Usher and H.E.R. deliver a soul-stirring collaboration, “Risk It All,” featured in the soundtrack album THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY).
Accompanying the reimagined film release of The Color Purple, director Blitz Bazawule curated a musical journey combining cherished classics and original compositions reflecting the film’s narratives. Crafted by H.E.R. and Jimmy Napes, “Risk It All” showcases H.E.R.’s compelling lyricism and powerful vocals seamlessly intertwining with Usher’s smooth tones. The result is a poignant anthem embodying resilience and courage. Following Alicia Keys’ enchanting “Lifeline,” “Risk It All” is the second release from the soundtrack and is expected to be featured on Usher’s upcoming album, COMING HOME, scheduled for release on February 11th via mega/gamma.
The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball festive concert series continues. At the beginning of the tour, each show received rave reviews. But when Nicki Minaj pulled out of her promoted Chicago appearance and a Taylor Swift impersonator popped out in Detroit, ticketholders for future stops grew nervous. But, so far, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Philadelphia concert set for tonight (December 12) seems to be going well.
“Standing Next To You” singer Usher will serve as the featured headliner. Other performers set to hit the Wells Fargo Center stage include OneRepublic, 2024 Grammy Best New Artist nominee Jelly Roll, boy band Big Time Rush, “Pacer” rapper Doechii, K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE, and “Daylight” singer David Kushner. So, what time does everything kick off?
What Time Does iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Philadelphia Start?
According to iHeartRadio’s official website, tonight’s performances are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. In preparation for the expected massive crowd, the Wells Fargo Center will open its doors as early as 6:30 p.m. ET. Limited tickets are still available for the show. Find more information here. There are only two remaining stops (Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale) for the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball series.
For those who’d rather watch the playback of the concerts in the comfort of their own homes, they can do so soon. A specialized television broadcast will air across ABC stations on Thursday, December 21, at 8 p.m. ET. The day after, the program will be available to enjoy on Hulu.
Tonight (December 12), iHeartRadio is bringing its Jingle Ball Tour to Philadelphia, with a complete lineup of performers to carry the holiday cheer. The event, which is being held at Wells Fargo Center, also selected the acts to span genres, giving a wide-ranging selection for those in the audience.
Here’s what to expect.
What Is The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Philadelphia Lineup?
Tonight’s lineup for the Philly stop of the Jingle Ball Tour will feature Usher, who was previously continuing his Vegas residency. OneRepublic and Jelly Roll are set to play, too. Some other acts on the bill include Big Time Rush (who got their start as a band through a Nickelodeon show), rising rapper Doechii, K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE, and David Kushner.
The show will start at 7:30 p.m. ET, according to iHeartRadio’s website. Tickets for tonight’s event are also still available for those considering attending last-minute, starting at $46, with more information available through Ticketmaster.
For those who are attending another upcoming stop of the Jingle Ball Tour, the lineup varies from city to city, so be sure to check elsewhere to see who’s made the list for the selected show. (The final Jingle Ball Tour date is this Saturday, December 16, in Florida.)
May 2023 was filled with both memorable and forgettable moments in pop culture. From Halle Bailey‘s influence on The Little Mermaid to a viral altercation in Vegas and a shocking arrest, here are the top stories that defined the month.
It was reported that the R&B singer was upset with Taylor for abandoning his AMA tribute performance, leading to its cancellation. Brown expressed dissatisfaction with Taylor’s presence at Usher’s skate birthday party, where the incident occurred. Usher tried to mediate the situation.
Halle Bailey Makes A Splash At The Box Office
May 26 marked the release of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey as Ariel. This casting choice left a lasting impact on young Black girls, as Bailey’s portrayal of the iconic character represented a “Black Girl Renaissance.”
The film, directed by Rob Marshall, featured Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, and Awkwafina. The Little Mermaid achieved its highest opening ever with a Black female lead, earning an estimated $97 million.
Additionally, the singer/actress’s “Black Girl Renaissance” continued through the singer’s representation of Ariel’s hair in The Little Mermaid as Bailey reclaimed Ariel’s role.
The creation of her Ariel hair, reportedly costing $150,000, was entrusted to Oscar-nominated hairstylist Camille Friend. After a crucial conversation with Halle, Camille understood the importance of maintaining her locs for the character.
DaniLeigh Arrested?
The drama unfolded on May 30 as singer DaniLeighwas arrested in Miami for driving under the influence (DUI) and causing injury to another person.
The R&B singer faced three felony charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and injuring a person while driving under the influence. Her arrest sent shockwaves through the music industry.
More Top 23 of 2023
As we reflect on the top moments of 2023, it’s worth mentioning other highlights from earlier in the year, such as the passing ofGangsta Boo, which deeply impacted hip-hop. The saga of 2023 continues with more stories to come.
Last month, Doja Cat sat down for a spoof interview with her alter ego, and the results were chaotic — fitting because that’s the word she used when Ice Spice, for Instagram’s Close Friends Only, asked her to describe her 2023 in one word. Ice Spice posted that clip on Wednesday, December 6, but Billboarddropped a separate clip from their conversation that put Ice Spice on the spot.
