Usher is a married man, but in a recent interview, he revealed that his Las Vegas ceremony surprised his family.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Usher pulled back the curtain on his nuptials.
“It was an incredible moment that we felt was great for us,” he said. “It was a button at the end of an incredible Las Vegas run. My mother was there, her mother was there, the kids were there, our immediate family was there. Matter of fact, everybody was surprised. I’m like, ‘No, no, no, we’re having a wedding right now. We’re gonna go have Elvis officiate us.’”
Usher and his girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, exchanged vows in a surprise wedding ceremony in Las Vegas right after the Super Bowl. Usher, who recently graced the cover of PEOPLE, shared exclusive images of their intimate celebration.
“We can confirm that Usher and Jennifer Goicoechea took the next step in their relationship and did get married on Sunday night in Las Vegas surrounded by close friends and family,” a representative told PEOPLE. “They both look forward to continuing to raise their children together surrounded by love and thank everyone for the well wishes.”
BELLAMY BREWSTER/PEOPLE
Following Usher’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas, the duo went to Vegas Weddings’ drive-thru tunnel, The Fast Lane, for the ceremony. In the heartwarming photos, Usher is seen beaming at Goicoechea, who holds a bouquet of red peonies and white roses, perfectly complementing the romantic ambiance of the day.
You can see all of the wedding pictures below.
Usher in Love! Exclusive Wedding Photos from the Star’s Surprise Post-Super Bowl Ceremony with Jenn Goicoechea https://t.co/k5chYl6CfT
On the music front, Usher, Victoria Monét, Chris Brown, and Megan Thee Stallion won big. Usher took home the award for Outstanding Male Artist. During his acceptance speech, the “Good Good” singer showed that his ladies’ man persona started with his deep love for his mother, Jonnetta Patton.
U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D! We appreciate, honor and recognize you for your legendary contributions to culture!!
Victoria snagged two trophies at the awards (Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Album for Jaguar II). Brown also pulled a double victory. His collaborative song with Ciara, “How We Roll,” won for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional). As the lead artist, Brown’s breakout song “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay won for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album. Megan Thee Stallion was also declared a winner. Her recent single, “Cobra,” won for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song.
Frankie Beverly was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his decades-long career.
Continue below for the full list of winners in the recording categories. To view all of the evening’s winners, click here.
Outstanding New Artist
FLO
Jordan Ward
Leon Thomas
October London Victoria Monét
Outstanding Male Artist
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Davido
Jon Batiste Usher
Outstanding Female Artist
Ari Lennox H.E.R.
Janelle Monáe
Tems
Victoria Monét
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
All Yours – Kierra Sheard Father’s Day – Kirk Franklin Impossible – Pastor Mike, Jr. My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music
“Boyfriend” – Usher
“Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
“How We Roll” – Ciara
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét “Sensational” – Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay
Outstanding Album
Clear 2: Soft Life – Summer Walker For All The Dogs – Drake I Told Them… – Burna Boy Jaguar II – Victoria Monét The Age of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Creed III: The Soundtrack
Godfather of Harlem: Season 3 (Original Series Soundtrack)
Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From and Inspired by the Motion Picture/Deluxe Edition) The Color Purple–Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Little Mermaid Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“All Things” – Kirk Franklin “All Yours” – Kierra Sheard feat. Anthony Brown
“In The Room” – Maverick City Music
“It’s Working” – Todd Dulaney
“JOY (Unspeakable) – Voices of Fire feat. Pharrell Williams
Outstanding Jazz Album
Brand New Life – Brandee Younger
Melusine – Cécile McLorin Salvant
Who Are You When No One Is Watching? – Braxton Cook
Phoenix – Lakecia Benjamin
Truth Be Told – Angie Wells
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Back To Your Place” – October London
“Good Good” – Usher feat. 21 Savage x Summer Walker “ICU Remix” – Coco Jones feat. Justin Timberlake
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
“Lipstick Lover” – Janelle Monáe
Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
“All My Life” – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole
“Blue Eyes” – Vic Mensa “Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
“Palisades, CA” – Larry June & The Alchemist
“Sittin’ On Top of the World” – Burna Boy & 21 Savage
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Ciara feat. Chris Brown – “How We Roll”
Coco Jones feat. Justin Timberlake – “ICU Remix”
Dreamville, Bas & Black Sherif feat. Kel–P – “Creed III: Soundtrack”
Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard – “God Is Good”
Voices of Fire – “Joy (Unspeakable)”
Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
American Fiction – Laura Karpman Rustin – Branford Marsalis The Color Purple – Kris Bowers The Other Black Girl – EmmoLei Sankofa Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Jongnic Bontemps
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Usher walked into 2024 feeling more confident than ever ahead of his iconic Super Bowl Halftime show, but this year hasn’t been all roses and rainbows for the R&B crooner. He did tie the knot to his long-time lover and remind us all how awesome his discography is over the past few weeks, but at the same time, Usher’s been catching strays regarding his sexuality for some time now. Discourse previously heated up amid Keke Palmer’s feud with her baby daddy, Darius Jackson, at which time the actress’ mother stated that her daughter wasn’t flirting with the “Yeah!” hitmaker as he was a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Usher himself didn’t address this gossip, but now that Kimora Lee Simmons seems to be insinuating that he and her ex-husband, Russell, might’ve been intimate, people are putting the Baby Phat creator on blast. After Rus shared a heartfelt message thanking the Texas native for supporting him during a low moment, KL was among those adding fuel to the fire in the comments. “Not ‘by my bed!!’ Lolol ,” she wrote on her story after seeing her co-parent’s post. “What is this I’m seeing in the news today?? Lol, y’all some wild boys frfr .”
So far, most IG users aren’t taking kindly to the model’s antics. “Slandering an unhealed person’s NAME while you keep their last name as your NAME is quite insidious,” one Instagram user chastised Kimora Lee under @theshaderoom’s post. “If I was her I’d keep real quiet when her husband Tim robbed $93,000,000 from Malaysian banks and faces 25 years in jail,” another called out the fashion icon’s new romantic partner.
Countless others have been rushing to Usher’s defense amid the drama. “This was unnecessary, and this is one of the reasons Black men don’t speak up. Regardless of their situation, he was acknowledging Usher as a friend/brother at one of his lowest points. #MentalHealthAwareness BLACK MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT!” Keep scrolling to read more responses to KL’s shade, and check back in with HNHH later to catch up on music/pop culture news.
The Super Bowl reminded fans how great Usher’s “Yeah!” is. Just before the Super Bowl, the single was acknowledged for going 13 times platinum in the United States.
Ludacris showed a new plaque online, highlighting the single crossing 1 billion streams on Spotify.
“That DAMN SUPER BOWL EFFECT Was The Cherry On Top,” Ludacris wrote. “CONGRATS to my brothers @usher @liljon @seangarrettpen & ALL THE FANS THAT MADE THIS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SONGS IN HISTORY!!!!” Usher reshared the post on his account and commented, “We did that bro” with muscle and fire emojis. “Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!!”
Usher added, “We did that bro. Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!!”
In his last appearance on Vlad TV, Boosie sided with the internet, questioning the onstage embrace between Usher and Alicia Keys are they performed “My Boo.”
Hitting Instagram, Boosie revealed how he felt: “@USHER ENOUGH IS ENOUGH BRO!! U NEED TO APOLOGIZE TO [SWIZZ]. SHE MARRIED MY NIGGA. I KNOW THAT WASN’T PLANNED.”
Swizz Beatz has seen all the jokes about how his wife Alicia Keys was hugged by Usher during his Super Bowl performance. And he isn’t the least bothered, telling fans, “Y’all talking about the wrong damn thing!!!”
“Tonight’s performance was nothing but amazing 2 amazing Giants!” Swizz wrote. “Congrats @usher and my love @Aliciakeys that song is a classic. We don’t do negative vibes on this side we make history.”
Usher received backlash online after visiting and enjoying yoga with Russell Simmons in Bali.
Simmons hit Instagram to show Usher visited his yoga class, taking a spot in the first row. He also celebrated Usher’s presence in his life:
When i was at the lowest point in my life i woke up and this man was sitting by my bed .. i had known usher since he was a kid but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing Gods conciousness in ourselves …People remember to remember this ..a friend walks in when others walk out … i will never forget the generosity of spirit i witnessed in this man God bless you baby bro @usher love you !!!!
