Usher Page 3

Despite his grave assurances that he would NOT be singing at the start of the evening, President Obama couldn’t help but be swept along at a star-studded tribute event for the music of Ray Charles at the White House.

Paying tribute to the late singer, who died in 2004, the President led the crowd in a sing-a-long during filming the final episode of the current series of ‘In Performance at The White House’ on Wednesday (February 25th), and the last such event of his presidency.

The Ray Charles tribute evening was the last of Obama's 'In Performance at The White House' series

Continue reading: President Obama Pays Tribute To Ray Charles In Last 'In Performance' Of His Presidency

Usher, No Doubt and Fall Out Boy are among the star names announced to perform at the annual Earth Day Rally in Washington D.C. later this month.

The free concert is held this coming Saturday (April 18th) in the American capital on the National Mall. Hosted by Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am and Soledad O’Brien, it is also due to feature speeches from the United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.

Usher is one of the star names who will be performing at the Earth Day Rally in Washington this weekend

Continue reading: Performers Unveiled For 2015 Earth Day Rally In Washington D.C.

Usher may have been involved in a fight whilst attending a party on New Year's Eve. Reports suggest Usher may have been defending his girlfriend and he sustained an injury to his eye in doing so.

A source claimed Usher was involved in fight on New Year's Eve.

Read More: Usher Reveals Strategy To Deal With Justin Bieber: "I'll Punch Him In The Chest When I Need To".

Continue reading: Usher Posts Instagram Pic Of Red Eye, Jokes About Fighting Amidst Rumours Of NYE Fight To Defend Girlfriend

Over the past week, Justin Bieber has quickly turned into the most hated teenager in America – at least that’s the impression one could get from a simple Twitter search. So naturally, during the PR crisis following his arrest, Justin did what most rich, famous celebrities in his situation would do – he went on holiday. After being released on a bail of $2,500: $1,000 for DUI, $1,000 for resisting arrest and $500 for an expired license, following his Thursday arrest, the Boyfriend singer quickly jetted off to Panama to drown his sorrows in some beach time.

Apparently, Bieber needed a break from the busy LA life.

Bieber’s ever supportive mentor, Usher, was photographed beside the teenage singer, as was Justin’s maybe-girlfriend, Chantel Jeffries, Us Weekly reports. Jeffries was also with Justin in the car at the time of his arrest.

Continue reading: Justin Bieber Jets Off To Panama For Some Post-Arrest R&R

Justin Bieber has appeared to be on somewhat of a downward spiral in the last few years, but maybe it's just his way of growing up? Bieber's friend Usher told MTV he beliebs…rather, he believes… that people will finally understand the Canadian singer when they see his new film Believe.

Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber and Usher at the premiere of Believe

 Bieber went through a very public breakup from girlfriend Selena Gomez, has had fights with his neighbor and paparazzi, and lost his monkey to Germany. But the singer continues to be successful no matter what, and Usher explains Bieber is not much different than other teens — he is just in the spotlight while he is doing it.

Continue reading: Usher Promises 'Believe' Will Show You The Truth About Justin Bieber

While Michael Jordan’s sports career is behind him, he is entering a whole new stage of life, as the baller and his wife Yvette Prieto have announced that they are expecting their first child. This is according to People, which got the low down straight from Jordan’s reps. 50-year-old Jordan and Prieto, a Cuban American model met in 2008 in Miami, but only tied the knot this year at a Palm Beach ceremony, attended by 500 of Jordan and Prieto’s closest friends and relatives – you know, an intimate affair.

Hundreds attended Jordan and Prieto's wedding ceremony.

But the reception was even more impressive, with 1,500 guests pouring into a nearby golf couse community in Jupiter, where Jordan owns a 38,000-square-foot home. Among the attendees were celebrities like Usher and the now infamous Robin Thicke. They’ve been planning for months and months,” a source told PEOPLE of the couple’s all-out wedding. “He wanted to give Yvette everything she’s ever wanted.”

