Usher on his new Las Vegas residency in the footsteps of Elvis and Celine Dion, and the joy of performing: ‘You love it ‘til the day you die’
- The multimillion-selling artist is two weeks into his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
- He’s excited to see his fans after the past year of coronavirus restrictions, and his shows are sold out
In a blur of blue sequins and sunglasses, Usher hustles down a walkway between aisles of grabby fans, trailed by security and camera operators as he unfurls the aptly named show opener, My Way.
In less than a minute, he’s bopped on stage, fleet-footed as always with a formation of dancers ready to join him in lockstep for the swooping Caught Up, one of his numerous club hits.
It’s been two weeks since the debut of Usher’s residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the hallowed musical domicile fashioned for Celine Dion nearly 20 years ago (2003) that has hosted Elton John, Cher, Bette Midler, Shania Twain and a handful of other stars with catalogues robust enough to engage fans and high rollers alike.
“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 honour,” says Usher soon after landing back in Las Vegas from the Los Angeles home that is his base during these shows.
“Even as a kid, when I would look back and hear about Sinatra or Elvis, [Vegas] was always the place they went. This is the planned destination for anyone who considers themselves an artist who has made a contribution.”