Usher

Usher’s BET Lifetime Achievement Award Speech Was Censored So Heavily, Fans Had A Lot Of Questions

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Usher has had one hell of a 2024. He’s got a new album, he’s headed on tour, he performed at the Super Bowl, and now, he’s been honored with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. However, we aren’t sure how he feels about it, because BET’s infamously touchy censor weighed in pretty heavily during Usher’s acceptance speech after he let some colorful language fly in reference to his absentee father. The speech ended up sounding a bit like the radio edit of Snoop Dogg’s “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None),” only without the fly instrumental. Fans were quick to let their own commentary off the chain on Twitter.

Despite this, the mics were indeed on during the tribute performance honoring Usher, which featured an all-star roster of nearly all women singers covering hits from across Usher’s near-30-year run of hits. Included in the performance were Childish Gambino (“U Don’t Have To Call”), Keke Palmer (“You Make Me Wanna”), Summer Walker (“Good Good”), Coco Jones (“There Goes My Baby”), Marsha Ambrosius (“Confessions Pt.2”), Chlöe (“Good Kisser”), Tinashe (“Nice & Slow”), Teyana Taylor & Victoria Monét (“Bad Girl”), and Latto (“Yeah!”).

This isn’t the first time the BET Awards have had censor issues — it’s a tradition going back decades at this point. Nor is this the first time this month Usher has had technical difficulties on the mic, after Latto had to help save his performance at her Birthday Bash in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. Check out his speech… in all its censored glory… above.

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Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, And More Paid Homage To Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Usher At The 2024 BET Awards

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It was a big year for Usher, who completed his Vegas residency, then released his new album Coming Home just as he performed in the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was as good a year as any to give him the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented by none other than legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

With his new multimedia project Bando Stone And The New World on the way, and his album Atavista already out, Donald Glover — aka Childish Gambino — was the first to hit the stage at the 2024 BET Awards to pay homage to Usher with a fluttering falsetto performance of Usher’s 8701 hit, “U Don’t Have To Call,” with Keke Palmer. Palmer picked up the torch to perform his breakout “You Make Me Wanna,” then his “Good Good” collaborator Summer Walker hit the stage to perform their collab.

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Coco Jones was the next star to emerge — from the crowd, no less — to sing “There Goes My Baby” with some audience participation that would make Usher himself proud. “Confessions Pt.2” was performed by Marsha Ambrosius — and yes, she did hit that run — as she was encircled by laser beams. Chlöe popped out next to perform “Good Kisser” in a glittering bodysuit, followed by Tinashe, who performed Usher’s first No. 1, “Nice & Slow.”

Next up was Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét, who performed a sexy duet dance routine to “Bad Girl.” Latto then joined a fleet of dancers to remake the “Yeah!” video onstage, with her performing Ludacris’ iconic verse ahead of the finale, during which all the other women returned to the stage.

You can watch the performance above and find the full list of 2024 BET Awards nominees and winners here.

Latto Hilariously Stepped In To Help Usher Sing ‘Superstar’ Due To Tech Issues At Birthday Bash ATL 2024

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Uproxx cover star Latto is a proud product of Clayton County, but Atlanta is her true home. Yesterday (June 22), the “Sunday Service” rapper showed off her A-Town pride at 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2024.

Last night, Latto became the first woman to headline the annual event. So, to celebrate the momentous occasion, she was sure to surprise the crowd with half a dozen cameos from past collaborators and fellow musical natives, including Usher.

Unfortunately, as Usher went to perform his fan favorite track “Superstar” he experienced a few technical issues. As the problem were worked through on production’s end, Latto jumped in to hilariously sing the cult classic.

Usher was shocked by Latto’s attempt, put it all on the floor. Later into his set, he delivered a touching speech to praise the strides Latto has made in her career.

“You know, we have this thing that we do in Atlanta, where we just seem to keep making history,” he said. “Tonight, Latto made history, being the first female to [headline] Birthday Bash. [So,] we wanna give her, her flowers, one time.”

In addition to Usher, Latto brought out 21 Savage, Summer Walker, Flo Milli, Mariah The Scientist, Anycia, Roscoe Dash, Princess, and Rasheeda.

