Spotlight on Usher Raymond Our Saving Grace

  

It was another night of sold-out crowds, musical enrichment, stellar vocals, impeccable dance moves and stage light show enjoyment from a comfortable seat. There were moments when I thought I was viewing the actual firmament beyond the risers of Soldier's Field and in the midst of an actual star filled universe. It was awesome and not in the more mundane use of that word. Check out this video capture of Usher performing "You Got it Bad" before a packed Soldier's Field recorded by producer extraordinaire Jermaine Dupris. Dupris of course, has produced some of Usher's greatest hits.  It was great seeing him supporting the superstar and exchanging greetings with the concert luminaries and fans before and during the show. It was Dupris who first prophesied about the greatness of the tour and what it would do for the black community months before official kick-off at Mile High Stadium in Denver. From all accounts his forecast has been uncannily accurate and on point. Also, check out this series of poses taken by a fan and posted on Instagram. Speaks to the firmament again. This time Usher's brilliantly shining suit blends in or should I say dovetails with the stellar background.

Usher has had more than the R&B concert tour success to celebrate these days. He recently  checked his son into prestigious HBCU Howard University like a normal proud parent whose child is leaving the nest. His daughter also has accomplished a milestone graduating from pre-school. Usher was right there cheering her on. He also enjoys spectacular splashes in the family pool fully clothed with wife and kids upping the fun, splash harmony and humor.

There are some other things you may not know about this r&b icon. He gives back to the community graciously and consistently  and has been doing so for over 25 years through his New Look foundation. Ten interns were selected for participation in  the behind the scene production activities of the R&B Tour from big cities like Detroit and Atlanta through Usher's  New Look Foundation. He also contributed along with Detroit's own Big Sean a Million dollars in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to a creative studio for youth housed in Detroit's Michigan  Central Station. Usher also serves as an ambassador of Global Citizen. He has also supported the careers of up and coming artists like Kehlani, Miguel and others through through the aforementioned special mentor and music training program. Gracious and graceful Usher. 

Keep him lifted in prayer as he lifts up prayer to god in this photo and his and Chris Brown's (Breezy's) team with Pastor Gray before R&B Tour's opening concert in Detroit.

Big thanks to the fans who generously share their photos and videos on the Gram. I appreciate you.

Next stop Santa Clara.

Peace and blessings,

Rev. Cynthia D.  Wilson, Chaplain of Pop

Related Posts:

Grammys Speak Truth to Power, D'Angelo & Roberta Flack Remembered Brilliantly

 Last night's Grammy show was an amazing platform on which artists united in a powerful demonstration of the importance and power of the First Amendment. The freedom to speak one's mind freely without hesitation or fear of reprisal. Last night the reverberations were in protest of Ice. Freedom of Speech  is a right that has made the US envied around the world and is one of the primary reasons that thousands of immigrants flock to our country yearly.

 The truth flowed eloquently whether it was a very short sentence by Billy Eilish who stated "You can't be illegal on stolen land", Bad Bunny's "Ice Out" followed by "love  is more powerful than hate, including a reminder that "we are human, we are American." The cameras switched across the audience and zoomed in on what appeared to be a very proud faced Gloria Estefan who looked genuinely pleased about what he was saying. 

Shaboozey's prepared speech extending gratitude to his mother an immigrant who worked three jobs to support him and his four siblings was an emotional moment for him as tears streamed from his eyes.

Kehlani who received her first award ever, the Grammy for Best R&b performance, mentioned the power of all the voices coming together and concluded with an expletive deletive "f... Ice."

Olivia Dean who picked up a Grammy for Best New Artist mentioned how she came from a family of immigrants and they should be recognized for their bravery.

It was a good show. Trevor Noah did a great job hosting. The interlude between him and Bad Bunny where he got him to sing along in Spanish was priceless.

That memorial tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack curated-led by Lauren Hill and the other artists who have passed on the year past was brilliant, very stunning, spiritually and musically uplifting. They took us to church--Lela Hathaway, October London, Bilal, John Baptiste, Chaka Kahn and John Legend. Check out the videos on YouTube:

Pharrell Williams received the Dr.Dre Global Impact Award for 2026:

Other performances to check out that were memorable in their own right. Leon Thomas picked up a Grammy for his song MUTT which I understand Chris Brown's vocals influenced and  were featured on.

Btw,that was a very soulful performance of Yukon by Justin Beiber. I was just a little surprised by his attention grabbing  sleek attire. He only wore shorts and socks. Here's an explanation behind his outfit at this link.

  Stay tuned for podcast episode.

Edited by Cynthia Wilson on 2.6.26 @5:33p.m 

More on my podcast.