinum Diamond certified album Confessions, four multi-platinum albums in My Way, 8701, Raymond v. Raymond and Here I Stand and one platinum album in Looking 4 Myself, collectively selling over 33 million albums in the US and 53 million albums worldwide.[334][31] This includes 8 Grammy Awards, 18 Billboard Music Awards, 12 Soul Train Music Awards and 8 American Music Awards.[335] In 2004, Usher became the top Billboard honoree by taking 11 awards.[336] At the 26th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in 2013, he was honored with the Golden Note Award.[337] Yahoo Music classed him as the best R&B act of the decade behind Michael Jackson on album sales,[338] while Fuse ranked him as the 10th most award-winning musician of all time.[339] He has sold over a total of 100 million records.[340] Usher was inducted into the 29th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2007,[341] and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016 with a star located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard.[342] On June 17, 2021, Usher was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame as a member of the inaugural class.[343] His songs "Love in This Club" and "OMG" are also amongst the best-selling digital singles worldwide.[344][345]

Usher amassed nine number-one and eighteen top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100,[346] and accumulated 47 weeks at the top, more than any other male solo artist at the time.[347] Usher spent 28 weeks at number-one in 2004 alone, marking a then-record for most cumulative weeks spent atop in a calendar year on the Hot 100 of all time.[348] "OMG" made him the first 2010s artist to collect number-one singles in three consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s).[349] He became the fifth artist of all-time to achieve that feat, following Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Madonna,[350] and became the third male soloist in history to have at least one number-one single from five consecutive studio albums.[286] On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Usher has 13 number-one singles tied with Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye,[351] the most of the 2000s with 8 number-ones,[352] and set a chart Guinness World Record in 2010.[353] Usher also has 14 number-one singles on the Rhythmic chart,[354] 17 number-one singles on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,[180] and 16 number-one singles on the Airplay chart,[355][356] with "You Make Me Wanna" (12 weeks) and "Climax" (11 weeks) as two of the longest stays on the latter.[357][358] Usher has topped several Billboard Year-End charts including seven in 1998,[359] seventeen in 2004,[360] and one in 2010.[361] The Year-End Hot 100 chart of 2004 was topped by "Yeah!" while "Burn" held second place,[362] making him the first act since The Beatles in 1964 to have two singles occupy the top two positions.[363] On the 2000s Billboard Decade-End chart, "Yeah!" finished second, behind Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together".[364]

Billboard's 2nd most successful artist of the 2000s,[365] he was placed at number 6 on their list of "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years".[366] The same magazine placed him at number 14 on their "Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists" list,[367] 6 on their "Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time" list,[368] and 31 on their "35 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time" list.[369] Confessions is placed at number 16 on their "Greatest of All Time 200 Albums" list,[370] and 10 on Vibe magazine's "Greatest 50 Albums since '93".[371] "Yeah!" is placed at number 14 in their "Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs" list,[372] and 15 on VH1's "Greatest Songs of the 2000s".[373]

Business and other ventures

Music

Usher at Rico Love's Division 1 launch in 2010

Usher founded vanity record label US Records in 2002. The label was a subsidiary of Clive Davis's J Records, which was distributed by Sony BMG. The only album released by US Records was the soundtrack to In the Mix in late 2005, which was used to introduce the label's acts, such as rapper Rico Love, singer Rayan, Canadian teen R&B artist Justin Bieber, and One Chance, an R&B vocal quartet composed of Jon A. Gordon, Michael A. Gordon, Courtney Vantrease, and Robert Brent. Usher served as songwriter-producer in the project.[374][375] The Raymond Braun Media Group, which Justin Bieber is signed up to, is a joint venture between Usher and Bieber's manager Scooter Braun.[376] In 2023, Usher and longtime friend L.A. Reid co-founded Mega, an independent record label in a partnership with Larry Jackson's digital music distribution company, Gamma.[377]

Usher served as the contestant mentor for the Top 10 Week of Season 9 of the television show American Idol.[378] He appeared on the ITV1 show Britain's Got Talent on June 5, 2010. Usher joined as a new coach on the NBC American reality talent show The Voice, alongside Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Shakira in season 4, which premiered on March 25, 2013.[379] Usher reached the finale with contestant Michelle Chamuel on June 13, 2013.[380] Usher returned with Shakira in season 6 of The Voice, which premiered on February 24, 2014.[381] Usher reached the finale again, and won with contestant Josh Kaufman on May 20, 2014.[382]

Acting

Usher made his television acting debut on the American sitcom Moesha in 1997 playing Jeremy Davis, the love interest and classmate of Moesha, played by Brandy Norwood.[383] He has acted in feature films, debuting in 1998's The Faculty. In 1999, Usher appeared as a student disc jockey in the teen romantic comedy film She's All That. The same year he starred in his first leading role in the movie Light It Up with Rosario Dawson, Vanessa L. Williams, and Forest Whitaker. The following year, he played in Gepetto and Texas Rangers. He starred in the 2002 Twilight Zone revival episode To Protect and Serve as a police officer. Usher continued to make appearances in various television shows, including the period drama American Dreams (2002) in the role of Marvin Gaye. He also appeared in Sabrina the Teenage Witch in Season 2, episode 6 playing the role of a love doctor.[384] In 2005, he starred in the crime-comedy film In The Mix with Chazz Palminteri and Kevin Hart. He has also acted on stage, making his debut on Broadway in 2006 in Chicago as lawyer Billy Flynn and joining the cast of the Off-Broadway play Fuerzabruta in 2012;[385] the former performance was critiqued by theater critic Ben Brantley as unfitting for the character played stating "Usher was "cast so hard against type, you would think you would hear him cracking from the collision", despite commending his vocal and choreographic performance in the show.[386] In 2013, he began filming his role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard for the 2016 American biographical film Hands of Stone, which follows the life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán. In the film he stars alongside Édgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, Ellen Barkin, and Ana de Armas. The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 16, 2016, and was released in the United States on August 26, 2016.[387]

Products and services

Usher at his 2007 launch of fragrances Usher He and Usher She

Aside from recording music, Usher is involved in other businesses, including several restaurants.[388][389] In 2007, Usher worked with Richard Herpin and Honoring Blanc for the fragrances Usher He and Usher She. The promotion of the fragrance featured Usher and Martha Stewart in the Macy's "The Magic of Macy's" commercial.[390] In September 2008, Usher released the fragrances UR for Men and UR for Women. Usher's fifth fragrance, VIP, was launched in 2009.[391]

On March 30, 2015, it was announced that Usher is a co-owner, with various other music artists, in the music streaming service Tidal. The service specializes in lossless audio and high definition music video with curated editorial. Jay Z acquired the parent company of Tidal, Aspiro, in the first quarter of 2015. The slogan "Turn the tide" and the hashtag "#TIDALforAll" was used by various artists on social media during the buildup to the press conference relaunching the service.[392] Usher, along with sixteen artist stakeholders (such as Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, J.Cole, Nicki Minaj, and more) co-own Tidal, with the majority owning a 3% equity stake.[393] The idea of having an all artist owned streaming service was created by those involved to adapt to the increased demand for streaming within the current music industry, and to rival other streaming services such as Spotify, which have been criticized for their low payout of royalties."The challenge is to get everyone to respect music again, to recognize its value", stated Jay-Z on the release of Tidal.[394]

On June 28, 2015, Usher became partners with Yoobi the fast-growing school supplies company called based out of Los Angeles.[395] The company donates a portion of its products to schools and has brought in over $20 million in revenue between June 2014 and June 2015, Yoobi CEO Ido Leffler told Inc. The Usher line of supplies with Yoobi features a collaboration with Jonni Cheatwood, the artist who does the designing. The slogan is "Mixing street smarts with school smarts". The collection is available online and at Targets nationwide, and for every purchase, school supplies are donated to kids in need in US classrooms. When asked why he partnered with Yoobi, Usher said, "Preparing future leaders through my New Look Foundation has always been about having the proper tools to succeed in life. If they don't have the tools, young men and women from underserved communities can't even begin to understand the idea of having a new or different perspective. So that's where this collaboration came together giving young people the tools and supplying them with hope."[396]

Investments

Usher is a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers professional basketball team. He is part of a group which bought the team with a reported total purchase price of $375 million in 2005. He became the third pop artist to own a large stake in an NBA team.[397] During his tenure, the Cleveland Cavaliers have won five Central Division Championships, three Eastern Conference Champions and the 2016 NBA championship on June 19, 2016, which he won as a minority owner.[398]

On March 6, 2017, it was announced that Universal Music Group, Evolution Media, Jon Jashni, Usher, Steve Stoute, Charles King, and others invested $6 Million in Mass Appeal.[399] Mass Appeal is a New York City based media and content company. In 1996, Mass Appeal was founded as a graffiti print magazine. In 2014, Mass Appeal relaunched after CEO Peter Bittenbender partnered with American rapper Nas, who would serve as the publication's associate publisher.

On April 2, 2019, Usher, Jay-Z, Walter Robb, Seth Goldman, Ndamukong Suh, and others invested $8 Million in a catering startup called Hungry.[400] Hungry is a service that connects local chefs with companies looking for business and event catering. The catering company partnered with J's Kitchen Culinary Incubator, a business owned by Usher's mother Jonetta Patton.

On July 23, 2019, it was announced Usher, Kevin Hart, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, DJ Khaled, Scooter Braun, and Kendall Jenner among others collectively invested $5 Million in Liquid I.V., a health-science and nutrition wellness company based out of El Segundo, California.[401] The company was founded in 2012 by Brandin Cohen to help children in developing countries suffering from extreme dehydration caused by deadly diseases.[citation needed]

Endorsements

Usher has worked with MasterCard since 2004. Together, they launched the Usher Debit MasterCard, a sleek black card that features Usher's face and was handed out to concertgoers during his The Truth Tour.[402] In 2009, he partnered with Belvedere Vodka, launching the campaign Product (Red) that went to donate half of all profits from a new special-edition bottle to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.[403] MasterCard again teamed up with Usher in 2015 to surprise one cardholder. Usher was disguised as a street performer to surprise one of his biggest British fans, who was flown into Los Angeles as part of MasterCard's Priceless Surprises campaign in support of the 2015 BRIT Awards.[404]

In 2012, Usher partnered with the number-one selling dance game Microsoft Dance Central 3. Exclusively made on Kinect for Xbox 360. His role in the game was to bring his iconic talent and lend out his authentic choreography of his dance routines to his hit songs "Scream" and "OMG".[405] Usher himself provides voiceover instruction for players participating in the Dance Central 3 game.[406] At the launch of the game Usher gave a surprise performance of his song "Scream".