Continue reading: Michael Jordan And Yvette Prieto's Baby Announcement Caught Everyone Off Guard

The custody battle between Usher and ex-wife Tameka Foster had a lengthy and intense court encounter this Friday, centered around the issue of custody rights over the former couple’s two sons, Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond. The emergency hearing was called after a recent pool incident, during which Usher Raymond (5) reportedly almost drowned, while in his father’s care.

Usher has primary custody over his two sons.

According to TMZ, Usher has primary custody rights over the children. However, during the hearing, Tameka used the pool accident as an example of Usher being an inattentive father and leaving the children in the hands of unreliable caretakers (during the incident, the children were left in the care of the singer’s aunt Rena.)

Continue reading: Custody Battle Between Tameka Raymond And Usher Resolved In Singer's Favor

The list of artists supposedly boycotting Florida because of the controversial Stand Your Ground law reads like a who’s who of modern music. Usher, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Kanye West, Rihanna, R. Kelly, Wale, Jay Z, and the Rolling Stones are all on it, but are the latter really in the boycott club?

The Stones performing in Hyde Park

A spokeswoman for the Rolling Stones, she said she was "not aware of this," according to Mother Jones, who contacted her, and actually broke the news to her. Representatives for the band in the UK added: "nobody's heard anything about this,” which suggests the band really aren’t involved in Stevie Wonder’s campaign against the Stand Your Ground Law, which is thought to have been a key factor in George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the Trayvon Martin case.

Continue reading: Are The Rolling Stones Boycotting Florida And Its 'Stand Your Ground' Law?

Jennifer Lopez appeared on Saturday (29th June 2013) at the birthday celebrations of Turkmenistan's president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. The nation has a history of abysmal Human Rights, according to Human Rights Watch. Lopez has been criticised for performing, however the situation has drawn attention to the country and its leaders. 

Jennifer Lopez at 4th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala, The Plaza Hotel, New York

Lopez is not the only celebrity to entertain unsavoury characters. Oliver Stone worked with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez; Naomi Campbell accepted a diamond from Liberian dictator Charles Taylor; Michael Jackson was harboured by Prince Abdullah al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Beyonce and Usher performed for Hannibal Gadhafi. 

Continue reading: Jennifer Lopez Apologises For Turkmenistan Performance

Blake Shelton was quick to organise a benefit concert after the Oklahoma hurricane left many homeless and missing loved ones. And people were quick to buy tickets; the concert sold out in 5 minutes, but is the money going to the right place?

No one’s suggesting for a minute that there’s any untoward activity going on, but it has been suggested that kneejerk donations can often be channelled in the wrong direction “There’s an awful lot of emotional giving that happens after a disaster. Sometimes that can be a recipe for wasteful spending,” explained Heather Joslyn, an editor at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. “There is a multiplier effect,” she adds. “A celebrity can write a check for $1 million, but if they give a televised concert, it will definitely bring in more money.” Blake’s, Reba McEntire, Usher and Vince Gill all stepped in to help out, as well as his wife, Miranda Lambert.

Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton all helped raised $50 million for Hurricane Sandy victims last year, and David Saltzman, the executive director of the Robin Hood Foundation, says he still finds it heart-warming when a celeb announces a benefit like this. “In my mind, it’s a way of building a sense of community,” he said. “Think of these as incredibly big, incredibly effective bake sales for a neighbor in need."

Continue reading: Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma Benefit – Will The Money Go To The Right Place?

Adam Levine's "I hate this country" remark on The Voice last night has elicited a whole wave of responses on Twitter. The Maroon 5 man was stunned that two of his three remaining singers - Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons - were voted off the show despite being considered frontrunners. This was a terrible decision, and Levine knew it.

A close-by microphone caught Levine muttering his hatred for the American public, which some fans of the show claim will decrease his chances of winning with his one remaining act. Ryan Cooney wrote on Twitter, "Adam Levine just said "I hate this country" on TV... Not a smart move dude, not smart at all. #america." 

