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.”
Along 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.
Why men need a male best friend to open up and live longer
While Nevada reinstated its indoor mask policy on July 30, a sizeable sampling of The Colosseum crowd that night ignored the mandate, despite the valiant reminder efforts of ushers.
Usher even joked from the stage to some compliant fans in his eye line, “I know how hard it is to breathe in that damn mask, but nothing can keep us apart.”
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. 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.
At 42, Usher is still a specimen of physical dedication.
The multipack 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.
His workouts with a personal trainer are specified to “core strengthening, like an athlete”, Usher says.
I am an entertainer and entertainment is a long game. Whether you’re AC/DC or James Brown or the Grateful Dead or The Temptations, you love it ‘til the day you die
No doubt that Usher’s showmanship is supreme and his leonine athleticism a hallmark of his performances. But he also possesses one of the most vibrant and malleable voices in music.
Even 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.
He can bounce through rap-sung club bangers such as Yeah! and DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love with required swagger. But give him a handheld mic and an open stage and whether it’s U Remind Me or the emotionally devastating Burn, Usher will reign.
His joy at being onstage is palpable throughout the vigorous show, and Usher is dedicated to entertaining his fans, but also reminding himself why he’s embracing the pressures of this high-profile gig.
“I want to make sure I educate you on who I am [with this show],” Usher says. “I am an entertainer and entertainment is a long game. Whether you’re AC/DC or James Brown or the Grateful Dead or The Temptations, you love it ‘til the day you die.”