In the clip, Doja asks Ice Spice to identify her first-ever celebrity crush. “Ugh, it’s so embarrassing,” she responded. After some coaxing from Doja, Ice Spice finally said, “I’m just gonna say it. It was Usher. I saw him at the Met Gala for the first time I ever seen him. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God. It’s him.”
“He’s beautiful,” Doja said, and Ice Spice agreed, “Gorgeous man.”
According to Billboard, “The full podcast episode of Close Friends Only, produced in collaboration with The Unwell Network, will go live across streaming platforms including Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and YouTube on Thursday [December 7].”
Even celebrities have their own celebrity crushes. Some high-profile relationships originally began with a crush and many aren’t shy about confessing their crushes publicly. Just a few months ago Chloe Bailey revealed her celebrity crush was Michael B. Jordan, but also confirmed that she’s not the type to shoot her shot. Just a few months later Chloe had an encounter with Boosie Badazz, who similarly declared her his new celeb crush.
Ice Spice was the newest celeb to reveal her pre-fame crush. She did it during an interview with Doja Cat, who was incredibly curious about the answer. Despite saying it made her embarrassed, she was pretty quick to answer that it was R&B superstar Usher. She followed it up with a funny story of encountering him in person for the first time at the MET Gala, which is when Doja agreed that he’s a pretty attractive guy. Check out the full interview clip below.
Ice Spice has had a breakout 2023 that’s seen her collaborating with numerous high-profile artists. She’s worked with Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Rema, and Pinkpantheress this year alone. In 2024 she could be expanding her horizons even more. Recently, she pulled up in the comments of a recent Billie Eilish post to show the singer some love. The comment instantly had fans wondering what a potential crossover between the two would sound like. Obviously nothing has been confirmed yet but with Spice already teasing more music in 2024 fans are buzzing.
Spice also recently had a pivotal moment for any breakout rapper, an interview with Nardwuar. The pair discussed numerous things and as usual his extensive research was shocking to his interview subject. He had some old pictures of Spice that left her jaw dropped in one particular viral moment. In another, she discusses a scary experience she had with New York public transport that had fans stunned. What do you think of Usher being Ice Spice’s first ever celebrity crush? Let us know in the comment section below.
Usher’s 2023 has been quite the rollercoaster, to say the least. The Texas R&B legend has been in the headlines for various reasons, both controversial and non-controversial. Over this past summer, he was performing with actress and artist Keke Palmer in the audience. Her man at the time, Darius Jackson, was not in attendance. For Usher, that is the ultimate green light for him to serenade someone. It led to a lot of debating online as to who should be held accountable.
It wound up being the tip of the iceberg for that relationship, as things have gotten uglier for Keke and Darius. On the flip side, Usher is making a big return to music as well. He is going to be headlining the Super Bowl 58 Halftime Show. Following that, a brand-new album will be out on the day of the game as well. n the meantime, he is wrapping up his residency in Las Vegas right before the game comes to Allegiant Stadium.
Some of the recent celebrities to come to support Usher were Jennifer Hudson and Common. Rumors circulating that these two being together began to heat up in July 2022. Jennifer sort of confirmed they were a thing in August this year. As they had nice VIP seats, Usher strolled his way over to them to perform. In the video from HipHopDX, he still decided to do what he had been doing by grabbing Hudson for a dance. Before doing so, Usher shouted out the couple. Both seemed okay with it as they were both all smiles throughout.
What are your initial thoughts on this video clip of Usher serenading Jennifer Hudson right in front of Common at his recent Las Vegas show? Do you think it was an awkward moment for them, or do you think it was all in good spirits? Why do you think Usher does this at his shows whenever he can? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Usher, Common, and Jennifer Hudson. Furthermore, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
In a heartwarming moment of recognition and appreciation, Victoria Monét took a moment to surprise Usher at his Las Vegas residency. The talented “On My Mama” hitmaker gifted the icon, Usher, with a custom jacket in celebration of his upcoming Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance. The fan-recorded video capturing the heartfelt exchange showcases the genuine camaraderie and admiration shared between these two musical powerhouses. In the video, Monét expressed her respect for Usher, acknowledging him as one of the last living icons in the industry. She went on to congratulate and celebrate him in front of the excited audience, emphasizing the cultural significance of his presence. As a gesture of appreciation, Monét presented Usher with a custom jacket, a unique token that undoubtedly holds sentimental value for the Grammy-winning artist.
The unexpected gift was met with cheers from the crowd. It was a moment that highlighted the universal appreciation for Usher’s enduring impact on the world of music. Monét’s thoughtful gesture not only highlights the friendship among artists. But also serves as a symbol of the profound influence Usher has had on the music industry, transcending generations and genres. Taking to her Instagram page the following day, Monét reflected on the unforgettable experience.
