Usher feted at NAACP Image Awards
Usher was named entertainer of the year at the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, which highlighted works by entertainers and writers of color.
After Usher accepted his award, the superstar R&B singer spoke about being thankful about the journey of his successful career that has lasted three decades. He beat out Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer for the honor.
“I don’t know how many people do that much stuff in one setting,” said the multiple Grammy winner, who was presented the award by Oprah Winfrey. He thanked those who have supported him throughout the years.
“This is for you, you, my number ones,” the singer said as the audience repeated his words back to him. The final words of his speech were recited lyrics from his popular song “Superstar” from his 2004 album “Confessions,” which has sold more than 10 million units in the U.S.
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President’s Award for his public service achievements through his New Look Foundation.
Queen Latifah hosted the awards ceremony that aired live on BET.
“The Color Purple” was awarded best motion picture. The musical film featured a star-studded cast, including Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Domingo, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins and Bailey.
Barrino, who starred as Celie, won for best actress in a motion picture.
“I didn’t prepare a speech, because I didn’t think I was going to win,” the singer-actor said.
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is
bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
“We stand here in brotherhood,” said Michael Bivins with his group members behind him.
The Grammy-nominated group also includes Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Ricky Bell.
Damson Idris won best actor in a drama television series for “Snowfall.” Henson and Domingo took home best supporting roles in “The Color Purple.” Domingo also won best actor in a motion picture for “Rustin.”
Pianist Janis dies: Byron Janis, a renowned American concert pianist and composer who broke barriers as a Cold War-era culture ambassador and later overcame severe arthritis that nearly robbed him of his playing abilities,
has died. He was 95.
Janis died Thursday at a hospital in New York City, according to his wife, Maria Cooper Janis.
A childhood prodigy who studied under Vladimir Horowitz, Janis emerged in the late 1940s as one of the most celebrated virtuosos of a new generation of talented American pianists.
In 1960, he was selected as the first musician to tour the then-Soviet Union as part of a cultural exchange program organized by the U.S. State Department.
March 19 birthdays: Actor Renée Taylor is 91. Actor Ursula Andress is 88. Singer Clarence “Frogman” Henry is 87. Singer Ruth Pointer is 78. Actor Glenn Close is 77. Actor Bruce Willis is 69. Actor Mary Scheer is 61. Actor Connor Trinneer is 55. Drummer Zach Lind is 48. Actor Abby Brammell is 45. Actor Philip Bolden is 29.