It's hardly surprising that Levine had a dig at the American public - Judith Hill was easily the most talented singer in the final 8 - though the singer will struggle to salvage his reputation on the show with touchy television viewers. Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Amy Reiter offered a potential explanation for Judith's elimination, "...it could also have been that Hill was almost too polished, too much of a pro. She'd sung a duet with Michael Jackson. Her parents were well-connected musicians. She already had the bearing of a superstar - seemed already to have arrived.  What did she need us for?"

Watch Adam Levine's "I Hate This Country" remark:

Continue reading: The Voice's Adam Levine: "I Hate This Country" [Video]

The top eight singers on The Voice took their performances to another level on Monday evening (May 27, 2013), with fire, feather and cowboy boots playing prominent roles in a number of blinged up turns. Blake Shelton had kicked off the show with a rendition of his latest hit 'Round Here,' though things soon got serious, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

On Team Adam Levine, it was Judith Hill who seriously impressed with a reinterpreated rendition of Will.i.am and Justin Bieber's #ThatPower. "That hair is badass - I guarantee you, Adam has been on the phone with Cee Lo [Green] this week!" said Shelton of Judith's huge mohawk. Sarah Simmons struggled a little with Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' while Amber Carrington didn't quite manage to convey the majesty of Adele's Oscar winning track 'Skyfall.'

On Team Blake, Holly Tucker chose to perform 'Done' by the Band Perry and ultimately succeeded. "There were big notes in this song, and you hit them and took them up to another level," said Usher. Over on Team Shakira, Sasha Allen was assigned 'Without You' by David Guetta and Usher, "I started comparing myself to Sasha as a singer, and that's not good [for me]," said Shelton. "I think you bought Shakira another week, for sure."

Continue reading: Warfare On 'The Voice' At Top 8 Pull Out All The Stops

Blake Shelton is taking the well-wishing one step further - by raising hard cash. He’s teaming up with NBC to put on a benefit concert to raise money for those affected by the tragic Oklahoma tornado.

Adam Levine, Shakira, Usher and Blake Shelton discuss all things 'The Voice'

As a judge on The Voice, Shelton used his position to raise awareness, opening Tuesday night's show by performing an acoustic version of "Over You" alongside wife Miranda Lambert. Meanwhile, the donation information for The Red Cross was behind them on-screen. "I think 'Over You' was the perfect song for this situation," Shelton said later on. "The moment was right. I wish things could have been different. I wouldn't have thought about performing a song like that, but it seemed like the right thing to do." And it was later revealed that he and NBC were amidst the planning stages of a benefit concert to raise money. "We'll know more about it in the next 24 hours," Shelton told Billboard. "I'm hoping it will raise a lot of money. Obviously, it will be televised and will happen really quickly."

Continue reading: Blake Shelton Raising Hard Cash For Victims Of Oklahoma Tornado

Take note ladies, all it takes to get Usher to start stripping down is a cover of the Backstreet Boys and a broken air conditioning unit. At least that how it looks as the singer was forced to strip down during last nights (May 13) edition of The Voice, in what was probably the highlight of a still impressive show.

The singer was so taken by Garrett Gardner's rendition of 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys that he had to take off a few layers until he was just in a vest and his trousers. Well, that and because the A/C unit was broken in the studio, but the acts on last night's show were hot that we wouldn't be surprised if it was a joint effort between the remaining acts and the A/C.

Although it was Shakira's Gardner that had Usher taking his top off, it was actually the 'Climax' singer's team that looked to have finished the night more impressively. Whilst Josiah Hawley crooned a Script cover and Michelle Chamuel won praise for her rendition of 'Call Your Girlfriend,' it was Vedo's song and dance routine to  Michael Jackson‘s 'Rock With You' that really impressed.

Usher was blown away by last nights performances

Continue reading: Usher Brings 'The Voice' Audience To Climax After Stripping Down!