That same harmonic energy did not transfer to fans as users hit X to criticize Usher’s visit and Simmons has been accused of many crimes against women.
Russell Simmons is a r!pist and Usher has chosen to be in his presence as a friend. So it’s fuck him too. And yes, this is a recent video! pic.twitter.com/AWg8Jxle36
Based on Usher’s latest post online, it appears atop his list was celebrating his nuptials with his longtime partner, Jennifer Goicoechea. During Super Bowl LVIII weekend, the pair snuck away to officially tie the knot. Shortly after, Usher began a hectic promotional run to discuss his latest studio album, Coming Home.
After wrapping up his press tour, it appears the Raymonds jet set off on their official honeymoon. However, fans aren’t happy about the destination the couple chose.
Did Usher Visit Russell Simmons In Bali?
On February 25, Usher shared a video and photo from a tropical location with his wife. Neither upload onto his official Instagram page revealed the exact country. However, according to Russell Simmon’s latest post, it might’ve been his new stomping grounds, Bali, Indonesia.
In a vlog shared on March 3, Simmons revealed that Usher visited him in his new residence. Simmons went on to pen a sentimental message about the encounter. “When I was at the lowest point in my life, I woke up, and this man was sitting by my bed,” he wrote. “I had known Usher since he was a kid, but we really bonded because of our mutual love for self-discovery and our belief in Yogic science as a direct route to realizing God’s consciousness in ourselves.”
He closed the post by thanking Usher for his ongoing support. “People remember to remember this: a friend walks in when others walk out,” he wrote. “I will never forget the generosity of spirit I witnessed in this man. God bless you, baby bro Usher. [I] love you!”
Fans of Usher slammed the recording artist for being spotted with Simmons, given the sexual assault allegation the former mogul is facing. View their remarks below.
Usher going to Bali to hangout with Russell Simmons during this time is a choice.
He’s complicit AF and his silence around Diddy is another indicator.
usher chose to get up, get on a plane, fly completely across the world to go hang out with a man who fled the country in the midst of sexual abuse allegations. that’s a very intentional choice.
— from now on we’re ignoring teej and blah (@pants_so_short) March 4, 2024
I tried to ignore it, but Usher is also buddy buddy with alleged serial rapist, LA Reid.
— Kimberly Nicole Foster (@KimberlyNFoster) March 5, 2024
Usher is constantly telling us who he is and we need to believe him. https://t.co/anekKXpWm2
After having one of the best years in his career, making history at the Super Bowl, and announcing a major career tour, Usher fucked it all up going to Bali and chilling with Russell Simmons
In a recent interview with the Art of Dialogue, Gene Deal, Diddy’s former bodyguard, made shocking claims regarding Usher’s relationship with the hip-hop mogul. According to Deal, Usher was allegedly a victim of grooming by Diddy, sparking controversy within the music industry. Deal expressed bewilderment over Usher’s apparent praise for Diddy during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, given their tumultuous history. “I know and people know that was around in that time that Puff [Daddy] and Usher did have a situation,” Deal stated. “And that situation led Usher to the hospital. Now, I’ll let Usher explain that to y’all. I’ll let Usher tell that story. But how dare you say a man that groomed you, you gonna give him a pass. Bruh, you know I know.”
Usher’s connection with Diddy dates back to his teenage years when he lived with the hip-hop mogul for a year. Deal believed that Usher should publicly address Diddy’s alleged misconduct. To illustrate his point, Deal recounted an uncomfortable incident he allegedly witnessed. “Remember Usher, we was at the Swissôtel,” Deal recalled. “Puff had Kim [Porter] in the room, had one of Keith Sweat’s baby mothers in the big room outside the master bedroom. He came outside in his robe. He came outside in his robe, she gave him f****** right there. His back was turned to me.”