But don’t think the historic concert was a big payday for Latto. In a post on Instagram, she revealed spent all the money on her show’s production. “Not making a penny from Birthday Bash,” she wrote. “I invested it all back in the show.”

It’s Wednesday, Which Means Usher Won’t Eat At All Today, And He Explained Why

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Today (June 19) is Wednesday, so if you happen to run into Usher, odds are you won’t see him eating.

As People notes, in a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Usher broke down his wellness routine. Most notable was the fact that every Wednesday, Usher doesn’t eat or drink anything besides water.

He explained, “I fast, not for religious purposes, but it’s something my grandmother practiced. I typically try to start around 11 p.m. the previous day, then go the entire day on Wednesday just drinking water.”

Usher also noted that he begins most days with a “moment of reflection,” and explained, “Typically I wake up and drink celery juice. I’ve been doing this concoction of lemon, ginger, water and cayenne pepper. I drink it hot.” Additionally, he noted, “I don’t like to eat breakfast before I’ve worked out or done something physical: taking a walk, stretching or doing yoga, sitting in the sun and raising my body’s natural heat levels. Then I eat.”

As for his breakfast of choice, that honor goes to eggs scrambled with cheese.

Meanwhile, Usher faced a setback last month, when his Lovers & Friends festival ended up getting canceled due to extreme weather conditions (specifically, high winds).

Tony Hale Joked That His Appearance In Beyoncé’s Super Bowl Commercial Earned Him Some ‘Cool Dad’ Points

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Tony Hale has had a mighty successful acting career. In fact, the actor stars in Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which is currently showing in theaters. However, none of this has quite impressed Hale’s daughter.

Yesterday (June 14), during an appearance on The Talk, Hale confessed that he found a way to earn some cool points with the help of Beyoncé.

To help kick off the Cowboy Carter rollout, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer partnered with Verizon, for an internet-breaking Super Bowl LVIII commercial.

When asked by host Sheryl Underwood about keeping the secret from his certified Beyhive member daughter, Hale shared how hard it was. “So [when] I got this gig, I was like, ‘This is so cool,’” he said. “But I had to sign [some paperwork] so I couldn’t say anything. But my daughter had just been to Beyoncé’s [Renaissance] concert. Usually is super bored by what I do. She doesn’t care, and I had that [one thing] and I couldn’t say it. So she had to wait to see it on the Super Bowl.”

He then went on to reveal the exchange they had after the commercial aired. “I was out of town, unfortunately,” he said. “But she texted me and was like, ‘Dad?’ So I texted her an emoji of a bee. And I was like, ‘Yeah. I got it.’”

Watch the full clip below.

Usher Celebrates Wife Jennifer During Date Night at New York Benefit Event

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Usher Celebrates Wife Jennifer During Date Night at New York Benefit Event

Usher and his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea Raymond, enjoyed a date night on June 11 at the Apollo Spring Benefit 2024, where the R&B legend, 45, was honored with the Icon Award. It’s good to see Usher out and about, celebrating his better half! The couple, who married in February, arrived hand-in-hand and posed for photos on the red carpet. Usher wore a stylish burgundy suit with flared pants, while Jennifer, 40, donned a black mini dress with a black and white patterned shirt and carried a sparkling black and silver purse.

Get this: Usher and Jennifer have two children together: daughter Sovereign Bo, 3, and son Sire Castrello, 2. Usher also has two sons, Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, 16, and Naviyd Ely, 15, with his ex-wife Tameka Foster.

He stood on business when it came to celebrating Jennifer. During his acceptance speech, Usher thanked his supporters and gave a heartfelt shoutout to his wife. “Last and most certainly not least, without your love, passion, support to my best friend, Jennifer Raymond. I love you baby,” he said. “My wife, who is in the audience tonight. Thank you for your support and I’m so happy that we could do this together. Mother’s Days are so awesome. I’m hoping that y’all going to hook me up for Father’s Day.”

Okay, Usher was announced as one of the honorees in April, stating, “It’s an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City – one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people. I’m humbled to be this year’s recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

What’s cool is the Apollo celebration featured performances from Jordin Sparks, Johnny Gill, and others. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, a 12-time Grammy winner, was honored with the inaugural Legacy Award and inducted into The Apollo’s Walk of Fame the day before.

