Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, is one of the most successful and influential R&B artists of all time. He has sold over 80 million records worldwide, won eight Grammy Awards, and starred in several films and TV shows.
However, in recent years, Usher has faced some challenges and controversies in his personal and professional life. So, what happened to Usher and where is he now?
Usher’s Recent Career Updates
Despite the pandemic and the lockdowns, Usher has been busy working on new music and preparing for his comeback. In 2021, he released his ninth studio album, Confessions Part III, which is a sequel to his best-selling album Confessions from 2004. The album features collaborations with artists such as Ella Mai, Ty Dolla $ign, Ludacris, and Lil Jon. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised Usher’s vocals, production, and maturity.
Usher also announced his Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which began in July 2021 and will run until April 2022. The residency showcases Usher’s hits from his three-decade career and some new songs from his latest album. Usher said that he wanted to create an immersive and interactive experience for his fans in Vegas.
Another highlight of Usher’s recent career was his viral Tiny Desk concert for NPR, which he performed from his home studio in Los Angeles in October 2020. The concert featured acoustic versions of some of his classics, such as “U Remind Me”, “Burn”, and “Climax”, as well as a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”. The concert was praised for its intimacy, soulfulness, and relevance.
Legal Troubles and Personal Life
Usher has not been immune to legal troubles and personal drama in his life. In 2017, he was sued by several people who accused him of exposing them to herpes without disclosing his status. One of the accusers demanded $20 million in damages from Usher. However, Usher settled the lawsuits out of court in 2019 and 2020, without admitting any wrongdoing or liability.
Usher has also gone through two divorces in his life. He married his first wife, Tameka Foster, in 2007, after dating for two years. They had two sons together, Usher V and Naviyd. However, their marriage was rocky and ended in 2009. Usher then married his second wife, Grace Miguel, in 2015, after dating for six years. They separated in 2018 and divorced in 2019.
Usher has since found love again with Jenn Goicoechea, a record executive at Epic Records. They welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Sovereign Bo, in September 2020. They had their second child together, a son named Sire Castrello Raymond, in September 2021. Usher seems to be happy and content with his growing family.
Usher has also been involved in some philanthropic endeavors in his life. He founded the Usher’s New Look Foundation in 1999, which aims to empower young people from underserved communities through education, leadership development, and career opportunities. He also supports various causes such as racial justice, environmental protection, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disaster relief.
Collaborations and Public Appearances
Usher has not only been working on his own music but also collaborating with other artists and brands. In 2021, he partnered with Remy Martin to launch a global campaign called Team Up For Excellence, which celebrates the cultural connection between cognac and American music. Usher narrated a short film that showcases the history and harmony of these two entities.
Usher also teamed up with Peloton to create a featured artist series that offers fitness classes inspired by his music. He joined forces with Peloton instructor Ally Love to host a special homecoming event for Peloton members in April 2021. He also plans to launch a dance cardio class with Peloton later this year.
Usher also had important 2021 public appearances. He hosted and performed at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in May 2021, performing a medley and “Yeah!” with Lil Jon. In June 2021, he contributed to Justin Bieber’s “Peaches” remix alongside Ludacris and Snoop Dogg.
Conclusion
Usher is a legend in the music industry, who has overcome many obstacles and challenges in his life. He has proven that he can reinvent himself and adapt to the changing times. He has also shown that he can balance his personal and professional life while giving back to society. Usher still needs to be finished, and he has more surprises and projects in store for his fans. Usher is here to stay, and he is still making history.