Tonight (March 25) marks the first instalment of the brand new series of The Voice USA - and what's more, it brings two completely new faces to the judges' seats (as any new talent show series tends to do now-a-days) with Usher and Shakira taking up the spots made vacants by Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green.   

We all know that new a series means new faces, but what it also means is new auditions - and does anyone really watch these shows for anything other than the often torturous lengths some people go to in order to have their voices heard? Well maybe, but the majority of us only watch it for these first few weeks anyway and on a show where the contestant is regularly out-witted and upstaged by a piece of furniture then we've got a good chance that this years auditions are going to be some memorable ones.

As well as the usual tomfoolery from the hopeful contestants, the fourth series of The Voice USA should be an interesting one anyway just to see how the new judges gel. Cee Lo and Christina have already mentioned that they are only taking breaks and will be returning to the show and it was the chemistry shared by the four that really drove the show forward. With two new, although admittedly popular replacements, there is a chance that the show might not work the same way it did before and the show may end up being a disaster. However - and this is probably a more likely outcome - what if Shakira and Usher are too good and Cee Lo and Christina never get invited back, creating an all out war that may spill into a spin-off series! Maybe that won't happen, but hey, it's TV and weirder things have. The Voice airs on NBC tonight (March 25) 8 ET/PT.

Continue reading: Are New Judges Usher And Shakira Ready For The Voice USA Challenge?

Of the many trademark dance moves that the late megastar Michael Jackson showcased to the world - the Moonwalk, the Toe Stand, the Anti-Gravity Lean - the Crotch Grab has got to be the most frequently copied by popstars everywhere. The reason? It could be that M.J. was (and still is) the biggest music icon in the world and stars will always be trying to achieve status of his calibre, it could be that it is one of the easiest of his seminal moves to learn, or it could be that it has always been controversial, critically regarded as infamous and overtly sexual, and notoriety, as celebrities know, is a sure fire way to hit headlines.

Society has reached a stage where such trifles are rarely considered shocking anymore, so why do we still find ourselves recoiling at the sight of another star copying the famous move?

 Too Old?

Continue reading: The Crotch Grab: Too Old, Too Young, Too Female?

Aware that children are, indeed, the future, the Kids of America got the best of the entertainment this weekend, at the Kids’ Inaugural – a repeat of the 2009 concert, but this time, with bigger names, playing to a smaller audience. Sasha and Malia Obama were of course, the guests of honour on this special weekend for their father, President Barack Obama, but 5,000 others were present at the exciting pop concert held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, where Katy Perry and Usher took the headline slots, to entertain the gathered youth.

During his set, Usher reinforced the notion that the kids were worth keeping sweet, for the next presidential term, and told them “the youth matters,” during a set described by the Washington Post as “aerobic,” with “twisted limbs clad in black leather, kicking high tops the maraschino cherries.” When he told them to make some noise, they responded with a roar. Katy Perry – an avid supporter of Barack Obama (remember the Katy Perry election dress?) also performed on Saturday night (January 19, 2013). This time, she’d switch up the ballot dress for a “star-spangled onesie” and she treated the kids to some of her biggest hits, including ‘Teenage Dream’ and ‘Firework.’

Also performing for the Kids’ Inaugural were the Far East Movement and Glee’s Darren Criss and Naya Rivera, who covered ‘Valerie,’ the song made famous by Amy Winehouse. If you’re wondering why the kids are getting to have all the fun, don’t worry: Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor are all warming up their vocal cords, to sing for the grown-ups at the official inauguration ceremony today (January 21, 2013). 

Continue reading: Kids' Inaugural 2013: Katy Perry And Usher Provide Highlights With Aerobic Acts And A Star-Spangled Onesie

Katy Perry performed at the Kids Inaugural Concert, hosted by Michelle Obama in Washington D.C. this week, MTV News reports.