In 2013, Usher partnered with Samsung shooting a 2:28 minute short film directed by Rich Lee that included his single "Looking 4 Myself" from his then new album. The video features two Ushers in a face-off, as "down-to-earth" Usher seeks revenge against his "celebrity" alter ego after fame destroys his relationship. According to superstar, Hancock and The Matrix inspired the choreographed fight scenes with himself.[407] The short film featured him using a Samsung's smart TV using the new motion control features that allows users to swipe through the channels. The commercial generated twenty-two million views making it the second highest viewed Samsung commercial behind LeBron's Day with the Samsung Galaxy Note II.[408]

In 2015, Usher teamed up with Pepsi for The New Pepsi Challenge along celebrities Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, and many others. Every month, Pepsi "ambassadors" will use social media to issue a new challenge, many of which blend social responsibility with popular culture that encourages consumers to "do something different."[409] Usher's challenge invited fans to capture a single photo of an image that they feel inspires and amazes others to look at the world in a new way.[410] The winners photo would be selected and used in an upcoming Pepsi film.

In 2022, Usher teamed up with Rémy Martin; the company launched their first NFT's and also collectible bottles. Usher starred in television commercials to promote Rémy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne.[411][412]

Philanthropy

Usher founded New Look, a non-profit charity organization which aims to "provide young people with a new look on life through education and real-world experience". Its flagship project, camp New Look, ran from July 11 to 23, 2005, in Clark Atlanta University.[413] In 2006, the charity started an initiative called Our Block, for which it helped rebuild and revitalize city blocks in New Orleans. The project went on one street at a time, and the funding was helped through part of the proceeds of Usher's team-up with Armani Exchange in creating "Love 4 Life" dog tags, which were made available at the company's stores and Web site.[414] Since then, Usher has launched chapters of New Look in such cities as Baltimore, Detroit, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, and Washington, D.C. New Look has four basic pillars; Talent, Education, Service, and Career. New Look program begins in the 8th grade and progresses through a student's high school and post-secondary education. Education is the center focus, Usher and his program ensures this. Students who participate in Usher's New Look achieve 100% graduation rates and all of New Look participants go on to Higher Education or Job Placement.[415]

In 1999, Usher participated in "Challenge for the Children", a benefit basketball game hosted by American boy band NSYNC. The event, which was held on the campus of Georgia State University, had raised an estimated $50,000 for several local charities.[416] In 2005, Usher is one among the artists who signed on for a Hurricane Katrina relief concert.[417] He has also performed a public service announcement to promote Do Something's campaign for civic engagement.[418]

After the devastating events of Hurricane Katrina, Usher launched Project Restart that would go on to help more than 700 families with housing and keeping their lights on. Usher also while in New Orleans would meet with students from Dillard and Xavier to aid them with cleaning up the city. "I'm here to physically do something and hopefully motivate other people to do the same," said Usher in an interview. Usher, because of his efforts and dedication to helping the city of New Orleans rebuild was presented the key to the city of New Orleans in 2008 from former Mayor Ray Nagin.[419][420] Also in this presentation, Usher in his honor was proclaimed his own day, Usher Day.[421]

In 2011, Usher was honored with the Freedom Award by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.[422] The Freedom Awards honor individuals who work for justice, equality, philanthropy, civil and human rights and humanitarian causes. Raymond was awarded this honor for his philanthropic work done by his New Look Foundation. Others honored with this award in the past Usher included Oprah, Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, Coretta Scott King, and other great figures.[423]

On February 12, 2015, Usher visited his former hometown Chattanooga making a surprise visit at Dalewood Middle School, the Orange Grove Center and the Center for the Creative Arts. Dalewood is the middle school he attended before moving to Atlanta and the school is not that far away from the road "Usher Raymond Parkway" that was presented to Usher in 2001.[424] Usher spoke to students at the Center for the Creative arts explaining the importance of education. His effort of giving back was to honor the legacy of his grandmother who passed early in the year. Who he called Nanny expressed to singer at a young age "whatever you want to do, I promise you can do it. We're going to look back one day, your teachers and I, and be very proud of you". At CCC, a donation of an undisclosed amount was made by the singer that would pay for new surfaces for the floors of two dance studios, a new digital lighting board and LED lights for the performing arts school's auditorium.[425] Usher's second stop was Orange Grove Center, a nonprofit that serves adults and children with intellectual disabilities. There, he took part in a groundbreaking for planned improvements to the facility's track, said development director Heidi Hoffecker. The track will be named the Nancy Lackey Memorial Track to honor his grandmother.[425]

In 2015, Usher teamed up with Anthony Anderson, Kevin Hart, Big Sean, Chris Paul, and more collectively donating more than $500,000 in scholarships that was given to 20 students attending historically black colleges and universities.[426] This is following the partnership with the UNCF in 2014 creating the Usher Raymond Scholarship Program, where last year he gave a student $100,000 to attend the Tuskegee University.[427]

In 2016, Usher, alongside Tyrese, Future, Ludacris, and Jeezy donated $25,000 each to the UNCF during the 33rd annual Atlanta's Mayors Ball.[428]

On February 18, 2017, Morehouse College during the 29th annual "A Candle in the Dark Gala" honored Usher with the prestigious Candle Award for his philanthropy and contributions to music. The Candle Award honors recipients for excellence in athletics, business, education, entertainment, and other arenas.[429] Past recipients honored at the "Candle in the Dark" include Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson.[430]

On January 31, 2018, Usher helped former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick complete his pledge to donate $1 million to oppressed communities. To complete the final $100,000 of his goal, Kaepernick launched the #10for10 campaign[431] He made 10 donations of $10,000 to 10 different charities with 10 celebrities matching him with $10,000. Usher selected the H.O.M.E. (Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure) charity in Lithonia, Georgia to receive a combined donation of $20,000.[432]

Politics and activism

Usher giving a speech at the Service Nation Summit in 2008

In 2007, Usher launched his campaign in "Change in the South" in Atlanta, Georgia on the campus of Georgia Tech in support of then presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Obama asked Usher to serve as National Co-chair for his voter registration campaign "Vote for Change".[433][434] Doing more groundwork for Obama the following year Usher and Kerry Washington would lead a rally on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. In 2008, Usher supported the Service Nation campaign, serving as the Service Nation Youth Chair.[435] Usher stated "As an artist, I am often recognized for the music I make and the performances I give. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of many incredible moments. But this is the work that inspires me, empowering young people to become active in their communities".[436] Usher also released an exclusive song "Hush" that was influenced by social issues and voting, In the video he features a motivational Barack Obama speech. Usher performed "Higher Ground" alongside Stevie Wonder and Shakira at the 2009 presidential inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on January 18, 2009. He continued to endorse Obama in 2012 and supported on the 2012 reelection campaign.[437]

On September 13, 2014, Usher and Bill Clinton held a special campaign event for Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Nunn.[438] Nunn was honored for her work with the Points of Light Foundation at a charity event in 2010 and has been a semiregular attendee at Clinton Foundation events since 2009. Usher's New Look Foundation also awarded Clinton its Service Legacy Award in 2010.[439]

In October 2015, Usher partnered with the organization Sankofa which focuses on issues of social injustice that disproportionately affect the disenfranchised, the oppressed, and the underserved. On October 23, 2015, Usher and the founder of Sankofa, former Civil Rights Activist, Harry Belafonte led the conversation titled "Breaking the Chains of Social Injustice" at 92nd Street Y in Manhattan speaking about popular culture and activism.[440][441] At this panel he introduced his music video "Chains" featuring Nas and Bibi Bourelly. The music video is geared towards facing the issues of social injustice and features images of Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Sean Bell, Marlon Brown, Ramarley Graham, Amadou Diallo, Caesar Cruz, and other recent victims of police violence.[442][443]

In August 2015, he attended a major celebrity fundraiser at the Brentwood home of Scooter Braun held for presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Tom Hanks were also among the crowd of 250 whose ticket prices were of $2,700 per person.[444][445]

Usher was selected among a 33-member delegate for the Presidential Committee for Arts and Humanities of the United States of America to Cuba seeking to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. Less than a month after the historic visit by President Barack Obama, a U.S. government cultural mission to Cuba took place from April 18–21, 2016.[446] The President described his trip as extending the hand of friendship to the Cuban people, and this delegation, including some of America's most distinguished writers, artists, musicians, as well as arts and cultural leaders, will continue this historic collaboration with the Cuban people.[447]

Personal life

Chilli on stage

In 2001, Usher began dating TLC member Chilli Thomas, and their relationship lasted for three years. In 2003, Usher started working on the album that would become Confessions, which contained songs inspired by the personal lives of Usher and his collaborators. The songs about infidelity and pregnant mistresses were not inspired by Usher's private life, but by Jermaine Dupri's own personal challenges at the time.[448] Dupri deliberately intended to create an air of mystery about Usher, and arouse fans' curiosity about how much of the infidelity story was Usher's own confession.[448] The unintended result of this was to arouse Thomas's suspicions about Usher.[448] They broke up in December 2004.