He continued. “She gave him f******. You knocked on the door. I came and opened the door for you. Puff went in the room. You came in the room and kissed that girl dead in the mouth. Now, I’m telling that because you taking up for somebody that you know and a lot of more people know didn’t do you right when you was at Diddy’s camp.” Moreover, Deal’s revelations cast a shadow over Usher’s association with Diddy, raising questions about the dynamics of power and influence within the music industry. The allegations underscore the importance of holding influential figures accountable for their actions, regardless of their stature.
However, it’s essential to approach these claims with caution, as they remain allegations until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, they serve as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of the entertainment world. Furthermore, there are now several lawsuits and allegations against Diddy since Cassie filed a large lawsuit against him. Let us know your thoughts on HNHH!
Music has always been an ever-changing and evolving art form, with artists constantly pushing boundaries and redefining genres. R&B is a highly beloved genre, and many notable singers have found their voices within it. While it’s easy to stay in one’s comfort zone, acts are always willing to test the limits, and experiment extensively within a genre. However, some R&B icons go above and beyond, fearlessly crossing into other musical territories entirely. Beyoncé’s venture into country music is the latest example of such versatility.
From pop to rock, Hip Hop to reggae, many R&B idols have wholeheartedly embraced musical experimentation. In doing so, they have left an enduring imprint on the music industry by defying conventions. Here, we’ll shine a spotlight on some of these remarkable singers who have transcended the confines of R&B. With ambition and determination, they have made an impact far beyond the borders of their musical origins.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé, renowned for her powerful R&B vocals, is now widely regarded as a groundbreaking, visionary artist. Throughout her career, she has constantly experimented with genres, incorporating elements of pop, EDM, reggae, and even rock into her music. When it comes to versatility and range in regards to musical experimentation, not many R&B singers come close. Time after time, she has proven her ability to transcend genre limitations. The track “Hold Up,” from her Lemonade(2016) album, effortlessly combines reggae with elements of soul and rap. Likewise, her recent releases, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are full-on country songs. Beyonce has shown herself most capable of holding her own in different music genres. The Queen Bey’s ability to slay in all these different territories needs to be studied.
Rihanna
Known for her distinct and versatile vocals, Rihanna seamlessly infuses various genres into her music. While she has not released music in a while, her reputation stands firm. Although she is primarily regarded as an R&B vocalist, she is one of a handful of singers who can succeed in many other genres. Throughout her musical career, Rih has been known to incorporate her Caribbean roots into her works. When she released “Man Down” in 2011, with its reggae and soulful vibes, it ushered in a new era in the singer’s career. Equally notable are her electrohouse collaborations with Calvin Harris, “This is What You Came For” and “We Found Love.” With her chart-topping hit, “Work,” Rihanna also explored dancehall music.
With a classical training in piano, Alicia Keys has always been an interesting and notable artist. Using the instrument as an extension of herself, she’s always brought a peculiar touch of elegance to R&B. Additionally, the singer’s ability to infuse soulful vocals with intricate piano arrangements truly sets her apart. However, Keys has also explored the territories of pop in several of her albums. These include The Element of Freedom(2009), Here (2014), and Alicia (2020). On Alicia, she went even further, experimenting with orchestral pop and reggae on tracks like “Love Looks Better” and “Wasted Energy.”
When it comes to an alternative approach to R&B and genre-blurring, Frank Ocean is among a handful of essential singers. His distinctive style of music incorporates a myriad of influences, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself. Ocean’s sophomore album Blonde (2016) contains elements of psychedelic pop and ambient pop in the tracks. Blonde is a testament to the singer’s ability to create a dreamy, genre-defying soundscape that resonates with a broad audience.
Kelly Rowland has an impressive solo catalog. Without a doubt, she is among the best R&B singers of her generation. Despite her reputation as an R&B vocalist, however, she has released various hit songs in other genres. Rowland went full-on EDM onhits like “When Love Takes Over” and “Commander.” She also experimented with dance-pop on the track “Work,” cementing her status as a genre-bending icon.
A stalwart in the R&B scene, Usher has successfully switched between genres various times with his music. He has worked on pop, EDM, and Afrobeats, among others. Tracks like “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” and “OMG” demonstrate his ability to experiment with EDM elements. Looking 4 Myself (2012) remains his most experimental album with songs like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” and “Numb.” On his most recent album, he incorporated Afrobeats into the track “Ruin,” and showcased his capacity to push genre boundaries.