During the performance, the singer showed off her patriotism (and her figure) in a tight fitting, red, white and blue bodice and shorts – of course, what else would Katy Perry be dressed in. The outfit had very obvious pin up girl influences, but for once, her wardrobe didn’t get the singer in trouble with concerned parents – unlike her appearance on Sesame Street, when her cleavage earned Perry a slap on the wrist from the groups of parents.

Whether or not Katy did a good job with the songs, which is arguable at best, the show was worth a watch for the performance at least. The set, albeit not too thematic, featured some of the pop star’s biggest hits, including Teenage Dream, Part of Me, Wide Awake and Firework, which she dedicated to children with parents in the military – always a sure way to get an ovation at the end. In fact, the entire concert had military families and mind and each act took time out of their set to express their support and admiration for the troops and their loved ones. The concert celebrated Barack Obama’s second term in office and it also featured stars like Usher and the Glee cast – a complete teenage dream, one might say. Watch Katy Perry's Performance of Teenage Dream below.

Continue reading: Kids Inaugural Concert Sees Katy Perry, Usher And Glee Saluting The Troops

For some years, there, we had high hopes for Justin Bieber. It really looked as though the squeaky clean pop star was just that: squeaky clean. A chance online encounter propelled the young bedroom singer to stardom, with a little help from his new pal Usher and by all accounts, he seemed to be the kinda lad that his fans wouldn’t mind taking home to meet mom and dad (they wish!). He was polite, if occasionally a little dim, he came from a seemingly pleasant church-going family and would speak regularly about his faith as though he were just another pleasant, well-behaved young boy next door who happened to be allowed outside the realms of the white picket fence just a few years earlier than most.

A montage of a young Justin Bieber talking about his faith

Continue reading: Timber! Is Justin Bieber Teetering On The Brink Of A Fall From Grace?

Rihanna was forced to call the cops at her home in Barbados on Sunday (December 23, 2012) after a man trespassed onto the property. Barbados Police confirm that they received a call after a man believed to be a German national wandered onto the private beachfront estate.

Though it is assumed the man intended no harm to the superstar singer, the incident clearly unnerved Rihanna and she waited anxiously while police arrived. By the time authorities conducted a sweep of the property, the man had made a hasty retreat though was later snapped on the beach by TMZ.com. Police say they do not believe the man is a stalker, though they want to have a chat with him to determine his reasoning for trespassing on the lavish estate. 

The Sun newspaper presented a very different version of events, claiming the man got within 10ft of Rihanna before she spotted him. A witness said, "The guy got to within about 10 to 12ft of where Rihanna was sitting before he was apprehended by security.He looked fairly harmless but it was a little too close for comfort." 

Continue reading: Rihanna's Barbados Trespasser Triggers Alarm: Who Was He?

Justin Bieber arrives for the AMA Awards in Los Angeles

THe 40th anniversary of the American Music Awards brought out all the big names that you'd expect from the US music industry and more, with stars past and present rubbing shoulders at a truly star-spangled gathering at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles yesterday (November 18, 2012). However, despite the presence of Youtube sensation Psy - who closed the evening by being joined by MC Hammer for his huge hit 'Gangnam Style' - the US biggest selling artist of the year Taylor Swift, and pop royalty Usher and Christina Aguilera, there was only name on everybody's lips. Justin Bieber took home the top award of the evening, Artist Of The Year, and his mom Pattie Mallette was there to celebrate it with him. 

Continue reading: PICTURES: Justin Bieber Wins Big At The American Music Awards 40th Anniversary

The brand new X-Factor judge, Britney Spears, attended a 'solemn' emotional tribute to Whitney Houston entirely organised and funded by the Grammys entitled “We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston” held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles this week. The esteemed guests all chose to not broach the darker sides of Houston's later life, instead opting for a celebratory slant, praising her career and achievements.

