Usher
Past, Present, and Future Tour
Houston, Texas
November 27, 2024
I remember being 17 years old when the album My Way by Usher was released in 1997. Those first few drum beats and the sultry acoustic guitar from the intro of lead single “You Make Me Wanna” are iconic, especially combined with the whispers of “this is what you do, this is what you do” from a young Usher Raymond IV singing out of Atlanta, Georgia. This guy was and continues to be the whole package: awesome voice, supreme dance moves, and the charisma that could charm then steal your girl, and somehow you would be okay with that!
Very rarely are we presented with the caliber of star power that Usher holds. Not only is he a generational talent who has lived, survived, and thrived through a lifetime of extreme changes in the music industry, but now he is also considered one of the most exceptional performers in the history of the contemporary R&B/Pop genre.
This current tour comes off the heels of his two residencies in Las Vegas, the first beginning in 2021 at Caesar’s Palace, and the second from 2022-2023 at the Park MGM. In total Usher performed 100 critically acclaimed and consistently sold-out shows, making him one of the best performers in the history of Las Vegas.
As the lights dimmed around the arena, Usher took to the stage wearing a bright red suit accented with a black fedora and dark sunglasses. The cheers and cell phone flashes from the packed Toyota Center were loud and blinding, shining upon the superstar as he shuffled, hopped, and twirled around the stage flanked by his back-up dancers.
The first songs of the night were “Coming Home” and “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home)”. A large video wall towered behind Usher and his crew on stage, which enhanced Usher’s every gesture and smile. The stage also wrapped around the VIPS near the front of the stage, ending on a large, circular B-stage closer to the center of the arena.
“Let me take y’all back to the ninties!” proclaimed Usher as he performed “My Way,” “You Make Me Wanna” and “U Remind Me.” At this point I took a break from taking photos and notes on my cell phone and held my girlfriend’s hand just a little bit tighter. We sang and rocked along to these classics as if we were teenagers again, thankful for the gift of music, love, and friendship.
‘Houston… I have a real appreciation for you!” proclaimed Usher during a break in the action. “There have been so many artists come out of Houston that have made great music and changed the world! I love you, Houston… you have greatly contributed to my legacy.”
It was an unexpected yet heartfelt sentiment expressed by Usher, and it was met by a roaring applause. Usher returned to the stage wearing a black fringe suit that sparkled in the spotlights, all while wearing shiny silver glitter roller-skates. “Love In This Club,” “New Flame,” and “Lovers and Friends” were some of the highlights from this section of the show, which felt like a peaceful rest before the craziness truly begun.
I really appreciated that the show was supported by a live band, with drummers, horns, guitars, and keyboards playing along to the litany of hits. It made the show sound and feel special. DJ Mars was also on hand to assist Usher along the way, warming up the crowd with a Beyonce mix, a Southern Rap mix, and an Atlanta Crunk mix before assisting Usher throughout the extensive set list.
“Y’all are one of the coolest crowds I’ve ever performed in front of!” declared Usher as he returned to the stage in a full length fur coat. As the late great American poet Pimp C once said “TV ain’t got no temperature!”
And yes… Usher really does venture into the crowd with a bowl of cherries, feeding both single and booed up ladies fruit in a sensual and seductive way. It was perhaps the funniest and most exciting part of the show.
The lone guest star to hit the stage with Usher on night 1 of 3 was none other than the Trill OG Bun B of UGK. He performed “Get Throwed” and “International Player’s Anthem” all while Usher danced around him in the fur coat. This was definitely one of the highlights of the show, solidifying the Houston to Atlanta connection.
The show closed with “Yeah!” and “Without You”. Usher thanked his fans and blew a few kisses into the crowd, holding his chest and bowing his head in appreciation for this night, round 1 of 3.
Long live Usher baby!
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