Janet Jackson
The R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson has effortlessly navigated between genres throughout her career. She is celebrated alongside many other iconic R&B singers, and rightly so. However, unlike some R&B vocalists, Jackson has successfully crossed genre lines many times in her career. For example, with her album Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), she played a crucial role in popularizing the New Jack Swing genre. She has also fearlessly experimented with funk, rock, and disco, among others. Some of her most experimental and celebrated tracks to date are “Black Cat,” “If,” and “Control.”
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of February below.
Paul McCartney & Wings — Band On The Run (50th Anniversary Edition)
UMe
The end of The Beatles was a sad moment for music, but the silver lining was that it led to Paul McCartney forming Wings, a band that enjoyed a beloved run of its own. The group’s defining third album, 1973’s Band On The Run, turned 50 recently, so now we have a new vinyl reissue of the album. The 2LP edition includes a treat for fans: an “Underdubbed” Mixes Edition of the album, of which McCartney himself explains, “This is Band On The Run in a way you’ve never heard before. When you are making a song and putting on additional parts, like an extra guitar, that’s an overdub. Well, this version of the album is the opposite, underdubbed.”
We lost Amy Winehouse far too soon, but the pair of albums she left behind is special. It all started with Frank in 2003 and the album turned 20 years old recently. To celebrate, we now have the coolest-looking version of the album, a lovely new picture disc vinyl pressing.
The Who — Quadrophenia (Reissue) and The Who By Numbers (Reissue)
UMe
The Who were masters when it came to making music that rewards close listening. Now, the sonic details of two of the group’s finest albums, Quadrophenia and The Who By Numbers, can be enjoyed better than ever with these new vinyl reissues, which got a half-speed mastering for the occasion.
As part of their Small Batch vinyl series, Craft Recordings has come through with an audiophile-friendly version of an Isaac Hayes classic, which features lacquers cut from the original tapes. Ultimately, Craft proclaims this release to be “as close as the listener can get to the original recording.” As the name of the reissue series suggests, this isn’t one to take your time with, as it’s limited to only 3,000 copies. The overall packaging of the reissue is also stunning.
Uproxx’s Grant Sharples wrote of the latest album from UK rockers Idles, “The Bristol post-punk band Idles used to operate in one mode: loud, abrasive, and often furious. Their sheer volume was their main signifier, but now they’ve partially softened up, adding more subtlety to their anthemic tunes. On Tangk, their fifth record, the intensity remains, but rather than going in a purely punk direction, they make their noisy guitars and unrelenting drums a bit more rhythmic.”
If that sounds good to you, the band is selling the LP in a number of neat-colored vinyl editions.
Reissue kings Vinyl Me, Please have an impressive new edition of the John Coltrane classic A Love Supreme. It’s one for completionists: The 8LP box set features the album itself, as well as “every live and alternate take.” If you wanted the ultimate experience of one of jazz’s most iconic recordings, this is it.
After some time away, Grandaddy has been back at it over the past few years. February yielded the indie favorites’ sixth album, Blu Wav, and the blue marble vinyl pressing is a gorgeous way to enjoy it.
Similarly, MGMT also pressed their latest LP on some vibrant vinyl colors, like the tangerine version seen above. In her review of the project, Uproxx’s Carolyn Droke wrote, “As a whole, Loss Of Life shows MGMT have gone full circle and come back to their foundations as an indie band, both sonically by shedding the dark melodies of 2018’s Little Dark Age in favor of a more buoyant sound, and literally by signing to an independent record label.”
Usher had a bigger February than anybody with his Super Bowl Halftime Show and his new album, Coming Home. The performance was the headline news, but if you’re not sleeping on the new LP, Usher has it available on slick clear vinyl.
Helado Negro has been consistently rock-solid for over a decade now, busting out a new album usually at least every couple years since 2009. His eighth LP, Phasor, arrived earlier this month, and you have options in terms of vinyl aesthetics. There’s the “coke bottle translucent green” pressing pictured above, or a standard black if you’re more of a tried-and-true traditionalist.
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Thank U to everyone who ever pressed play!! 
love you !!!!