This was followed by a media frenzy surrounding the personal nature of Confessions. Many fans believed that the infidelity portrayed in "Confessions" was real, and the real reason for the split.[12] In February 2004, in an interview on The Bert Show on the Atlanta radio channel Q100, Thomas was perceived as insinuating that Usher cheated on her: "Usher did the ultimate no-no to me. ... I will never be with him again, and that is that".[449] Usher defended: "... it just didn't work out. But cheating is not what caused the relationship to collide and crash. That ain't what broke it up".[12] This was backed up years later by Thomas, who said "People assumed that album was about us, but it was not."[450]

In 2004, it was reported that Usher briefly dated British supermodel Naomi Campbell for a few months, together the pair attended the MTV Europe Music Awards and it was reported that Campbell jumped out of a pop out cake to surprise him for his birthday.[451] The following year, he was linked to model Eishia Brightwell for some time. They were seen together at different events including the Grammys, the Vanity Fair Oscar party and the NAACP Awards.[452]

In November 2005, Usher began dating stylist Tameka Foster, who worked as his personal stylist for several years.[453] Their engagement was announced in February 2007.[454] After the sudden cancellation of a planned July wedding in the Hamptons,[455][456] the two were wed on August 3, 2007, in a civil ceremony in Atlanta.[457] This was followed by a larger wedding ceremony on September 1, 2007, held at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort outside Atlanta.[458]

Usher's father, Usher Raymond III, died of a heart attack on January 21, 2008.[459]

Upon his marriage to Foster, Usher became a stepfather to Foster's three sons from previous relationships, one born when she was a teenager and two from her first marriage to Atlanta clothier Ryan Glover.[453][454] Usher and Foster also have two sons together: Usher "Cinco" Raymond V, born in November 2007,[460] and Naviyd Ely Raymond, born in December 2008.[461]

In February 2009, two months after the birth of their second son, Foster suffered a cardiac arrest in São Paulo, Brazil, when she was given general anesthesia prior to scheduled cosmetic surgery (reportedly liposuction), which was ultimately not performed.[462] She was induced into a coma to aid her recovery and was transferred to a larger facility, the Hospital Sírio-Libanês.[462] Usher canceled his performance at Clive Davis's pre-Grammy Gala in order to fly to Brazil to be with Foster.[462] After a week of recovery, Foster's surgeon issued a statement saying that she was "doing very well".[462]

Usher filed for divorce from Foster in June 2009 in Atlanta.[463] The divorce was legally finalized in Fulton County Court on November 4, 2009.[464] This preceded a highly publicized child custody dispute spanning three years, which ultimately culminated on August 24, 2012, with a judge awarding Usher primary custody of his two sons with Foster.[465][466]

In 2011, Forbes magazine placed Usher at number 32 on its Celebrity 100,[467] and reported his earnings after the OMG Tour to stand at $46 million, ranking him at number 12 on "The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians" list.[468]

Usher was reported to have adopted a vegan diet in 2012.[469]

Foster's 11-year-old son Kile Glover, Usher's former stepson, was declared brain dead on July 8, 2012, after being struck by a personal water craft on Lake Lanier the previous day.[470][471] Glover died on July 21, 2012, after being removed from life support.[472] Just over a year later, on August 5, 2013, Usher's eldest son, Usher V, was hospitalized in the ICU after he became stuck in a drain while swimming in a pool at Usher's home.[473] The next day, Foster filed a request for an emergency custody hearing in Fulton County Superior Court, seeking temporary primary custody and citing Usher V's "near-death accident" as evidence of a lack of supervision of the children.[474] At the hearing on August 9, 2013, the case was dismissed and Usher retained primary custody of their two sons.[475]

In September 2015, Usher quietly married his long-time girlfriend and manager Grace Miguel while vacationing in Cuba. There was speculation of the two being married when Miguel's Instagram post showed a picture of a gold wedding band on Usher's finger. He confirmed the marriage during an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.[476][477]

On July 19, 2017, documents leaked online allege that Usher has been a carrier of the herpes virus since 2009 or 2010 and that he infected a partner with it in 2012. It alleges that Usher paid the woman's doctor bills and settled a civil suit with her for $1.1 million.[478] Amid the allegations, TMZ reported that another woman filed a $10 million lawsuit against Usher claiming that he exposed her to the herpes virus without her knowledge or consent, which is a crime in certain states.[479] TMZ followed up this story with another alleging that she increased her lawsuit to $20 million after testing positive.

Three more claimants sued him on allegations of fraud, sexual battery, infliction of emotional distress and more, alleging that he was positive for the herpes virus and did not tell them in advance. All three were represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, who said on August 8, 2017, that one of her three clients had contracted genital herpes allegedly from him. One of the accusers, Quantasia Sharpton, said she had unprotected sex with him after a concert she attended. The other two accusers, one male and one female, preferred to remain anonymous plaintiffs.[480] Sharpton admitted she tested negative and Bloom stated she did not know if the singer had the disease.[481]

On March 6, 2018, Usher and wife Grace Miguel informed Us Weekly of their separation in a statement that read, in part: "After much thought and consideration we have mutually decided to separate as a couple ... We remain deeply connected, loving friends who will continue supporting each other through the next phases of our lives".[482] On December 28, 2018, Usher filed for divorce from Miguel in Georgia.[483]

In September 2020, it was confirmed that Usher was expecting his third child, with music executive Jenn Goicoechea, whom he reportedly started dating in October 2019.[484][485] Their daughter was born on September 24, 2020.[486] Usher and Goicoecha welcomed their second child together on September 29, 2021.[487] Usher and Goiciechea married in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024. immediately following Usher's Superbowl performance.[488][489]

Discography

Solo studio albums

Collaborative albums

Concert tours and residencies

Headlining

Concert residencies

  • Usher: The Las Vegas Residency (2021)[490]
  • My Way: The Vegas Residency (2022)
  • Rendez-Vous Á Paris (2023)

Opening act

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1998 The Faculty Gabe Santora
1999 She's All That Campus D.J.
Light It Up Lester Dewitt
2000 Geppetto Pleasure Island Ringmaster
2001 Texas Rangers Randolph Douglas Scipio
2005 In The Mix Darrell Williams
2010 Killers Kevin the Manager
2013 Scary Movie 5 Ira the Janitor
2014 Muppets Most Wanted Himself
2015 Black Knight Decoded The Black Knight (voice) Short
2016 Hands of Stone Sugar Ray Leonard
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Himself
2017 People You May Know Himself
2018 Burden Clarence Brooks
2019 Hustlers Himself
2020 Bad Hair Germane D.

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Soul Train Himself Episode: "Me'Shell NdegeOchello/James 'J.T.' Taylor/Usher"
1995 All That Himself Episode: "Usher"
1997 Soul Train Himself Episode: "Brownstone/Usher/Queen Pen Feat. Teddy Riley"
1997–98 Showtime at the Apollo Himself Episode: "Episode #11.2" & "#12.4"
1997–99 Moesha Jeremy Davis Recurring Cast: Season 3, Guest: Season 4
1998 Mad TV Himself Episode: "Vivica A. Fox"
The Parent 'Hood Himself Episode: "Flaked Out" & "Color Him Father"
The Bold and the Beautiful Raymond Regular Cast
Cousin Skeeter Himself Episode: "Miracle on 32nd Skeet"
1998–04 Top of the Pops Himself Recurring Guest
1999 Promised Land Winston Episode: "Baby Steps"
2000 The Wonderful World of Disney Ringleader Episode: "Geppetto"
The Famous Jett Jackson Zander 'Z-Ride' Hall Episode: "Step Up"
2001 E! True Hollywood Story Himself Episode: "Joan Rivers" & "Aaliyah"
2001–02 The Saturday Show Himself Episode: "Episode #1.4" & "#1.29"
2002 Mad TV Himself Episode: "Episode #7.12"
The Nick Cannon Show Himself Episode: "Nick Takes Over Music"
Total Access 24/7 Himself Episode: "Usher"
Making the Video Himself Episode: "U Don't Have To Call" & "I Need A Girl Pt. 2"
Becoming Himself Episode: "Becoming P. Diddy & Usher"
Sabrina the Teenage Witch The Love Doctor Episode: "I Think I Love You"
The Twilight Zone Eric Boggs Episode: "To Protect and Serve"
American Dreams Marvin Gaye Episode: "Cold Snap"
7th Heaven Will Episode: "A Cry for Help"
2003 Star Search Himself/Guest Judge Episode: "The One with Singer Usher Raymond"
The Greatest Himself Episode: "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons"
How I'm Living Himself Episode: "Usher Raymond"
Banzai Himself Episode: "Episode #1.6"
Punk'd Himself Episode: "Episode #2.1"
Soul Food Cameron Marks Recurring Cast: Season 4
2004–12 Saturday Night Live Himself Recurring Guest
2005 VH1 News Presents Himself Episode: "Plastic Surgery Obsession"
B InTune TV Himself Episode: "Episode #1.4"
2008 Dancing with the Stars Himself Episode: "Round 9: Results"
2009 Check It Out! Video Himself Episode: "Usher"
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Himself Episode: "Scott Family"
2010 American Idol Himself/Mentor Episode: "Top 10 Performance"
Britain's Got Talent Himself Episode: "2010: Live Final"
So You Think You Can Dance Himself Episode: "1 of 11 Voted Off"
The Xtra Factor Himself Episode: "Episode #7.2"
The X Factor Himself Episode: "Results 1"
X Factor Himself Episode: "4. Live Show"
Sesame Street Elmo Slide Dancer Episode: "Music Magic"
2010-12 The X Factor Australia Himself Recurring Guest
2012 12 Again Himself Episode: "Episode #2.5"
2013 West Wing Week Himself Episode: "Behind the Scenes: Inauguration 2013"
2013–14 The Voice Himself/Coach Main Coach: Season 4 & 6
2014 Sesame Street Himself Episode: "The Enthusiastic Penelope Penguin"
2015 Coffee Break Promiflash Himself Episode: "Dschungelcamp, Prince Mario-Max, Tokio Hotel, Kim Kardashian, Usher"
Repeat After Me Himself Episode: "Episode #1.3"
I Went to Himself Episode: "Jimmy Kimmel Live in Brooklyn & Jay Z's Tidal X Concert"
2016 In Performance at the White House Himself Episode: "A Celebration of American Creativity"
Hello World! Himself/Narrator Episode: "Stronger"
2017 Pyramid Himself/Celebrity Player Episode: "Usher vs. Von Miller and Justin Hartley vs. Chrissy Metz"
Oprah's Master Class Himself Episode: "Usher Raymond"
Drop the Mic Himself Episode: "Halle Berry vs. James Corden & Usher vs. Anthony Anderson"
Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party Himself Episode: "Keepin' It Crunk"
Do or Dare Himself Episode: "Usher vs. Jermaine Dupri"
Animals Miles (voice) Episode: "Pigeons"
2019 Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta Himself Episode: "So So Triggered"
Activate: The Global Citizen Movement Himself Recurring Guest
2020 Justin Bieber: Seasons Himself Episode: "The Finale"
The Sauce Himself/Judge Main Judge
Ellen's Game of Games Himself Episode: "Sweet Foam Alabama"
Songland Himself Episode: "Usher"
America's Got Talent Himself Episode: "Live Finale Results"
Behind Every Man Himself Episode: "Jonnetta Patton"
2023 Soul of a Nation Himself Episode: "Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas"
Dave Himself Episode: "Hearsay"

Documentary

Year Title
2004 Fade to Black
2011 Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
2012 Bad 25
Singin' in the Rain: Raining on a New Generation
2013 Justin Bieber's Believe
2014 ATL: The Untold Story of Atlanta's Rise in the Rap Game
2017 Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama
Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story
Welcome to My Life
What We Started
Louder Together
2018 Guilty Until Proven Guilty
2020 David Blaine: The Magic Way
2021 Justin Bieber: The New Me
2023 Thriller 40

