Usher is bringing the electricity to the Sin City strip. Because, as reported, the star’s new Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is off to a blazing start.
To celebrate this latest chapter in his career, the icon covers the newest issue of Billboard Magazine.
Lighting up the publication’s inner pages with a eye-catching shoot lensed by Alexandra Gavillet, Usher’s accompanying interview saw him open up in earnest about a variety of hot topics.
Indeed, he discussed his reason for embarking on the Vegas venture, his forthcoming studio album, and headline-grabbing comments about him by both The Weeknd and T-Pain.
Head below for pics and quotes…
On Why He Launched A Residency:
“After a year of being isolated, there was an opportunity for people to come from all around the world and experience what felt like the reopening of life and entertainment. The other side of it is: I have a bit of difficulty bottling up all the different audiences I’ve collected over time. But the one place where you can speak to everybody is Las Vegas. It’s universal ground, a melting pot of people coming from all over America, Australia, India, Asia, Europe, Africa. There are tons of festivals, but Las Vegas gives you a different opportunity — a guarantee in some way. It has also afforded me the opportunity to really be the family man I’ve always wanted to be with an incredible partner I love very much.”
On T-Pain Autotune Comment:
“I’m happy that T-Pain said something — I’m not sure if it was before or after our actual conversation, after I heard what was said. It was very hurtful to know that he had experienced that kind of hardship in life. I wouldn’t wish that on any person. Private conversations for me have always been intended to uplift. But when or if people get pieces of it, they can always have some other interpretation. But we’ve spoken since and we’re good.”
On The Weeknd Claiming ‘Climax’ Borrowed His Sound:
“With regard to The Weeknd, he’s another person I had a positive conversation with who completely felt [the headlines were] a misinterpretation. Again, I can’t get caught up in what’s said outside when I know person to person that no harm was meant.”
On Successfully Lasting The Distance In Music:
“It’s not easy to sustain a career, but there are artists who have managed to do it and have been here for some time: Beyoncé. Alicia Keys. Justin Timberlake. Janet Jackson. And that hasn’t changed opinions about who they are and what their contributions still are. I just hope I’m in that same category. But it hasn’t changed my ability to embrace new artists coming up, like Summer Walker, Yuna, doing duets with Ella Mai or Chris Brown. I definitely understand the reality — and the idea — of embracing [the] new.”
On Not Wanting To Be Deemed A Legacy Artist…Yet:
“I would call myself ‘seasoned’ more than ‘elder statesman.’
Excerpt On His New Album:
A member of [Usher’s] team previewed half a dozen songs for Billboard, which feature a mix of old and new collaborators. There’s the Dupri-produced “Believe,” an uptempo breakup track; a new-lease-on-life anthem called “Fresh Air” produced by Mike Sabath (Lizzo, Meghan Trainor); and “Kissing Strangers,” a striking reflection on the aftermath of a relationship produced by the late busbee (Maren Morris, P!nk).
On Wheather His New Album Is Titled ‘Confessions 2’:
“I am not at the place where I’m going to sign off on the album title at this point. But I am working on an album, and it would be very smart to say it will come out this year. It’s probably too vague right now to determine whether it’s going to be in the Confessions vein or if it’ll be something else. It’s still kind of a moving target, as I’m just beginning to put together a sequence. Some of the songs that you heard have been at the top of my list for the last year. And you heard a few new ones as well. I do want to put together a body of work that speaks to all of the people that I’ve been able to capture as fans but also will be something unique to me and to R&B music that doesn’t just live in one space.”
On His Commercial Pressure:
“No. 1 is always going to mean a lot to everybody. But it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, change your passion. It hasn’t changed mine, whether I put out a record that hit No. 1 instantly or took time to get there. I have a record company that’s willing to fight for it and get it heard, to connect with my audience and prospective new fans.”
On His Current Outlook:
“I’m feeling like I’m about 18 right now — in terms of passion, not wisdom. There’s a playful nature that I think is coming back. I actually feel like I’m having fun. And that had been missing for some time.”
What in the baked potato is he wearing on that cover chile? 🤣
The green hoodie pic is really beautiful though.
And the dancing photos are nice too.
That green hoodie looks like it’s made out of that fake grass you buy at a hardware store and throw over your lawn
If he hadn’t put so much effort into Justin Beiber, he might still have a career.
Usher could NEVER be Justin Bieber, hunnie. He knew this himself so he switched his focus to Justin just like he should have 💯
Justin has a diamond💎 album?????
Music isn’t selling like it did in 2004…
Excuses. He dropped his debut in 2009 when music was still selling decently. A white twink like him who was HUGE around the time coulda easily got a diamond album but he didn’t!!! Adele did it easily. So until he achieves that feat or gets close to it, don’t mention him in the same breath as KING Usher.
Adele is Adele… How many artists ASIDE from Adele have released a DIAMOND album in the last ten years?
Doesn’t matter! He hasn’t even sold close to diamond! If he’s so popping, riddle me this, why isn’t he selling like Taylor Swift? He still can’t sit with KING Usher! Watch your mouth!
Exactly, we have Justin and Taylor, we no don’t need Usher and Beyoncé 💋
Usher still has a career. He is still dropping good music. Still performing at elite levels. His vocals are getting better by the year. How can you say that about him? He still performing at awards shows and other shows like Good morning america which is huge because not everybody gets booked to do that. His career is far from over. Your album can’t debut in the top 5 on the main charts 25 years after your debut album. Thats far from someones career being over. Sorry
Usher has been talking about this album for years. Drop it or shut up.
Same with Monica. It’s been two years since both of them promised new albums. “Don’t Waste My Time” was good momentum for Usher and it was wasted, like “Commitment” from Monica.
It’s actually been 3 years for Monica. “Chapter 38” was supposed to release in 2018. Now “Trenches” appears to be…in the trenches. I don’t think Monica knows what she’s doing. She’s independent now. Her team doesn’t seem to be the best. She doesn’t take advantage of opportunities. Monica had so much momentum after Verzuz but dropped the ball. She didn’t even promote Trenches the song & allowed it to flop! Now she’s hosting some murder mystery show on VH1 and posting photoshoots on IG daily. I don’t get it….
Monica’s heart doesn’t seem it’s been in music for a quite some time now. It’s like she just doesn’t care.
Monica is an Instagram Evangelist now!! You didn’t know??? She prefers social media to music. Don’t sit around waiting for an album that’s not coming.
Usher still has a career. He is still dropping good music. Still performing at elite levels. His vocals are getting better by the year. How can you say that about him? He still performing at awards shows and other shows like Good morning america which is huge because not everybody gets booked to do that. His career is far from over. Your album can’t debut in the top 5 on the main charts 25 years after your debut album. Thats far from someones career being over. Sorry
Now this I agree with lol
I got questions. . .
Was that cover a selfie?
What’s with Will.I.am lego haircut?
And how come he mentioned Janet right after Timberlake (in a word association sort of sequence)? 👀
If he want it, he gon have to spend them RACKS, RACKS, RACKS, RACKS. Bend it over, b*****, break yo BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK yaaaaaaaas goodie! 🎶
I just be twerking all over the kitchen while cooking me and my baby some food
He’s actually looking better as he ages. He’s always been attractive but he’s never been s*** to me. The grown man look suits him.
So we can’t say S/E/X/Y? But we can read & discuss adult topics
Strange times we live in.
Ursh is a legend and there’s nothing negative you can say about him. He is aging like fine wine in terms of his vocals and dancing. All of his albums have been good to me. He’s still relevant. Keep going, Usher. One of the best rnb singers of all time.