Moreover, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate a living legend. In her post, she described Usher as a real class act and thanked him for providing one of the best nights of her life. Monét’s words radiate genuine admiration, emphasizing the joy and positivity that Usher brings to the world through his timeless and limitless art. The exchange between Victoria Monét and Usher serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of the music community. Where artists uplift and honor each other’s contributions. Usher’s upcoming Super Bowl LVIII halftime show already promises to be a historic moment, and Monét’s thoughtful gift adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
As fans eagerly anticipate Usher’s Super Bowl performance, the custom jacket presented by Victoria Monét stands as a tangible symbol of the respect and admiration. In a world often characterized by competition, this gesture exemplifies the beauty of artists coming together to celebrate and uplift one another. What do you think of this sweet gift? Let us know on HNHH!
In the symphony of celebrity romances, few stories resonated like the tale of Usher and Chilli. Neither of the two stars needs any introduction. Usher is essentially R&B royalty, while Chilli rose to fame as one-third of TLC, the best-selling American girl group of all time. Rewind to the early 2000s, a time when the R&B heartthrob and the enchanting TLC star embarked on a journey that would captivate the public’s hearts. Their relationship, marked by the highs of red carpet glamor and the lows of heart-wrenching rumors, unfolded against the backdrop of fame’s relentless spotlight. Let’s unravel the timeline of Usher and Chilli’s R&B love story.
2001: Usher & Chilli Begin Dating
(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) Usher and Chilli of TLC (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)
The pair first crossed paths in 1993, when both acts were signed under LaFace Records. However, it wasn’t until 2001 before the sparks began to fly. Soon after, Usher and Chili went public with their relationship, confirming the speculations swirling around them. Notably, the couple quickly gained widespread attention. They attended events like the Grammys together, and their chemistry was evident in their red carpet appearances. Fans celebrated the union of two musical powerhouses, creating a buzz around the pair. Although their separate musical ventures already propelled them to great fame, their romantic union made them one of the “it” couples of the early 2000s.
2003-2004: Stormy Clouds
Chilli and Usher during The 45th Annual GRAMMY Awards – BMG After-Party – Arrivals at Gotham Hall in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
The first two years were marked by public sightings and public affection. However, the couple faced challenges that tested the strength of their relationship. Speculations about Usher’s fidelity and the pressures of their respective careers began to take a toll. In 2003, the duo decided to part ways, leaving fans heartbroken and curious about the details behind their split. Moreover, the media scrutinized their every move, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already challenging healing process.
The couple’s love story bled into Usher’s music. The singer, known for infusing personal experiences into his lyrics, is still widely believed to have expressed his feelings for Chilli in songs like “Superstar,” which was part of his Confession album. On the album, Usher admits to several instances of infidelity, feeding the ravenous gossip-mongers.
However, in an interview promoting VH1’s biopic Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story with US Weekly, Chilli cleared the air about Usher’s album being about her. “We were together when he recorded that album. All of those songs on Confessions, that was about Jermaine Dupri’s situation. Usher was just singing it. But people kind of bought into it, it was just the timing of our breakup when the album came out.”
2019: Chilli Calls It Quits With Usher (For Good This Time)
Usher and Chilli (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)
After the breakup, both Usher and Chilli took time to reflect on their individual paths. Usher continued his successful music career, while Chilli focused on personal growth and her endeavors outside TLC. The years following their separation saw the former couple pursuing their passions and finding solace in their respective journeys.
The two were on and off for years, and Chilli maintained contact with her ex because she couldn’t find it in her to let him go. She eventually cut off contact with Usher for good in 2019, admitting to People that she wanted to focus on herself. “I even stopped dating. Because before that I thought if I met the right guy during that time that I wasn’t over [Usher] it wouldn’t work. I would never want to straddle the fence.”
Conclusion
The relationship between Usher and Chilli showcases the complexities of love in the spotlight. The public’s fascination with celebrity relationships, fueled by relentless media coverage, highlights these couples’ unique challenges. As we reflect on the love stories of the iconic couple, we are reminded that behind the glamor and fame, celebrities are individuals navigating the intricate dance of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
On Christmas Day, The Color Purple is set to dazzle another generation of filmgoers. In the new adaptation of the musical version of Alice Walker’s beloved novel, Fantasia will reprise the role she played on Broadway. But the all-star cast doesn’t stop there. Halle Bailey, Jon Batiste, HER, Ciara, and more will appear. Given the film’s musical legacy, the soundtrack has enormous shoes to fill.
On Monday, November 27, it was revealed that a jam-packed lineup of musicians set to appear on the album. Two of the film’s stars, HER and Halle Bailey, will lend their voice to the soundtrack, which is executive produced by Quincy Jones and Scott Sanders. It will also include Alicia Keys, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Ciara, Mary Mary, and Missy Elliott.
The soundtrack’s first taste came from Alicia Keys’ song “Lifeline.” You can listen to the single below. The soundtrack will be shared on December 15 via WaterTower Music and Gamma.
Walker’s novel was first filmed by Steven Spielberg in 1985, with a cast that included Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery. It was a hit that earned 10 Academy Award nominations.
The Color Purple will hit theaters on December 25.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
