TLC - USHER GETS CLOSE TO KELLY

Following his split from TLC beauty ROZONDA 'CHILLI' THOMAS, R+B hunk USHER has reportedly embarked on a fresh romance - with DESTINY'S CHILD singer KELLY ROWLAND.

U MAKE ME WANNA singer Usher, 24, and 32-year-old Thomas went their separate ways in the summer (03) and have remained friends.

But, according to pals, Usher has already found romantic bliss with DILEMMA singer Rowland, 22.

A source says, "They've been talking on the phone regularly into all hours of the night."

Sources tell American tabloid the STAR that Rowland visited Usher several times at the BRANDON'S WAY STUDIO in Los Angeles, where he's been recording his upcoming album CONFESSIONS.

The friend adds, "Usher wants to keep this relationship as low key as possible."