There were numerous musical tributes in the show. Usher sang 'I Believe In You and Me' and Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams gave a duet of 'Count on me'. According to NY Daily News, Houston's family broke down in tears at the gospel singers' rendition of the song. Jennifer Hudson opted for more up-beat song choices and went for a medly of How Will I Know, I'm Every Woman and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Celine Dion was also meant to be performing but unfortunately couldn't make it. She has, however, recorded her own version of 'Greatest Love of All' but it will be included on the hour long show which will be aired on CBS in November.

Spears said that she “admired Whitney” and that it was a cover of Houston's 'I Have Nothing' that ended up winning her a record deal. Halle Berry was another guest at the event whose speech was particularly moving. She spoke of Houston's impact upon women: “She inspired a generation of little girls and women to believe in their own dream and to know that they had within themselves the greatest gift of all... I was one of those little girls who then became a woman who never ever, ever, stopped loving Whitney Houston."

Performing alongside the larger than life, beard-faced, tattoo-drenched Rick Ross, Omarion made waves with his performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Male R&B is enjoying a renaissance, with the mercurial talents of Frank Ocean and the re-emergence of Usher of late, and Omarion’s performance has well and truly proved that he’s another one to be taken seriously. Bounding on stage, dressed solely in white, he accompanied Maybach Music boss, Rick Ross, who had just spat out a topless rendition of Hold Me Back. The pair sang Ice Cold together to a rapturous response from the audience, who were all mouthing proudly along to the frenetic show. Omarion, aka Maybach O, is working on his MMG debut. It has been a busy 24 hours for Ross as last night (October, 9) he dropped his most recent mixtape The Black Bar Mitzvah, followed by the official video for Diced Pineapples.

All this talk of performances, brawls and trouble backstage, and one might be forgiven for forgetting that the BET Hip Hop Awards are exactly that: an awards show. And in that vein, it’s pertinent to mention Kanye West, who cleaned up. He grabbed Producer of the Year, the Made You Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style) and the Perfect Combo Award for "Mercy," along with his G.O.O.D. Music crew. The multiplatinum hit maker took home another three awards for his work with Jay Z as part of the Throne, bringing his total to six.

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna are expected to clean up at the 2012 American Music Awards, with four nominations apiece, reports Reuters.

Rihanna is top of the table for the main category, as she wards off competition from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Canadian rapper Drake for artist of the year. She’s also in line for female soul/R&B artist and best album, and will lock horns with Minaj for the female pop/rock artist category. Minaj could be recognized for her album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, in both the pop/rock and rap/hip hop categories this year, and she’s nominated for favorite rap artist, too. Minaj has been attracting extra attention recently; her very public feud with Mariah Carey on American Idol culminated in a strange gun threat, but most seem sure the ‘diva-off’ is being played up by Fox to boost the talent show’s viewership.

Elsewhere in the awards, teenage singer Bieber landed three nominations this year, tying with British boy band One Direction, Maroon 5, Drake and R&B star Usher. Adele and Taylor Swift – who dominated the awards last year - received one nomination apiece. Swift will fight for female country artist against Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, while Adele was nominated in the favorite adult contemporary artist category alongside Kelly Clarkson and Train. The AMA’s - which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year - are determined by fans through online voting, which starts on Tuesday. The ceremony and performance show will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on November 18.

We're only one week into the third season NBC's The Voice, but the network is already announcing changes and they involve the departure of Christina Aguilera, as well as fellow original judge Cee-Lo Green. This season will be the last that's seen of the pair, as there is a new Aguilera album, Lotus to promote and tour, whilst Green is taking time off to work on new music and a scripted comedy about his life.

In their place? None other than Colombian singing sensation Shakira and general R'n'B superstar Usher. Not bad, as replacements go. "We are thrilled to welcome Usher and Shakira to The Voice, " Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment, said in a statement reported by The Clicker. "The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, Cee Lo, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo."

Those disappointed at the news need not fear, though. Both have indicated that they will be returning to the show once they've finished with their other projects. "By pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on 'The Voice' in the future," Aguilera said in a statement, whilst Green commented "Thank you, NBC, for supporting my decision to take this season four hiatus! I will return for season five and will be watching season four."