Usher’s Icon Award precedes another significant accolade: he is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on June 30. This honor has previously been awarded to legends like Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, and Lionel Richie, celebrating Usher’s “ever-growing musical legacy” in an already action-packed year.

The post Usher Celebrates Wife Jennifer During Date Night at New York Benefit Event first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher Celebrates Wife Jennifer During Date Night at New York Benefit Event appeared first on The Source.

Taraji P. Henson to Host BET Awards 2024

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Taraji P. Henson Reveals She Contemplated Suicide During the Pandemic

BET has announced that Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actor, author, director, producer, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson will return to host the “BET Awards” 2024. The event will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT.

“I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” said Taraji P. Henson.

“Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, ‘BET Awards,’ the ultimate celebration of Black creativity,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “We are equally as thrilled to have so many incredibly talented performers join us, standing on culture’s biggest stage to deliver an unforgettable night.”

Previously, BET announced that GRAMMY® award-winning global icon Usher will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award at the 2024 BET Awards. Usher, a four-time nominee this year, will be recognized for his significant impact on culture and the entertainment industry. The award celebrates industry pioneers’ exceptional achievements and public service, with past honorees including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, and Mary J. Blige.

“The relationship between BET and USHER spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park, to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, USHER continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence. We look forward to creating an amazing lineup to pay tribute to our global icon.”

Surprise guests are expected to take the stage to celebrate Usher’s illustrious career and musical legacy. The “BET Awards” 2024 will air live on Sunday, June 30, at 8 pm ET/PT from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The post Taraji P. Henson to Host BET Awards 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Taraji P. Henson to Host BET Awards 2024 appeared first on The Source.

Usher to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 BET Awards

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BET announced that GRAMMY® award-winning global icon Usher will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award at the 2024 BET Awards. Usher, a four-time nominee this year, will be recognized for his significant impact on culture and the entertainment industry. The award celebrates industry pioneers’ exceptional achievements and public service, with past honorees including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, and Mary J. Blige.

“The relationship between BET and USHER spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park, to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, USHER continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence. We look forward to creating an amazing lineup to pay tribute to our global icon.”

Surprise guests are expected to take the stage to celebrate Usher’s illustrious career and musical legacy. The “BET Awards” 2024 will air live on Sunday, June 30, at 8 pm ET/PT from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The post Usher to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 BET Awards first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 BET Awards appeared first on The Source.

Usher Brings 20th Anniversary ‘Confessions’ Performance To 2024 ESSENCE Fest

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Essence Fest 2024 is here, and R&B icon Usher is set to headline the Festival of Culture with a special one-night-only concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed album Confessions. Talk about good timing. 

This performance is one to check out. It is part of the festival’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, taking place in New Orleans from July 4-7, 2024, at the Caesar’s Superdome.

Ge this, the festival lineup includes major artists such as Janet Jackson, Birdman and Friends, Charlie Wilson, Ari Lennox, T-Pain, TGT, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, and rising star Victoria Monét. Keke Palmer, Pretty Vee, Big Tigger, Punkie Johnson, and Kenny Burns will handle hosting duties, with DJ sets from Raj Smoove, DJ Clark Kent, and DJ Beverly Bond.

Daytime events are also fun and exciting which will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, featuring activities like the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, BEAUTYCON: @ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, ESSENCE Film Festival by ESSENCE STUDIOS, ESSENCE Stage, SOKO MRKT by ESSENCE, ESSENCE Authors, ESSENCE GU CREATORS HOUSE, and GBEF HQ. This year’s festival also introduces The Suede: Men’s Experience, focusing on Black men’s interests in money, fatherhood, creativity, health, travel, fashion, and sports.

Here is what Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, said about the significance of the festival … “For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has blossomed into a pillar of our culture. It spans generations and echoes life stages, growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice. As the festival approaches its 30-year milestone, we are excited to welcome and celebrate with all our closest family and friends around the world—whether it’s your 30th, 11th (like me), 2nd, or even first time. It promises to be an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences.”

The post Usher Brings 20th Anniversary ‘Confessions’ Performance To 2024 ESSENCE Fest first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher Brings 20th Anniversary ‘Confessions’ Performance To 2024 ESSENCE Fest appeared first on The Source.

