Not many artists can maintain a 30-year career to the point where they remain a household name. Many ’90s greats, although icons, have fizzled, but not Usher. Over the years, Usher has been dubbed the “King of R&B.” The 45-year-old continues to make headlines about everything from his chart-topping hits to his incredible live performances.
Three decades in, Usher has faced a career resurgence like no other. Usher’s lasting star power is undeniable, from his meme-worthy NPR Tiny Desk concert and showstopping Vegas residency to his iconic Super Bowl performance.
With Usher’s music revival, he has shown the world that he has nothing left to prove and, in turn, is having the most fun of his career. The R&B singer continues to remind fans that decades in the industry doesn’t necessarily cause you to fade away. True talent and evolution are everlasting. It is the reason that the “OMG” singer is one of the last great R&B legends of our generation.
Throughout his resurgence, Usher has proven that Las Vegas residencies don’t always mean the end. He will ALWAYS be a big deal. Here’s the rundown on Usher’s musical revival.
Usher has been a star since he stepped onto the scene.
Debuting in the ’90s, Usher proved that he would be a force in the music industry someday. The R&B crooner captivated the world with his silky voice, smooth dance moves, and charismatic nature. At only 15, Usher dropped his debut self-titled album. Although the reception for the album was lukewarm, he returned with a vengeance.
Usher’s sophomore project, “My Way,” cemented the singer as a rising star, spawning hits such as “Slow Dance,” “Nice & Slow,” and “You Make Me Wanna.” It was then that Usher started to catapult into superstardom.
From 1997 through the 2000s, Usher became one of his generation’s premier R&B acts. He became a permanent household name, dominating the music charts, award shows, and movies. Usher rivaled his peers, such as Justin Timberlake and Ginuwine, and developed his own lane. He continues to rival artists half his age with ease. His earlier albums, such as “8701” and “Confessions,” immediately set him up for success.
Throughout his career, Usher has effortlessly evolved in his music. He’s stayed current with the trends, but also found a way to infuse his authentic sound to make timeless hits.
His ability to easily and successfully shift genres sets him apart. From EDM to Trap, Usher delivered classics such as “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” and “Climax.” As the times shifted, Usher proved that he could keep up with his peers.
Usher’s Tiny Desk concert set the internet on fire and started his music revival.
Usher’s Tiny Desk concert with NPR was long overdue and one of the first events to revive his career. His debut on June 30, 2022, was a hit-filled performance, reminding older fans how vital Usher has been to music, while introducing his songs to younger audiences.
Usher delivered a smooth and sexy rendition of his most popular hits, such as “U Don’t Have to Call,” “My Way,” Confessions Part II,” and more. During the 24-minute performance, the singer went through his slew of hits and created one of the most-used meme videos of 2022.
Usher’s Las Vegas residency and Super Bowl performance prove that he is a living legend.
In July 2022, the singer kicked off his iconic 100-show Vegas residency, from the Colosseum at Caesars Palace to the Park MGM, reminding everyone that he’s still got it. The legend performed with the stamina and vocal ability of his earlier days and showed his season as an industry vet. Everyone praised the singer’s performance, quickly making his sold-out residency the hottest commodity in Vegas.
Usher’s residency accurately represented R&B showmanship, complete with him serenading women from Issa Rae to Keke Palmer.
In a resurfaced clip from Usher’s BBC interview with Trevor Nelson in 2004, Usher spoke about how if he did a Vegas residency, it wouldn’t end his career; it would be another milestone.
“I am such a theatrical artist,” he said in the clip. “If I did decide to go to Las Vegas, it would be the most phenomenal thing you’ve ever seen in your life.”
Usher continued: “It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh God, he’s washed up, and this is just his opportunity to just, you know, collect as many checks as he wants to.’ No. It will be a phenomenal show.”
Straight from the Vegas stage, Usher tackled another huge and long-overdue career milestone, performing at the 2024 Super Bowl. For years, fans have been pushing for Usher to headline the coveted halftime show, and in 2024, the time finally came. The singer went into a perfect medley of some of his biggest hits during the performance, captivating the world yet again.
The performance was the longest in Super Bowl history, and Usher utilized every minute of it, expertly navigating his extensive catalog. He executed costume changes, impressive dance numbers, and maintained his stamina and breath control to deliver an unforgettable show. He brought out Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Will.i.am., and Lil Jon, who all made perfect additions to the performance. It was a true celebration of his career and his Atlanta roots.
Usher definitively showed why he’s called the “King of R&B.” If he had any naysayers before, he undoubtedly silenced them, leaving it all on the stage.
This is Usher’s season. In the last few years, Usher’s career resurgence has reminded the world that he is one of the last great talents of his generation. With his latest album, 2024’s “Coming Home,” and his upcoming tour, we are excited to see where this new season will take him next.
What do you think of Usher’s music revival? Are you happy to see him finally getting his flowers?
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