Usher carrying torch ‘that’s far bigger’ than him in Vegas
Nearly two decades after his iconic “Confessions” album, Usher is revealing more of his inner thoughts — but this time, it’s about future aspirations.
“That EGOT is definitely on the list,” said the music megastar. While artists often downplay their desire to win awards, Usher has always sought to be intentional.
“That’s a goal in life.
I’ve acted on Broadway.
I’ve acted in movies. I’m now producing,” said the multihyphenate performer, referring to rare entertainers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
Part two of his confessions? Accepting a Grammy during the televised portion of the show.
“I’ve never actually received a Grammy on stage in front of an audience. That is a goal of mine,” said the eighttime winner. “I want that moment.”
The R&B singer spoke while promoting “Usher: My Way the Vegas Residency,” which recently added new June and October dates. In addition to showcasing hits from his massive catalog, Usher’s residency in Las Vegas celebrates the 25th anniversary of his 1997 album “My Way,” which catapulted him into stardom. The dates were added due to high demand — which doesn’t surprise Usher.
“I think that there’s an audience that needs to be served with what I offer as an artist and what I think historically needs to be seen in this city. Back in 1955, when performers came to the city and they did performances, they could not walk through those casinos. They could not even set foot in the
same spaces as the people that they were performing for,” he said, referring to a racially segregated America. “We’re on the other side of that history, but yet and still, there isn’t the same celebration of our culture in that way … So that history is part of the reason that I say, no, I wasn’t surprised.”
A respecter of the past, Usher believes he’s helping move Black entertainment forward in the same way legendary performers before him helped make this residency possible.
“I’m carrying a torch that’s far bigger than just me, man. It’s Lena Horne. It’s Sammy Davis Jr. It’s Luther Vandross … there’s a bigger thing that’s behind what I’m doing, and it’s not just about what we’re looking at right now,” said the 44-year-old who released his debut album at just 15. “I’m a pop-R&B artist who makes hip-hop-influenced cultural things, but I do come from the soul and the entertainment of R&B. That was underserved, and (the residency) was needed in this time.”
Despite demand for his Vegas show, could some be unaware or forgetful of his catalog? It includes classic R&B songs like “Confessions, Pt. II,” “Yeah!” and “Nice & Slow,” along with
pop smashes like “OMG” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.”
“My concern is to make certain that they don’t have a reason to (forget). So I continue to make these kind offers that are music, and also to perform and entertain because that’s just what I love to do. What people would maybe feel about me is not my concern. What I feel about me is my concern,” Usher said. “What I do for you is my concern. And I’m happy, and I’m in a great place.”
On Valentine’s Day, Usher released a video teaser for his upcoming song, “GLU.” He is prepping his ninth studio album that he says will be released “sooner than later.” It will be his first album since 2016’s “Hard II Love.”
Usher is enjoying the consistency his residency provides, especially as an involved father. Tour life can be hectic and exhausting, so stability is a nonnegotiable.
“I like the idea of what I’ve found in Las Vegas. It gives me an opportunity to settle. I have children now. I got a life, so (I like) being able to have a few days in certain places and being able to celebrate those places and enjoy them,” he said. “At this age, you try to hold onto the moments.”