Stage productions

  • Chicago as Billy Flynn (2006) (Broadway)

See also

References

  1. ^ "Biography". People. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
  2. ^ "Usher - Nice & Slow (Live at iTunes Festival 2012)". September 6, 2012. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2016 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Monitor". Entertainment Weekly. No. 1228/1229. October 12–19, 2012. p. 23.
  4. ^ Lynda Lane. "Usher". AllMusic. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c Caramanica, Jon (June 29, 2012). "Sifting Through Songs for the Man Underneath". The New York Times. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  6. ^ Usher
  7. ^ "Usher will headline the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Las Vegas". September 24, 2023.
  8. ^ Goffe, Nadira (August 17, 2023). "A Beginner's Guide to Usher, in 10 Songs". Slate.
  9. ^ Millner, Denene (November 9, 1999). "Joining The Class Struggle R&b Superstar Plays The Leader Of A School Revolt In 'Light It Up'". New York Daily News. New York City. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
  10. ^ "Raymond, Usher "Urkie" III". Chattanoogan.com. January 19, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  11. ^ "Obit | Etta Berry |". Times Free Press. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2015 – via tfponline.com.
  12. ^ a b c d Reid, Shaheem. "Usher: King Me". MTV. Archived from the original on June 11, 2004. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Driven: Usher", VH1, archived from the original on May 11, 2005, retrieved November 4, 2016
  14. ^ "North Springs High School". PublicSchoolReview.com. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  15. ^ a b c D'Angelo, Joe (February 5, 2002). "Early Usher Recordings Get A Nubeginning". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 6, 2002. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  16. ^ Carpenter, Troy (February 25, 2002). "Hip-O Turns Back The Clock On Usher". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
  17. ^ "Usher Remembers Whitney". DuJour. November 1, 2012. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  18. ^ blove (November 12, 2007). "Usher: Thanks For Keeping My Throne Warm ..." HipHopDX. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  19. ^ a b Lane, Lynda. "Usher: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  20. ^ Hope, Clover (May 5, 2008). "Usher". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
  21. ^ "Bieber voice drop OK with label, thanks to Usher". New York Daily News. February 9, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  22. ^ "Usher's Wild Ride". Rolling Stone. May 13, 2004. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  23. ^ "Usher: Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  24. ^ a b c d "Usher: Biography". People. p. 1. Retrieved December 21, 2008.
  25. ^ Hamilton, Andrew. "Panther: Review". AllMusic. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  26. ^ "I Swear I'm In Love – Usher". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  27. ^ Sexton, Paul (March 22, 2004). "Usher, Michael Notch U.K. No. 1s". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  28. ^ "Usher Makes U.K. Wanna". Billboard. January 29, 1998. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  29. ^ a b c d "Gold and Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. p. 2. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  30. ^ a b "Artist Chart History – Usher". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  31. ^ a b c "Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  32. ^ "Badu, Puffy, Usher Walk Away With Soul Train Awards". MTV. March 2, 1998. Archived from the original on August 25, 2003. Retrieved December 21, 2008.
  33. ^ "Usher Stars In ABC's 'Geppetto': R&B Singer Continues To Toss His Hat In The Acting Ring". Sacramento Observer. May 3, 2000. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2008.
  34. ^ "Usher Evolves On 'All About U'". Billboard. November 10, 2000. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  35. ^ a b "Usher: Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  36. ^ Mancini, Robert (August 14, 2000). "Usher Bounces Back With "Texas Rangers," Next LP". MTV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  37. ^ "Artist: Usher". Grammy Award. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  38. ^ Armor, Jerry (October 30, 2002). "Usher Enters 'The Twilight Zone'". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on June 12, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
  39. ^ Serpick, Evan (October 9, 2002). "Usher's Gaye Fantasy". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 14, 2009. Retrieved December 22, 2008.
  40. ^ Finn, Natalie (April 2, 2008). "Usher Stands on New Release Date". E!. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  41. ^ D'Angelo, Joe (March 31, 2004). "Usher Makes Record-Breaking Debut Atop Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 4, 2004. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  42. ^ D'Angelo, Joe (March 31, 2004). "Usher Makes Record-Breaking Debut Atop Albums Chart". MTV. Archived from the original on April 4, 2004. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  43. ^ Brantley, Ben (September 8, 2006). "A Genial Pop Idol Plays a Legal Shark Without Teeth". The New York Times. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
  44. ^ Donnelly, Matt; Rosenbaum, Claudia (August 6, 2008). "Usher Back in Mommy's Arms After Dumping Manager Medina". E!. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  45. ^ "Gold and Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. p. 2. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  46. ^ Whitmire, Margo (July 15, 2004). "Usher Notches Another No. 1 Single". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  47. ^ Whitmire, Margo (October 21, 2004). "'Boo!': Usher, Keys Scare Up No. 1 Single". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  48. ^ "110 STAFF FIRED AS ARISTA FOLDS". March 25, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  49. ^ "BMG Disbands Its Arista Label". Wall Street Journal. March 25, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  50. ^ Dansby, Andrew (August 6, 2004). "Sony, BMG Complete Merger". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  51. ^ Susman, Gary (November 15, 2004). "House of Usher". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  52. ^ Simon, Perry (November 19, 2004). "Usher Nabs MTV Europe Awards". People. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  53. ^ "2004 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV. Archived from the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  54. ^ Rashbaum, Alyssa (September 16, 2004). "Usher, Outkast Clean Up At World Music Awards". MTV. Archived from the original on September 18, 2004. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  55. ^ "2004 Billboard Music Awards Winners". Billboard. December 8, 2004. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  56. ^ "Usher Proves He's 'The Truth' At Tour Kickoff". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  57. ^ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - December 12, 2015". RIAA. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  58. ^ Reid, Shaheem (January 24, 2005). "Lil Jon, Usher, Luda ... How 'Bout Another Video?". MTV. Archived from the original on January 27, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  59. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 4, 2007). "R. Kelly And Usher Get Played By The 'Same Girl'". MTV. Archived from the original on May 6, 2007. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  60. ^ Reid, Shaheem (March 19, 2007). "Omarion On Red-Hot 'Ice Box' Remix With Usher: 'It's Big, It's So Big'". MTV. Archived from the original on March 22, 2007. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  61. ^ Christgau, Robert (December 13, 2007). "Mary J. Blige: Growing Pains". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 5, 2008. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  62. ^ "Pop's Power List". Los Angeles Times. July 24, 2005. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  63. ^ Gates, Anita (November 24, 2005). "In the Mix (2005) November 24, 2005 Usher Makes Some Friends Who Are Mobsters". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  64. ^ Boucher, Geoff (August 20, 2006). "Usher's Next Step". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  65. ^ "Usher: Broadway Is Like Monogamy". PEOPLE.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  66. ^ "Usher's Strep Throat Prevents His Return to Chicago". Broadway.com. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  67. ^ a b Hasty, Katie (June 4, 2008). "Usher Scores Second Best Sales Debut Of '08". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  68. ^ "Usher: Raymond vs Raymond – The National Newspaper". Thenational.ae. April 28, 2010. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  69. ^ "Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - July 12, 2015". RIAA. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  70. ^ "Usher". WKRQ. Bonneville International. August 4, 2010. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2011.
  71. ^ Bonson, Fred (March 6, 2008). "Chart Beat". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  72. ^ Davis, Chris (September 3, 2008). "Usher Plans to Perform for 'Women Only'". People. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  73. ^ Powers, Ann; Martens, Todd (July 9, 2009). "Michael Jackson memorial: Usher sings 'Gone Too Soon'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 9, 2009.
  74. ^ "Usher's Raymond Vs. Raymond Pushed Back » MTV Newsroom". Newsroom.mtv.com. November 23, 2009. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  75. ^ Dominguez, Robert (October 7, 2009). "Usher delays divorce from Tameka Foster Raymond by not signing papers". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 30, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  76. ^ a b "Usher - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  77. ^ "Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved July 11, 2010.
  78. ^ "New Music: Jason Derulo f/ Nicki Minaj – 'In My Head (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  79. ^ "Usher - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  80. ^ "Music Albums, Top 200 Albums & Music Album Charts". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  81. ^ "The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  82. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2010.
  83. ^ "Usher Lands At No.1 On Billboard 200 With Raymond Vs. Raymond Album | Sound Off". BET. September 15, 2010. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  84. ^ "Usher's "Raymond v. Raymond," goes GOLD ! « R&B Music Blog >> 100 % R&B and Hip-Hop". Rnbmusicblog.wordpress.com. May 2, 2010. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2010.
  85. ^ "Australian Record Industry Association". Ariacharts.com.au. August 23, 2010. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  86. ^ [1] Archived April 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  87. ^ "Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA): Gold & Platinum – January 2005". Cria.ca. Archived from the original on February 12, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  88. ^ "Music Charts – Official Music Chart". Theofficialcharts.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  89. ^ a b "Usher announces 'Raymond v. Raymond' follow-up for August release – Music, Arts & Entertainment". The Independent. UK. July 11, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  90. ^ "New Music: Usher f/ Pitbull – 'DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love'". Rap-Up. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  91. ^ "Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  92. ^ "Eminem and Rihanna Replace Katy Perry Atop Hot 100". Billboard. September 14, 2009. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  93. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  94. ^ "The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  95. ^ "Usher". TV Guide. September 9, 2010.
  96. ^ Fleeman, Mike (November 21, 2010). "Justin Bieber Dominates American Music Awards - American Music Awards, Justin Bieber". People. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  97. ^ a b "Usher Explores 'Revolutionary' New Sound". Rap-Up. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
  98. ^ "Usher's OMG Tour To Launch In November". MTV. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  99. ^ Lyons, Margaret (February 3, 2011). "Usher, Slash join Super Bowl halftime show". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  100. ^ "RCA to close Jive, Arista and J label imprints". Los Angeles Times. October 7, 2011. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  101. ^ Halperin, Shirley (October 7, 2011). "RCA Execs Confirm Jive and Arista Labels Shut Down". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  102. ^ Tang, Conni (July 11, 2011). "Usher Breaking Ground on New 'Revolutionary Pop' Album". Singersroom. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  103. ^ "Looking 4 Myself (Deluxe Edition) by Usher". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. June 12, 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  104. ^ "Looking 4 Myself (2012): Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