BET Awards 2024 Nominations: A Peek At Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

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The BET Awards is a spectacle that many look forward to annually, and the 2024 ceremony promises to be grand. In a year brimming with extraordinary talent, the awarding body has once again unveiled the nominees for the coveted honors. Without a doubt, one of the most competitive categories this year is the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category. This year’s lineup is a testament to the evolving landscape of R&B and pop music. 

While it features veteran acts like Usher and Chris Brown, it also highlights first-time nominees like Fridayy and October London. All eight artists who have been nominated in this category have an equal claim to the gold and are very deserving of this recognition. On June 30, we’ll find out which of these stars will take home the award. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the male artists who have bagged a nomination in this category for the 2024 BET Awards.

Brent Faiyaz

Since he broke into the music scene with his debut album in 2017, Brent Faiyaz has been a force to reckon with. The singer-songwriter is widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in contemporary R&B. Faiyaz released his debut mixtape, Larger Than Life, on October 27, 2023, and it has been well received by fans and critics alike. Additionally, over the past year, he was a featured artist on a handful of tracks. Faiyaz appeared on “Fell in Love” with Marshmello and “Should’ve Worn a Bonnet” with 21 Savage, among others. Altogether, the quality of the music he has put out within the past year has earned him a spot on this list. 

Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller took the world by storm in 2015 when he released his beloved debut album, TRAPSOUL. Since then, he has won three BET awards, and soon, he might bag another victory. If he wins the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, it would be his second in the category. Further, the singer dropped his eponymous fourth studio album in April 2024. The project is among the best R&B releases of the year so far. With this in mind, it’s no surprise Bryson Tiller has been nominated in this category at the 2024 BET Awards. 

Burna Boy

Widely known as the African Giant, Burna Boy is at the forefront of the Afrobeats movement. The artist has been on an unstoppable roll for a while now and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. He has won three BET awards in the past, and in 2024, he might add to his list of wins. Although he was nominated in this category in 2023, he lost to Usher and Chris Brown. This year, he faces both artists again and has a chance of taking the win this time. The work he is being recognized for is I Told Them, his seventh studio album.

Chris Brown

While there may not be any clear favorites this year, Chris Brown is certainly the biggest threat on this list. With seven wins out of 16 nominations in this category alone, he is the most-awarded artist in this category. At the 2024 BET Awards, he might extend his record even further. Over the past year, he released and contributed to several quality records, so there is no question as to why he is being recognized. Alongside Usher, Brown is currently holding this award. 

Drake

The 6 God has been one of the most relevant artists in the industry for a while. Since his debut, Drake has not let up, dropping undeniable hits year in and year out. In 2024, he released his eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. The project contains several hits, including “Rich Baby Daddy,” “First Person Shooter,” and “Slime You Out,” among others. Drake has received nominations from the BET Awards every year from 2010 till 2024. Altogether, he has won 17 BET awards, but none in this category. As a matter of fact, this is his second nomination in the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category following 2023’s nomination. Tune in on June 30 to find out if he’ll take home the gold this time.

Fridayy

With his distinct baritone and eclectic blend of R&B and Hip Hop, Fridayy has won the hearts of many. The singer released his eponymous debut album on August 25, 2023. The 14-track project has helped announce him as one of the most exciting new R&B acts. It has also earned him his first BET nomination at the 2024 awards ceremony. Evidently, Fridayy has a bright future, and fans are eager to witness his rise.

October London

The second of two first-time nominees on this list, October London is a very promising R&B act. The 37-year-old singer signed to Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records has been releasing music since 2022. However, it was his third studio album, The Rebirth of Marvin, that put him under the spotlight. He is nominated in two categories at the 2024 BET Awards and may very well win his first major award this year.

Usher

Another R&B veteran, Usher, has been nominated in this category 11 times and won four of those nods. Behind Chris Brown, he is the second most nominated act in this category and has the second most wins. Following his Super Bowl Halftime performance, Usher released his ninth studio album, Coming Home, on February 9, 2024. The 20-track album reminds listeners why the singer is regarded by many as R&B’s champion. At the 2024 BET Awards ceremony, he has the chance to inch closer to Chris Brown’s record seven wins. Award night promises to be very entertaining indeed.

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