Usher - Usher In Record Row

Usher's new girlfriend is upsetting his record label, it has been claimed.

The 'Yeah!' singer is reportedly involved in a relationship with Grace Miguel - who until recently worked for Def Jam Records, a rival to Usher's Jive label - and she has taken over much of the decision making on his latest record 'Raymond v. Raymond'.

An insider told the New York Daily News newspaper: "Some people see it as a conflict of interest. She's still under contract with Def Jam, but Grace seems to be calling the shots behind the scenes on Usher's album."

It has been claimed the situation has "complicated" the making of the LP and is upsetting record company executives - who recently put the album back from its original December 21 release date.

The source said: "It has complicated things tremendously. Usher has her calling the shots now. Grace has been taking calls with the big bosses at Jive regarding Usher's CD, and the label doesn't like it."

Grace's alleged relationship with Usher - full name Usher Raymond IV - has also caused family friction, upsetting his mother, Jonetta Patton, who is said to be "mad that Grace is stepping on her toes and meddling in her management affairs".

Usher's current predicament mirrors one with his former wife.

Tameka Foster - who he divorced this year - was said to be behind the firing of his mother as his manager, in favour of another agent, Benny Medina, in May 2007. Jonetta was later re-instated as Usher's manager in June last year.