  105. ^ McDermott, Tyler (May 29, 2012). "Rico Love Talks Working With Diddy, Rick Ross & Usher's 'Looking 4 Myself' Album". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  106. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 3, 2012). "Usher Sports Neck Tattoo On 'Looking 4 Myself Cover'". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on September 4, 2012. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  107. ^ Ford, Sabrina (June 1, 2012). "Usher feels "near a rebirth" on new album". Reuters. The Woodbridge Company. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  108. ^ "Usher : "Climax"". Webcitations.org. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  109. ^ "Usher : "Climax"". Webcitations.org. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  110. ^ "New Music: Usher – 'Scream' [Snippet]". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  111. ^ "The Voice Season 4 Winner: Danielle Bradbery Victorious!". Us Weekly. June 19, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  112. ^ "Usher on Josh Kaufman's The Voice Season 6 Win: "If Blake Shelton Won Again, I Would Have Walked Off the Stage"". Us Weekly. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  113. ^ a b "Usher's Next Album Is 'Everything You Can Imagine'". MTV News. Viacom. Archived from the original on March 23, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  114. ^ a b c "Rap-Up TV: Eric Bellinger Talks New Usher and Keri Hilson Albums". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  115. ^ "Chart Highlights: Usher Lands Lucky 13th No. 1 On R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay". Billboard. July 7, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  116. ^ "Usher Puckers Up With New Single 'Good Kisser' Invading the Charts". Billboard. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  117. ^ a b "Usher Reveals 'The UR Experience' Tour Dates". Billboard. September 2, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  118. ^ "Usher's 'The UR Experience' 2015 UK Tour Dates Are On Sale Now!". Capital FM. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  119. ^ "Usher Offers Up 'Clueless' Song as Cereal Box Prize". Rolling Stone. November 11, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
  120. ^ Kreps, Daniel (October 16, 2015). "Witness Usher and Nas' Devastating 'Chains' Interactive Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  121. ^ "Usher Announces New Album 'Flawed'". Rap-Up. January 6, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  122. ^ Martinez, Lala (November 11, 2016). "Yuna talks her new album, 'Chapters,' overcoming heartbreak and self-idenity [sic]". Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  123. ^ "Check Out a Preview of Usher's New Single, 'No Limit'". Billboard. June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  124. ^ "Usher Signs Management Agreement With Scooter Braun". That Grape Juice. June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  125. ^ "Usher, Vic Mensa Sign With Scooter Braun For Management: Sources". Billboard. June 22, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  126. ^ "Celebrate Roberto Duran Day With This Usher, Ruben Blades Song". LA Times. August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  127. ^ "Usher to Release New Album 'Hard II Love' in September". Billboard. August 25, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  128. ^ "Usher & Future Dedicate 'Rivals' to the Ride-or-Dies in New Video". Billboard. August 30, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  129. ^ "Usher - Rivals ft. Future". YouTube. September 2, 2016. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  130. ^ "Future Releases", Allaccess, archived from the original on September 13, 2016, retrieved November 23, 2016
  131. ^ Caulfield, Keith (September 25, 2016). "Drake's 'Views' Returns to No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart for 13th Week". Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  132. ^ "Usher's 'No Limit' Rises to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  133. ^ "Usher's 'No Limit' Rises to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart". Billboard. October 5, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  134. ^ "Chris Brown Readies New Single 'Party' with Usher & Gucci Mane". Rap-Up. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  135. ^ "Usher Announces New Zaytoven-Produced Album "A" Releasing Tonight". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  136. ^ "Usher Says 'Papers' Was Recorded Before His Marriage Ended". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  137. ^ "Usher signs to Luke Mitzman's 100 Management for worldwide representation - Music Business Worldwide". Music Business Worldwide. November 13, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  138. ^ "Usher Signs With 100 Management: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  139. ^ "Usher and Black Coffee to Perform Special Mash-Up at Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  140. ^ "Cardi B to Star Alongside Jennifer Lopez in 'Hustlers' Movie". Rap-Up. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  141. ^ Handler, Rachel (September 13, 2019). "How Hustlers Pulled Off the Meta Cameo of the Year". Vulture.
  142. ^ "The 'Hustlers' music: How Janet Jackson, Lorde and that perfect club cameo came to be". Los Angeles Times. September 14, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  143. ^ "Usher Teases 'Confessions 2'". Rap-Up. March 27, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  144. ^ "Smokin' Grooves Festival Returns to Long Beach with Usher & Erykah Badu". Billboard. May 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  145. ^ "See Who's Joining 'The Voice' as a Battle Advisor This Season". Billboard. September 6, 2019. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  146. ^ Skinner, Tom (September 10, 2019). "Usher keeps summer alive with new Black Coffee collaboration, 'LaLaLa' – listen". NME. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  147. ^ "Radiomonitor launches airplay chart for South Africa". Music In Africa. October 9, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  148. ^ Corry, Kristin (October 4, 2019). "Summer Walker's 'Over It' Brought Your Favorite R&B Singers Out of Hiding". Vice. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  149. ^ "The 5 Best Songs of the Week". Time. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  150. ^ "Best New Music This Week: Travis Scott, Danny Brown, Juice WRLD, and More". Complex. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  151. ^ "Bops Only: 10 Songs You Need to Start Your Weekend Right". PAPER. October 4, 2019. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  152. ^ Zemler, Emily (December 13, 2019). "Hear Usher Team Up With Ella Mai on 'Don't Waste My Time'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  153. ^ "BET's 'Saving Our Selves' Special: Recap". Billboard. April 23, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  154. ^ "Usher and Sheila E. to Perform Prince Tribute at GRAMMYs 2020". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  155. ^ Stein, Marc (January 31, 2020). "Lakers Fall to Blazers on Emotional Night Honoring Kobe Bryant". The New York Times.
  156. ^ "Lizzo, Usher and Halsey Announced as Performers For 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards". Billboard. January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  157. ^ "iHeartRadio Music Awards to Be Rescheduled". The Hollywood Reporter. March 16, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  158. ^ Clark, Trent (March 3, 2020). "Usher To Judge & Executive Produce Quibi Dance Competition Series 'The Sauce'". HipHopDX. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  159. ^ Thorpe, Isha (April 4, 2020). "Lil Jon plays unreleased Usher track with himself and Ludacris in IG Live battle with T-Pain — Listen here". REVOLT. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  160. ^ "Lil Jon Plays Unreleased Song Feat. Usher and Ludacris in Instagram Live Battle With T-Pain". Complex. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  161. ^ "Usher and Tyga Team for Sun-Drenched Single "California"". HYPEBEAST. June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  162. ^ "Usher Shares Emotional Song 'I Cry'". Rap-Up. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  163. ^ Haylock, Zoe (September 4, 2020). "Usher Optimistically Books a Las Vegas Residency for July 2021". Vulture. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  164. ^ Ruggieri, Melissa. "Usher will headline 2021 residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas". ajc. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  165. ^ "Usher moves Vegas residency from Caesars Palace to Dolby Live". New York Daily News. February 17, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  166. ^ International, MGM Resorts. "USHER ANNOUNCES NEW HEADLINING LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT PARK MGM". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  167. ^ Kreps, Daniel (September 10, 2020). "Usher Struggles With Commitment in 'Bad Habits' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  168. ^ "Usher". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  169. ^ Karp, Hannah (March 8, 2023). "Apple Veteran Larry Jackson Launches Gamma, Bringing 'Unprecedented' Private Equity to Frontline Music Business". Billboard. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  170. ^ Abraham, Mya (August 4, 2023). "Usher, Halle, Marley Bleu, And More New R&B To Survive The Venus Retrograde". VIBE.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  171. ^ Aniftos, Rania (June 30, 2022). "Usher Performs Hit After Hit for NPR's 'Tiny Desk' Concert". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
  172. ^ Jones, Marchaund (July 6, 2022). "Usher 'Watch This' meme goes viral after his Tiny Desk performance". Fox 8. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  173. ^ Callas, Brad (July 4, 2022). "Usher Goes Viral With Hilarious 'Watch This' Meme From His 'Tiny Desk Concert'". Complex Magazine. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  174. ^ "GLU - Usher". Spotify. March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  175. ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (March 17, 2023). "Usher ends three year hiatus with new steamy single 'GLU'". NME. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  176. ^ Abraham, Mya; Griffin, Marc (March 17, 2023). "Usher, Tori Kelly, Tamar Braxton, And More Enter New Eras With Their Latest R&B Tunes". Vibe. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  177. ^ Lamarre, Carl (April 17, 2023). "Usher Announces Four Exclusive European Shows in Paris". Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  178. ^ Cowen, Trace William. "21 Savage and Summer Walker Join Usher on "Good Good"". Complex. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  179. ^ Rowley, Glenn (August 24, 2022). "Usher Talks Accepting the Title of 'King of R&B': 'You Tell Me Who Gonna Do It Better'". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  180. ^ a b Rutherford, Kevin (September 29, 2023). "Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage's 'Good Good' Rules Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  181. ^ Bustios, Pamela (November 2, 2023). "J Balvin, Usher & DJ Khaled's 'Dientes' Lands at No. 1 on Latin Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  182. ^ Peters, Mitchell (September 24, 2023). "Usher Announces 'Coming Home' Album Release Date Amid Super Bowl Halftime Show News". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  183. ^ "Keeping secrets 'from my own kids': Usher revealed as the 2024 Super Bowl half-time show headliner". ABC News. September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  184. ^ Peters, Mitchell (September 24, 2023). "Usher Talks 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show With Apple Music's Zane Lowe: Here Are 7 Highlights". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  185. ^ McIntosh, Steven (February 12, 2024). "Usher joined by Alicia Keys and will.i.am at Super Bowl half-time show". BBC News. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  186. ^ Daly, Rhian (February 12, 2024). "Usher brings out Alicia Keys during throwback Super Bowl Halftime Show performance". NME. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  187. ^ Caulfield, Keith (February 18, 2024). "Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign's 'Vultures 1' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  188. ^ Saponara, Michael (February 2, 2024). "Watch Usher Dance the Night Away in New 'Ruin' Video Featuring Pheelz". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  189. ^ Saponara, Michael (February 6, 2024). "Usher Announces Past Present Future North American Tour: See the Dates". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  190. ^ Johnson, Laura. "Usher Adds Even More Extra Dates To UK and European Leg Of Past Present Future Tour - Stereoboard". Stereoboard.com. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  191. ^ "BET Awards 2024: Usher is honored, Will Smith returns, and the election is top of mind". AP News. June 30, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  192. ^ Mitchell, Gail (October 8, 2024). "Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: No. 11 — Usher". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  193. ^ "Usher", Billboard, archived from the original on March 1, 2017, retrieved October 6, 2017
