Usher scored a titan-sized touchdown in Paris ahead of his Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Taking residence at La Seine Musicale in Paris, the R&B icon promised a seismic show the limited 8-night engagement.

That Grape Juice was on hand at the extravaganza – christened ‘Rendez-Vous Á Paris’ – and we’re still catching our breath.

Find out why below…

Slaying the stage with seasoned ease, the Diamond-seller reminded in earnest why he sits amongst the list of music’s most elite performers.

Whether commanding the stage with iconic choreography, gliding on roller skates, or grinding with impressive dancers who oft-defined gravity, Mr. Raymond wowed throughout.

Much like the task he has ahead of him at Halftime, the 8-time GRAMMY winner faced the challenge of condensing a near three-decade career into a time-capped frame.

And while, for many, it may have been an unfathomable ask, Usher – like he has his entire spell in the spotlight – didn’t just meet the demand…he exceeded it.

A pulsating, non-stop party, the show’s opening section kicked off in high-octane fashion with fiery performances of ‘Caught Up’ and ‘’You Don’t Have to Call’ and the hits were unrelenting from there on out.

It must be stressed that the sheer sum of back-to-back classics Usher had in his arsenal and deployed at will was jaw-droppingly impressive. As the night’s conductor-in-chief, he drove the audience to a shared destination of musical bliss.

Peppered in during the escapade were TGJ favorites such as ‘Superstar,’ as well as newer numbers like ‘Come Thru,’ ‘Bad Habits,’ ‘Boyfriend,’ and J Balvin’s freshly unwrapped ‘Dientes’ – which prominently samples ‘Yeah!’

For some, the latter’s mid-show placement may have been one of the few faux pas given the unspoken rule of ”not coming in before the beat.”

Still, there was no denying the thunderous response that greeted the eventual showing of ‘Yeah!’ – which served as the night’s hands-down highlight.

As has been a constant over the course of the ‘Confessions’ crooner’s illustrious career, Usher also bought ATL with him – spotlighting strip club culture with Ush Bucks dollars and poles aplenty during ‘Bad Girl’ and more broadly across the spectacle at large.

Elsewhere, his cinematic recreation of the ‘U Remind Me’ video nostalgically transported us back to 2001, before quickly reminding of his present-day gravitas come the routine’s climatic handstand finale.

The only thing cleaner than the stage blazer’s choreography was his pristine vocal chops. For, much like the wheels on his skates, he glided with effortless ease between belting, falsettos, and more.

At 44, Usher is performing like the finest wine. A reality the adoring audience was also able to taste up close during the show’s many immersive moments.

*******

With his Parisian adventure, Usher delivered electrifying excellence on an elevated scale.

His stint in Las Vegas has polished what has long been a talent like no other. Avoiding the repetitive rut so many of his peers have fallen victim to, Usher today stands tall as an artist who confidently knows his craft and yet also hasn’t been afraid to evolve it. The result? His most rousing show yet with ‘Rendez-Vous Á Paris.’

That Grape Juice Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆
5/5

 

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[Photo Credit: Anthony Ghnassia]