![]() ![]() But never let it be forgotten that he possesses one of the most vibrant and malleable voices in music.Įven with a healthy assist from backing tracks during the show (his three band members were perched on platforms flanking the stage, but did not add vocals), Usher’s leads were impeccable. No doubt that Usher’s showmanship is supreme and his leonine athleticism a hallmark of his performances. His workouts with a personal trainer are specified to “core strengthening, like an athlete,” Usher says. The multi-pack he bares during “Nice & Slow” would make any gym rat envious – and pouring a bottle of water over his already sweat-slicked body is the kind of “Magic Mike” eye-roll-with-a-smile move so fitting for Vegas. "This is the planned destination for anyone who considers themselves an artist who has made a contribution.” At 42, Usher is still a specimen of physical dedication "It’s all just an honor,” Usher told USA TODAY of his Las Vegas residency. The segment ended with his headline-making “Ushbucks” floating from the rafters to “make it rain” in the venue. Red- and pink-lit platforms, poles and ladders provided the backdrop as Usher frolicked among a sea of gyrating derrieres. The latter two were showcased during “Bad Girl.” “Hey, Vegas, I brought you Atlanta!” Usher yelled gleefully during a segment influenced by the city’s famed strip club, Magic City. ![]() “I feel like that culture is exciting, from the idea of skating culture to adult entertainment to music.” “All of the things in the show are inspirations from things I’ve done on video, and also the culture of Atlanta,” he says, adding that fellow Atlantan (and “Yeah!” buddy) Lil Jon helped him curate the production. It was both a nod to his youth spent at Atlanta’s Cascade Skating Rink (the backdrop of the 2006 movie “ATL”) and to one of his dancing heroes, Gene Kelly. During “U Remind Me,” he sported a baseball cap, jauntily tipped on his head, with a signature “A” emblazoned on the front.Ī fleeting bit of a song from fellow Atlanta luminaries OutKast was tucked into the segue to “Don’t Waste My Time,” which found Usher and two dancers roller-skating across the massive stage in a choreographed routine worthy of Broadway. Though he spent his early years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Usher is definitively Atlanta, where he’s built his career and family. ![]() Some highlights from the show: Usher's residency brings touch of the ATL to Vegas His liquid dance moves – still a marvel of elegant pirouetting and hip-hop-inspired nimbleness – were often accompanied by the contributions of an impressively limber cast of ladies, a few shirtless dudes and Usher’s pure, undiminished voice. Masked or not, fans danced and shouted along for the hour and 40 minutes that Usher rolled through dozens (sometimes snippets) of his more than 50 charting singles. Usher donned Atlanta-inspired roller skates for the kickoff of his Vegas residency. How has Las Vegas changed? 5 things that are different because of COVID 4, 6-7, 11 and 13-14) were added because of demand he returns for a holiday run Dec. ![]() This is the planned destination for anyone who considers themselves an artist who has made a contribution.”Īlong with Bruno Mars (playing at Park MGM), Usher marks the return of the megastar residency to the Strip, where he's been greeted with sold-out shows. “Even as a kid, when I would look back and hear about Sinatra or Elvis, (Vegas) was always the place they went. “To be greeted with the excitement of people who want to get out after being locked down the past year – and the fact that I’m playing a venue where legendary artists have played – it’s all just an honor,” Usher told USA TODAY, shortly after landing back in Las Vegas from the Los Angeles home that is his base during these shows. Usher performs at the grand opening of “Usher: The Las Vegas Residency” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on July 16, 2021, in Las Vegas. ![]()
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