  194. ^ "Usher Biography.com". Biography.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  195. ^ Leight, Elias (October 12, 2018). "On 'A,' Usher Moves With the Times — and That's a Bad Thing". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  196. ^ "The 25 Best Usher Songs". Complex. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  197. ^ a b "Usher: 'The fans want my soul'". The Guardian. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  198. ^ a b c d "Can't Stop Won't Stop". Slate. July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  199. ^ a b Pareles, Jon (November 9, 2014). "With Signature Moves, R&B Romeo Takes a Turn as Casanova". The New Yorker. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  200. ^ Jones, Anderson (September 30, 1994). "Usher – Music – EW.com". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  201. ^ "Usher". Exclaim!. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  202. ^ "Usher : 8701". NME. September 12, 2005. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  203. ^ "Here I Stand". The Village Voice. April 13, 2004. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  204. ^ "A bolder Usher is in the house". Los Angeles Times. March 21, 2004. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  205. ^ "Usher: Looking 4 Myself". The A.V. Club. June 12, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  206. ^ "Here I Stand". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  207. ^ Usher. April 3, 2010. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  208. ^ a b "Album review: Usher's 'Looking 4 Myself'". Los Angeles Times. June 12, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  209. ^ "Looking 4 Myself". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  210. ^ "Review: Usher Comes Clean on Brooding, Adventurous 'Hard II Love'". Rolling Stone. September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  211. ^ "Usher: 'I Wouldn't Be Who I Am Today Without Michael Jackson'". MTV. June 30, 2009. Archived from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  212. ^ "REMEMBERING MICHAEL". Time. June 26, 2009. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  213. ^ "Usher: High Note". The FADER. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  214. ^ a b Usher (April 29, 2010). "The 2010 TIME 100 - TIME". Time. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  215. ^ "Artist Influences for Usher", MTV, archived from the original on June 1, 2016, retrieved February 1, 2017
  216. ^ a b "Usher's All-Time Favorite Tracks". ABC News. March 29, 2010. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  217. ^ "CNN - Usher and his 'ultimate entertainment' - August 29, 2002". CNN. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  218. ^ Farley, Christopher John (June 24, 2001). "How His Music Lives On". Time.
  219. ^ "Usher Spends All Of 8/7/01 Celebrating 8701". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  220. ^ "Usher Raymond Album Influenced By Jackson, Gaye". MTV. March 31, 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  221. ^ SwaysUniverse (October 6, 2014), Usher Tells All: Career Ups-And-Downs, Eminem, Ex-Wife & Tour Secrets, archived from the original on October 28, 2021, retrieved April 21, 2016
  222. ^ "Vocal Range and Profile: Usher". Critic of Music. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  223. ^ "Losing to Win: Remembering the Real Stars of 'Star Search'". Rolling Stone. April 18, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  224. ^ Journal-Constitution, Melissa Ruggieri - The Atlanta. "The ballad of Jan Smith". www.myajc.com. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  225. ^ "Usher", Rolling Stone, archived from the original on February 11, 2010, retrieved October 6, 2017
  226. ^ a b c "USHER 2.0". The New Yorker. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  227. ^ a b "U Remind Me: Usher's 6 Best Live TV Performances". Los Angeles Times. November 26, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  228. ^ "Complete list of 2006 Grammy winners". The Baltimore Sun. February 9, 2006. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  229. ^ "Usher's 'Here I Stand' falls short". New York Daily News. May 26, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  230. ^ "Usher Doesn't Have Sex Anymore". The Village Voice. May 27, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  231. ^ "Music review: Usher, the family and ladies' man". SF Gate. November 20, 2008. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  232. ^ Juzwiak, Rick (June 13, 2012). "Looking 4 Myself: Usher's Whatever-Life Crisis Is Great for His Music". Gawker. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  233. ^ "Usher Digs Deep on Looking 4 Myself", The Village Voice, June 13, 2012, retrieved October 6, 2017
  234. ^ "And The GRAMMY Went To ... Usher". Grammy.com. April 30, 2017. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  235. ^ "Usher - Looking 4 Myself". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  236. ^ "Shoo be doo be doo ahhhh: male singers with the best falsetto game". MadameNoire. July 5, 2013. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  237. ^ Pareles, Jon (September 14, 2016), "Review: Usher's 'Hard II Love' Uses Regret as a Selling Point", The New York Times, retrieved October 6, 2017
  238. ^ "The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time". Rolling Stone. January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  239. ^ "Review Usher brings hits, but not much new to Staples Center". Los Angeles Times. November 24, 2014. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  240. ^ a b c "Singer, Dancer, Drummer? Usher Puts Talents on Display During Live Stream". Yahoo! Music. December 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  241. ^ Cute, cocky, and way used to fawning females, Usher Raymond is on a limousine ride from Boy to Man. By Andréa Duncan. Vibe. February 1998. Retrieved March 4, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  242. ^ Aqua Fresh. Vibe. Retrieved March 4, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  243. ^ a b Usher! Backstage With The Hottest Teenage In Music. Ebony. August 1998. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  244. ^ Aizlewood, John (March 13, 2002). "Usher". The Guardian. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  245. ^ "Usher combines old-school, hip-hop into riveting show". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  246. ^ "Exclusive: Usher Remembers James Brown". people. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  247. ^ "20 Best MTV VMAs Opening Performances". Rolling Stone. August 22, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  248. ^ "You Must See an Usher Concert Before You Die". New York magazine. June 3, 2016. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  249. ^ a b "How Usher evolved into a new kind of sex symbol", Fusion, archived from the original on July 13, 2016, retrieved January 3, 2018
  250. ^ "Usher Covers Foster the People's 'Pumped Up Kicks'". Billboard. June 14, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  251. ^ "Usher Performs 'She Came to Give It to You' at the MTV VMAs With Nicki Minaj". Billboard. August 25, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  252. ^ "Concert Review: Usher Kicks Off His UR Experience Tour in Detroit With Mixed Results". Billboard. November 5, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2016.
  253. ^ "Usher review – not even outshone by upside-down twerking". The Guardian. March 27, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  254. ^ "BET Awards 2016: 20 Best and Worst Moments". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  255. ^ "Usher's Off The Market, So Let's Relive The Sexiest Times He Gave Lap Dances To Fans". VH1. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  256. ^ "Usher: Sexiest R&B Star", People, archived from the original on July 30, 2016, retrieved October 18, 2016
  257. ^ "2004's Sexiest Men Alive", People, archived from the original on May 3, 2009, retrieved October 10, 2017
  258. ^ "WHOA, DADDY! HOLLYWOOD'S SEXIEST FATHERS", People, archived from the original on December 4, 2008, retrieved October 10, 2017
  259. ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (March 28, 2004). "Two Lessons At the School For Scandal". The New York Times. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  260. ^ "Usher Raymond". IMDb. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  261. ^ "BET Celebrates 25th Birthday". Contra Costa Times. October 31, 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  262. ^ "Madame Tussauds Launches Interactive Experience". Getty images. March 24, 2005. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  263. ^ "Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figures". Getty images. May 25, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  264. ^ "Usher, "Confessions, Pt. II"". Rolling Stone. September 26, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  265. ^ "VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists [Complete List]". VH1. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  266. ^ "50 sexiest men of 2010: The results". Glamour. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  267. ^ "Sexiest Men: The Results", Glamour, October 4, 2011, retrieved October 11, 2017
  268. ^ "Usher's Fashion Evolution". Billboard. June 14, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  269. ^ "The Most Stylish R&B Singers of the 90s". Complex magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  270. ^ "Usher's Biggest Role Yet!", Men's Health, October 4, 2013, retrieved October 11, 2017
  271. ^ "Golden Globes 2014 Best Dressed Men". E! Online. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  272. ^ "The Best Dressed Guys at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards". www.goldenglobes.com. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  273. ^ "The Best Dressed". Farfetch. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  274. ^ "Usher from Best Dressed Men at the 2015 Grammys". E! Online. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  275. ^ "Grammys 2015 Red Carpet: Men in Tuxes". Us Weekly. February 9, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  276. ^ "These Are the 10 Best-Dressed Men of the 2015 Grammys". Esquire. February 9, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  277. ^ "The Hottes Celebrity Abs". InStyle. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  278. ^ "Hot, Hot, Hot! See 37 of the Most Stylish Dads". InStyle. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  279. ^ "News: Usher Crowned Top Hot 100 Artist of Decade". Singersroom. December 22, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  280. ^ "Usher: The Billboard Cover Shoot". Billboard. October 24, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  281. ^ "Artists of the Decade". Billboard. December 11, 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  282. ^ "'Confessions' Turns 10: The Anatomy Of Usher's Masterpiece". Vibe. March 22, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  283. ^ a b "The 100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century". Rolling Stone. January 3, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  284. ^ "Usher - Impact.", YouTube, August 13, 2008, archived from the original on October 28, 2021, retrieved September 28, 2017
  285. ^ "What Is Usher's Greatest Legacy?". VH1. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  286. ^ a b "Chart Beat Thursday: Usher, will.i.am, B.o.B". Billboard. May 6, 2010. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  287. ^ "Stop Comparing Chris Brown to Michael Jackson". Complex. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
  288. ^ "Exclusive: Usher Remembers James Brown". People. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  289. ^ "Usher + James Brown (2005) – Best Grammy Performances", PopCrush, February 4, 2013, retrieved November 2, 2017
  290. ^ "Usher Sounds More Like His R&B Contemporaries On 'Hard II Love'". Billboard. September 20, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2017. The icon's face on Hard II Love's cover art is seen in the form of a bust, symbolic of the album's themes
  291. ^ "Let's Talk About The Album That Actually Made Usher An Icon". BuzzFeed. August 4, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  292. ^ "Usher Through The Years: The R&B Icon's Evolution". Fuse. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  293. ^ "Usher's 'Behind the Music': Why we can't wait to watch". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 14, 2018. It chronicles the 31-year-old's climb from choir boy to pop-music icon
  294. ^ "The Ultimate Ranking Of Pop Stardom". Time. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  295. ^ "LISTENING STATION: Usher, 'Looking 4 Myself'". ‘’The Washington Times’’. Retrieved February 11, 2024. Now, fifteen years after his first multiplatinum album, Usher is still the reigning king of R&B.
