Usher (born Usher Raymond IV, October 14, 1978, Dallas, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, often referred to as the "King of R&B." He began his career as a teenager and rose to prominence with the album My Way (1997), which featured the hit singles "You Make Me Wanna..." and "Nice & Slow." His next album, 8701 (2001), solidified his status with hits like "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad."
In 2004, he released Confessions, which became his biggest commercial success. The album sold over 14 million copies in the United States and featured four consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Yeah!", "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and "My Boo." "Yeah!" remained at the top of the chart for twelve weeks and was the most played song in the U.S. in 2004.
Usher has won eight Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary R&B Album for Confessions and Raymond v. Raymond (2010). In 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards, confirming his impact on music and culture.
His ninth studio album, Coming Home, released in February 2024, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and received a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. The album features collaborations with artists such as Summer Walker, 21 Savage, and H.E.R.
Usher was also the headliner of the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in 2024, where he performed alongside guest artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Lil Jon. His charisma and on-stage energy captivated audiences around the world.
