At the 2025 Billboard Live Music Summit on Monday afternoon (Nov. 3), Usher took the stage to reflect on his remarkable 28-year touring career. Usher has a career that has redefined R&B performance and cemented his place among the greatest live entertainers of all time.
In conversation with Billboard’s executive director of R&B and hip-hop, Gail Mitchell, the “U Got It Bad” singer opened up about the drive behind his unforgettable Las Vegas residency, which captivated audiences from 2021 through 2024. The show quite literally show became a cultural phenomenon.
Usher reflects
Throughout the discussion, Usher reflected on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining passion over nearly three decades in the industry. He recalled how his Vegas run, which sold out night after night, became a pivotal moment in his career.
“It’s all about the passion, right,” Usher said. “The passion for me as a legacy artist of live music is based off my commitment to this audience. And beginning to realize that it’s far more about something else.”
“As a result of that show, it established something,” he continued.
Mitchell and Usher also revisited early milestones, including his first-ever headlining performance. The singer reminisced about those beginnings, including his first show in Chattanooga, Tenessee.
“I just come off the Janet Jackson tour and this was an opportunity for me to really start. So that was a real major moment,” he said. “I became a product of all the experiences that I had.”
Following the heartfelt conversation, Mitchell presented Usher with Billboard’s Legend of Live Award, honoring his extraordinary contributions to touring and live entertainment.