  296. ^ "Exclusive: Usher Says Confessions 'Redefined The R&B Ballad' 10 Years Later". VH1. Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  297. ^ "With 'Confessions,' Usher reigns as the king of R&B". Chicago Tribune. September 6, 2004. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  298. ^ "Usher Ready To Save R&B With Next Album". MTV. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  299. ^ "Kanye West, Usher Celebrated at BET Honors 2015". Rap-Up. January 25, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  300. ^ "BET Honors: Usher's Emotional, Humble Moment at The BET Honors", The BET Honors, archived from the original on September 24, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  301. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  302. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  303. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  304. ^ a b "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  305. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  306. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  307. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  308. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  309. ^ "My Way: 10 Artists Usher Has Influenced", The BET Honors, archived from the original on November 16, 2018, retrieved December 30, 2018
  310. ^ "Ne-Yo talks Usher rivalry in BET Honors interview". entertainment-focus. February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  311. ^ "Liam Payne - Liam Payne On "Strip That Down" and New Music", YouTube, June 12, 2017, archived from the original on October 28, 2021, retrieved November 2, 2017
  312. ^ "Discover hidden connections || GRAMMYconnect". Discover hidden connections || GRAMMYconnect. Retrieved July 3, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  313. ^ "BTS's "Butter" Namechecks Usher — and Usher Approves". Teen Vogue. June 3, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  314. ^ "Lucky Daye's 'CandyDrip' Has Flavor For All Your Senses". MTV. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  315. ^ "How 6LACK Went From Atlanta Battle Rapper To Budding Superstar". Complex. January 24, 2017.
  316. ^ "10 Reasons Why We Love Rico Love - Essence". Essence. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  317. ^ "5 things you didn't know about Jeremih". AXS. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  318. ^ "Grammy Preview Issue: Anderson .Paak Explains the Recent 'Creative Burst in R&B,' Talks His Love for Adele & Beyonce". Billboard. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  319. ^ "OK! Next Big Deal: R&B Cutie Trevor Jackson". OK! Magazine. July 25, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  320. ^ "New Music to Know: Sam Hunt Combines His Love For Usher & Steve Earle on Debut 'Montevallo'". Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  321. ^ "Singer Leon Bridges goes from dishwashing to soul mining". Chicago Tribune. October 22, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  322. ^ TheUrbanDaily Staff (December 16, 2010). "Sammie: "I Feel Usher Has Set The Blueprint For Longevity"". The Urban Daily. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  323. ^ "B. Smyth Makes 106 & Park Debut, Talks Chris Brown and Usher Comparisons - Singersroom.com". Singersroom.com. March 12, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  324. ^ "Jacob Latimore: Performer profile". AXS. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
  325. ^ "What It Takes to Become a K-Pop Star: U-KISS Idol Kevin Woo Explains". Seventeen. July 7, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  326. ^ "Exclusive Q&A with Keke Palmer on Release of New Video, 'Wind Up ft. Quavo'". Flaunt Magazine. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  327. ^ "Justine Skye Talks Her Debut Album, Why Guys Can Be "Stupid" and The Secrets to Her Perfect Hair". Harper's BAZAAR. November 4, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  328. ^ "BJ the Chicago Kid Talks Kendrick Lamar & Repping the 'New R&B' on Motown Debut Album". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  329. ^ "Meet Roy Wood$: Young Singer/Rapper From Toronto". HotNewHipHop. October 28, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  330. ^ "YK Osiris Honors 'Legends' Drake and Usher with New Tattoos". Rap-Up. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  331. ^ madnesstocreation (December 9, 2017). "Lukas Maygar, vocalist of Veil Of Maya, Discusses Usher and "False Idols" with Madness To Creation!". Scholastic Perspectives. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  332. ^ "Bruno Mars Music Influences | MTV". MTV. June 17, 2016. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  333. ^ "Music News: Tahj Mowry Wants to Be the Next Usher". BET. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  334. ^ "Usher Discusses His Album Looking 4 Myself, And His Songwriting". SongwriterUniverse. June 8, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  335. ^ "Grammy Award Winners". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  336. ^ "Usher Wins Big At Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. December 8, 2004. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  337. ^ "Usher to Receive ASCAP Golden Note Award at 26th Annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards". www.ascap.com. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  338. ^ "The Top 10 R&B Act of the 2000s". Yahoo Music. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  339. ^ "100 Most Award-Winning Artists: Drake, Xtina, Macklemore & More". Fuse. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  340. ^ "Usher Cites Hip Hop & R&B's Greatness While Making Case For Juneteenth Holiday". HipHopDX. June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  341. ^ "Georgia Music Hall Of Fame Inductees". Georgiamusicchannel.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  342. ^ "Usher". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  343. ^ Ruggieri, Melissa. "Black Music Walk of Fame to honor James Brown, OutKast, Usher and others in Atlanta". Atlanta Music Scene (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  344. ^ "top 10 digital single tracks 2008" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  345. ^ "Digital Music Report 2013" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. February 26, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  346. ^ "Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  347. ^ "Rihanna Rules Hot 100, Desiigner's 'Panda' Pushes to No. 2 & Justin Bieber Makes History". Billboard. April 18, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  348. ^ "Charts". Billboard. December 4, 2004. p. 45. Retrieved September 11, 2016. usher 28 weeks 2004 glen miller.
  349. ^ "Ask Billboard: Britney Spears' '3' Decades of No. 1s". Billboard. February 12, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  350. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (May 6, 2010). "Hot 100 Recap: Ushering in a New Decade of No. 1s". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
  351. ^ "Usher Earns 13th No. 1 On Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. February 6, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  352. ^ "Best Of The 2000s: By-The-Numbers". Billboard magazine. December 30, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  353. ^ "Most R&B no.1s in the US". Guinness World Records. August 14, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  354. ^ "Chris Brown, Usher & Gucci Mane's "Party" Reaches #1 At Rhythmic Radio". Headline Planet. April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  355. ^ "Usher's 'No Limit' Rises to No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart". Billboard. October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  356. ^ "Chris Brown, Usher & Gucci Mane's "Party" Reaches #1 At Urban Radio". Headline Planet. March 19, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  357. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay : Jul 14, 2012". Billboard. January 24, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  358. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay : Nov 22, 1997". Billboard. January 24, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  359. ^ "Billboard: 1998 Year-End Chart-Toppers", rockonthenet.com, retrieved October 6, 2017
  360. ^ "Billboard: 2004 Year-End Chart-Toppers", rockonthenet.com, retrieved October 6, 2017
  361. ^ "Charts - Year End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  362. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2004 - Billboard Year End Charts". Bobborts.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  363. ^ "Usher Emerges as New King of Pop in 2004". idobi Radio. December 20, 2004. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  364. ^ "Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  365. ^ [2] Archived February 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  366. ^ "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years, Inc". Billboard. November 18, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
  367. ^ "Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists". Billboard. November 12, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  368. ^ "Hot 100 Turns 60! The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time, From Elton John to Elvis Presley & More". Billboard. August 2, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  369. ^ "The 35 Greatest R&B Artists Of All Time". Billboard. November 12, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  370. ^ "Greatest of All Time Hot 200 Albums". Billboard. November 12, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  371. ^ "The Greatest 50 Albums since '93". Vibe. April 18, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  372. ^ "Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. November 12, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  373. ^ "100 Greatest Songs of the '00s (Complete List)". VH1 News. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  374. ^ Mitchell, Gail (October 21, 2005). "Usher's Label Finally Goes Live". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  375. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (November 7, 2006). "Usher's New Roster Making Him Hungry For His Own Studio Time". MTV. Archived from the original on May 2, 2007. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  376. ^ Herrera, Monica (March 19, 2010). "Justin Bieber – The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  377. ^ "Usher shares details about his new record label with L.A. Reid". REVOLT. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  378. ^ "Usher and the American Idol Top 10". Chicago tribune. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  379. ^ David Greenwald (September 25, 2012). "'The Voice' Locks In Fourth, Fifth Seasons on NBC". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  380. ^ "'Voice' Coach Blake Shelton on Finally Winning With a Country Artist". The Hollywood Reporter. June 19, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  381. ^ "The Voice Season 6 First Look: Usher and Shakira Return, Coach Seduction Tactics Revealed and More". eonline. February 6, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  382. ^ "The Voice's Usher on His First Win: "Losing Was Not an Option"". TV Guide. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  383. ^ "18 Times Your Favourite Artists Made Surprise TV Cameos". Capital XTRA. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  384. ^ "18 Times Your Favourite Artists Made Surprise TV Cameos". Capital XTRA. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  385. ^ Savage, Lauren (April 19, 2012). "Usher Joins Off-Broadway Show, 'Fuerza Bruta'". Billboard Magazine.
  386. ^ Brantley, Ben (September 8, 2006). "A Genial Pop Idol Plays a Legal Shark Without Teeth". The New York Times.
  387. ^ "'Hands of Stone': Cannes Review". The Hollywood Reporter. May 16, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  388. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 1, 2007). "Usher Issues Warning To R&B's New Class: 'Daddy's Home!'". MTV. Archived from the original on May 3, 2007. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  389. ^ "Usher's Inman Park Grape closing". accessatlanta.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  390. ^ "The Magic Of Macy's – Martha Stewart And Usher Commercial | rnbdirt.com". rnbdirt.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  391. ^ "The Sexiest Place to Apply Fragrance According to Usher". December 23, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  392. ^ "Jay Z's New Tidal Streaming Service Has Turned Everybody's Avatar Blue". Spin. March 30, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  393. ^ "It's Official: Jay Z's Historic Tidal Launches With 16 Artist Stakeholders". Billboard. March 30, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  394. ^ "Jay Z Reveals Plans for Tidal, a Streaming Music Service". The New York Times. March 31, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  395. ^ "What Do Target and Usher Have in Common? Yoobi!". Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  396. ^ "Usher Partners with Yoobi to Offer Back-To-School Collection at Target, Donates to Classrooms in Need for Each Product Sold". GOOD BLACK NEWS. July 13, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  397. ^ Susman, Gary (March 2, 2005). "Caught Up". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  398. ^ Greenburg, Zack O'Malley. "Here's Why Usher Was Celebrating With The Cavs After Their NBA Finals Win". Forbes. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  399. ^ "Mass Appeal Raises $6M Funding Round Led by Universal Music". Billboard. March 6, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  400. ^ Greenburg, Zack O'Malley. "Usher And Jay-Z Take A Bite Out Of Hungry's $8 Million Series A". Forbes. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  401. ^ "Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart and Kendall Jenner All Have Invested in This Hydration Brand (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. July 23, 2019. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  402. ^ "Celebrity endorsements including Usher Master Card - Boston.com". Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  403. ^ "Belvedere Vodka Partners With R&B Star Usher". February 9, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  404. ^ "Watch Usher surprise passersby after posing as a STREET ARTIST". Daily Mirror. January 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  405. ^ "Usher, 'Dance Central 3': Singer Says Choreography in Video Game Will Help Men". The Boombox. June 5, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  406. ^ "Dance Central 3". Marketplace.xbox.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  407. ^ "Samsung Tops Viral Chart with Short Film Starring Usher". Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  408. ^ Popescu, Adam (June 22, 2013). "Usher and Samsung: A Blueprint for Viral Success". Mashable. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  409. ^ Ember, Sydney; Steel, Emily (March 11, 2015). "The Pepsi Challenge Is Returning, but This Time for the Social Media Generation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  410. ^ Carter, Joanne (May 21, 2015). "Competition - Pepsi and Usher Photo Challenge - TheAppWhisperer". TheAppWhisperer. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  411. ^ Dara, Jillian (July 26, 2022). "Rémy Martin Launches First NFT In Collaboration With Usher, BlockBar". Forbes. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  412. ^ Chan, Tim (August 4, 2022). "Watch This: Usher Goes Viral (Again) With New Rémy Martin Collab". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  413. ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 10, 2005). "Usher's New Charity Encourages Kids To Dream Big". MTV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  414. ^ Reid, Shaheem (December 6, 2006). "Usher Hard At Work On New LP: Jay-Z, Dupri, Thicke On Board". MTV. Archived from the original on December 10, 2006. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  415. ^ "Our Mission | Usher's New Look". ushersnewlook.org. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  416. ^ Duncan, Andrea (August 27, 1999). "'N Sync Hoops It Up For Charity With Mase, Usher, And JD". MTV. Archived from the original on March 12, 2001. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  417. ^ Mancini, Robert (September 1, 2005). "Usher, Green Day, Alicia Keys Sign On For Hurricane Relief Concert September 10". MTV. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
  418. ^ "Usher Promotes Civic Engagement". Do Something. Retrieved January 26, 2008.
  419. ^ "Usher Releases 'Hush' on iTunes - Bloomberg". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  420. ^ "Does the Key to the City Actually Open Anything?". Mental Floss. May 23, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  421. ^ Usher gets a key to the city, July 7, 2008, retrieved December 11, 2015
  422. ^ "Usher Getting Honored By National Civil Rights Museum". perezhilton.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  423. ^ "Usher to Receive Freedom Award for Philanthropy from National Civil Rights Museum". www.hydefoundation.org. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  424. ^ "Usher Makes Surprise Visit To Dalewood Middle School - Chattanoogan.com". www.chattanoogan.com. February 13, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  425. ^ a b "Usher pops into Chattanooga surprising students at three schools". timesfreepress.com. February 13, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  426. ^ "Usher, Big Sean, Pharrell & More Team With UNCF For $500K In Student Scholarships". Billboard. April 25, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  427. ^ "'How the Usher Raymond IV UNCF Scholarship Changed My Life' by Alexus Mitchell, UNL Atlanta Senior | Usher's New Look". ushersnewlook.org. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  428. ^ "Future, Jeezy, Tyrese and Usher Donated $25,000 Each to the United Negro College Fund". Complex. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  429. ^ "Morehouse College to honor Tyler Perry, Usher, and music idol-maker Jon Platt at Scholarship Gala". Atlanta Daily World. February 18, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  430. ^ "Morehouse College to Honor Warner/Chappell CEO Jon Platt, Usher, Tyler Perry". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  431. ^ Willingham, AJ. "While you were arguing about the anthem, Colin Kaepernick just finished donating $1 million". CNN. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  432. ^ "With Usher's help, Kapernick completes $1 miillion pledge". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  433. ^ "Usher - Hush ft. Barack Obama". DJBooth. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  434. ^ "Pay To Attention To Obama's Voter Registration Drive". The Atlantic. May 8, 2008. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  435. ^ Khaze, Alan (2010). Big Citizenship: How Pragmatic Idealism Can Bring Out the Best in America. PublicAffairs. ISBN 9781586488413. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
  436. ^ "Get Involved! Usher's Service Leader Challenge". blackgivesback. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  437. ^ "Snoop, Usher & More Endorse Obama In A New BET Documentary (Video)". Global Grind. September 26, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  438. ^ "Bill Clinton, Usher to raise money for Michelle Nunn". Washington Examiner. September 2, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  439. ^ Dan Merica. "Bill Clinton to raise money at Usher's house - CNNPolitics.com". CNN. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  440. ^ "Sankofa". Sankofa.org. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  441. ^ Hillel Italie (October 25, 2015). "Usher And Harry Belafonte Talk Activism In Joint Appearance". Huffington Post. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  442. ^ "New Usher Song is 'Breaking The Chains' Of Social Injustice". NBC News. November 8, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  443. ^ Smith, Nigel M. (October 17, 2015). "Usher and Nas target police brutality with powerful interactive video". The Guardian. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  444. ^ Johnson, Ted (August 7, 2015). "Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Attend Hillary Clinton Fundraiser in L.A." Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  445. ^ "Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Usher Among Guests at Scooter Braun's Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton". Billboard. August 7, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  446. ^ Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: "U.S. Government Cultural Mission to Cuba Announced | NEA". www.arts.gov. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  447. ^ Whitefieldmwhitefield, Mimi (April 15, 2016). "Usher, Smokey Robinson among those heading to Cuba for cultural diplomacy". Miami Herald. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  448. ^ a b c "Usher's 'Confessions' at 10: An Oral History with Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri & More". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  449. ^ Peterson, Todd (February 20, 2004). "TLC's Chilli Dishes on Ex-Beau Usher". People. Retrieved December 23, 2008.
  450. ^ "TLC's Chilli: Usher Was My First "Real Love," He Never Cheated on Me". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  451. ^ "Naomi Campbell Surprises Boyfriend Usher". People. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  452. ^ "Usher Gal Pal Unveiled: Eishia Brightwell". PEOPLE.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  453. ^ a b "Usher, Fiancée Expecting a Baby". People. June 27, 2007. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  454. ^ a b "Usher, Stylist Girlfriend Are Engaged". People. February 23, 2007. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  455. ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (July 29, 2007). "Usher's Canceled Wedding: What Happened?". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  456. ^ Harris, Isoul H. (July 30, 2007). "Usher's Fiancée Speaks Out About Canceled Wedding". People. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  457. ^ Wulff, Jennifer (August 4, 2007). "Usher Marries Tameka Foster in Private Ceremony". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  458. ^ Wihlborg, Ulrica (September 1, 2007). "Usher & Tameka Foster Finally Get a Wedding". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  459. ^ "R&B Star Usher's Father Passes Away". Fox News Channel. January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  460. ^ Aswad, Jem (November 28, 2007). "Usher, Tameka Raymond Welcome Baby Boy". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 6, 2007. Retrieved January 19, 2008.
  461. ^ Dyball, Rennie (December 11, 2008). "Usher Welcomes Baby No. 2". People. Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  462. ^ a b c d McNeil, Liz (February 12, 2009). "INSIDE STORY: How Tameka Raymond's Plastic Surgery Went Wrong". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  463. ^ Lehner, Marsha (June 13, 2009). "Usher Files for Divorce". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  464. ^ "Usher's Divorce Finalized". People. November 6, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  465. ^ Johnson, Zach (September 16, 2012). "Usher Finally Opens Up About Heated Custody Battle". Us Weekly. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  466. ^ Warner, Kara (August 24, 2012). "Usher Granted Sole Custody In Finalized Divorce". MTV. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  467. ^ "The World's Most Powerful Celebrities 2011". Forbes magazine. Archived from the original on September 5, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  468. ^ "The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians". Forbes magazine. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  469. ^ "Get Ready to Scream: Usher Goes Vegan". PETA. September 7, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
  470. ^ "Family seeks prayers for Usher's critically injured former stepson". CNN Entertainment. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  471. ^ "Usher's stepson: Family seeks prayers after Jet Ski accident". CBS News Celebrity Circuit. July 11, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  472. ^ Nudd, Tim (July 21, 2012). "Usher's Stepson, Kile Glover, Passes Away". People. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  473. ^ "Usher's 5-year-old son nearly drowns in pool accident". NBC Today. August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  474. ^ "Usher's ex-wife wins emergency custody hearing after son's near-drowning". CTV. August 7, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  475. ^ Margaret, Mary; Crockett, Tamara (August 9, 2013). "Usher Wins Custody Battle Against Tameka Foster". People. Archived from the original on July 11, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  476. ^ Jenkins, Nash. "Usher Quietly Got Married And Honeymooned in Cuba". TIME.com. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  477. ^ "It's Official: Usher Is A Married Man!". The Huffington Post. December 4, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  478. ^ Robertson, James (July 19, 2017). "Going Viral! Bombshell Lawsuit Reveals A-List Singer Spread Herpes". Radar Online.
  479. ^ "New $10 mil Lawsuit for Exposing Woman to STD". TMZ. July 21, 2017.
  480. ^ Christie D'Zurilla (August 7, 2017). "Usher sued by fans who say he exposed them to herpes without warning". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  481. ^ "Usher Doesn't Have Herpes, Plans To Sue Accusers". Vibe. August 8, 2017.
  482. ^ "Usher and Wife Grace Miguel Split After Two Years of Marriage". Us Weekly. March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  483. ^ "Usher Files for Divorce from Wife Grace Miguel 9 Months After Ending Their 3-Year Marriage". People. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  484. ^ "Usher Announces Las Vegas Residency And Confirms New Baby". BET.com. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  485. ^ "Usher announces 2021 Las Vegas residency". Good Morning America. Retrieved January 14, 2021 – via ABC News.
  486. ^ "It's a Girl! Usher and Girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea Welcome Daughter Sovereign Bo". People. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  487. ^ Mamo, Heran (October 12, 2021). "Usher & Girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea Welcome Second Child: See Baby's First Photo". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  488. ^ "Usher and longtime partner married in Las Vegas after Super Bowl half-time show". The Guardian. February 11, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  489. ^ Arnold, Chuck (September 12, 2024). "Usher admits post-Super Bowl wedding was 'abrupt': 'We decided at the last minute to do it'". Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  490. ^ Shaffer, Claire (September 4, 2020). "Usher Announces Las Vegas Residency for July 2021". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 4, 2020.