Thursday evening at Pullman Yards drew a crowd of adults, parents, and children, from grade-schoolers to teens, for the premiere of Carversations, Instagram’s new series that focuses on fostering honest conversations between parents and teens about social media and online life. The series is designed to make these discussions feel more approachable.
Grammy-winning singer Usher was the featured guest of the night, joining a panel with his sons, Naviyd Ely Raymond and Usher Raymond V. The discussion, moderated by radio personality Kenny Burns, focused on the challenges families face in a world increasingly influenced by social media.
Grammy-winning singer Usher was the featured guest of the night, joining a panel with his sons, Naviyd Ely Raymond and Usher Raymond V. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Usher shared his perspective on parenting and the lessons he has learned along the way. “The hardest conversation I have to have with my kids is the opinions of others—they don’t define you,” he said. “You can learn from them [his kids] and not let the trauma of our past determine how they turn out.” His sons also contributed, offering their own experiences growing up in the prime of social media.
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Kristin Hendrix, Meta’s VP of Strategic Partnerships for Trust and Safety, explained the purpose behind Carversations, saying the series is designed to help parents navigate online safety, screen time, and digital boundaries alongside their teens. By having these conversations side by side, sometimes even in a car, parents and teens can address topics that might otherwise be difficult to start. “Technology isn’t going anywhere,” Hendrix said, “and these conversations shouldn’t either.” She highlighted Meta’s family-focused tools, including teen accounts with default privacy settings, parent supervision features, and content moderation options for younger users, which aim to give parents insight into their teens’ online habits while still allowing teens space to explore safely.
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
The first episode also underscored that these conversations are ongoing. Parents had the opportunity to see how their teens view the digital world, and teens could share their perspectives without fear of judgment. Hendrix added that seeing figures like Usher engage with their children openly can serve as an example and encourage families to have similar discussions at home.
Overall, Carversations provided attendees with insight into bridging generational gaps in the digital age. By showing how parents and teens can communicate openly about social media and online life, the series demonstrated that these talks, while sometimes challenging, can be constructive and meaningful later on.
It’s December 10, 2025, and it’s time for another roundup of our favorite current trending songs on TikTok. From Usher to Post Malone, we’re celebrating some of our favorite artists climbing the charts this week. We’re hearing old songs we haven’t heard in a while, and some from our favorite TV shows (aka Stranger Things season five is finally here). What a week it’s been for pop culture!
Here are the viral trending TikTok audios we’ve been obsessed with this week.
‘White Iverson’ By Post Malone
With the 10th anniversary of Post Malone’s STONEY comes a resurgence of fans’ favorite song, ‘White Iverson.’ We love that Post Malone songs truly never die, especially on the internet, when we’ve all grown up with him and his music. Now it’s time to take it to TikTok! Grab a basketball, head to your nearest fast food stop, and participate in this hilarious trend.
Stranger Things 5is here, which means the song that started it all is back on the TikTok charts. Grab your air guitar because ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ is stuck on our FYPs and is definitely not going anywhere anytime soon. Make this trend extra Stranger Things-esque with the Upside Down filter in the back of your videos. Get to filming, Hawkins!
‘CHANEL’ By TYLA
If you haven’t posted to TYLA’s famous ‘Chanel’ dance yet, what are you doing? Seriously, this dance has been in our minds and all over our FYPs for the past few weeks. Now, we can’t stop listening to her new song and hoping for new music soon! Which popular TYLA song is your favorite?
Usher and Juicy J have dominated our feed this week, just like they dominated the early 2000s. ‘I Don’t Mind’ is just one of those songs that’s been stuck in our heads! But, hey, we don’t mind. Take to TikTok with this audio, sharing an embarrassing story or something you’re scared to admit but really don’t mind. Tag us so we can see!
Although Ariana Grande is everywhere lately due to Wicked: For Good, we’re bringing it back to the Thank U, Next era. ‘Needy’ was one of our favorite songs from this album, and we’re so, so happy it’s made its way back onto our feeds this week. Most importantly, it’s been finding its way into a lot of edit pages (keep the amazing edits coming!)
Which of these audios have you been hearing on your FYP this week? What are your predictions for trending songs for next week? Let us know by chatting in the comments or buzzing us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Vice President Kamala Harris turned to star power Saturday on the campaign trail, as she held events with musicians Lizzo and Usher in Michigan and Georgia, while former President Donald Trump rallied in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.
At a rally in Atlanta, Harris said that Trump was “cruel” for how he talked about the grieving family of a Georgia mother who died after waiting 20 hours for a hospital to treat her complications from an abortion pill, as she put combating restrictions on reproductive care at the center of her pitch to voters.
Harris blamed Amber Thurman’s death on Georgia’s abortion restrictions that took effect after the Supreme Court in 2022, with three Trump-appointed justices, overturned Roe v. Wade. It comes as Harris is looking to the issue to propel support to Democrats, who have pledged to restore a national right to abortion if they win the White House and enough seats in Congress.
“Donald Trump still refuses to take accountability, to take any accountability, for the pain and the suffering he has caused,” Harris said.
Thurman’s story features at the center of one of Harris’ closing campaign ads, and her family attended her Atlanta rally, with her mother holding a photo of her daughter from the audience. Harris showed a clip of Trump saying during a recent Fox News Channel town hall, when he was asked about the Thurman family joining a separate media call, “We’ll get better ratings, I promise.”
Early voting is also underway in Georgia. More than 1.2 million ballots have been cast, either in person or by mail. Democrats hope an expansive organizing effort will boost Harris against Trump in the campaign’s final weeks. Harris referenced that former President Jimmy Carter recently voted by mail days after his 100th birthday.
“If Jimmy Carter can vote early, you can too,” Harris said.
Harris was joined at the rally by hometown music icon Usher, drawing again on star power as she looks to excite voters to the polls. Earlier Saturday she appeared with Lizzo in the singer’s hometown of Detroit, marking the beginning of in-person voting and lavishing the city with praise after Trump recently disparaged it.
“All the best things were made in Detroit. Coney Dogs, Faygo and Lizzo,” the singer joked to a rally crowd, pointing to herself after listing off the hot dogs and soda that the city is famous for.
Heaps of praise for the Motor City came after Trump insulted it during a recent campaign stop. And Harris continued the theme, saying of her campaign, “Like the people of Detroit, we have grit, we have excellence, we have history.”
More than 1 million Michigan residents have already voted by mail in the Nov. 5 election, and Harris predicted that Detroit turnout for early voting would be strong.
She slammed Trump as unstable: “Somebody just needs to watch his rallies, if you’re not really sure how to vote.”
“We’re not going to get these 17 days back. On Election Day, we don’t want to have any regrets,” the vice president said.
Lizzo also told the crowd, “Mrs. Commander-in-Chief has a nice ring to it.”
“This is the swing state of all swing states, so every last vote here counts,” the singer said. Then, referencing her song of the same title, Lizzo added, “If you ask me if America is ready for its first woman president, I only have one thing to say: “It’s about damn time!”
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign had suggested he would begin previewing his closing argument Saturday night with Election Day barely two weeks away. But the former president kicked off his rally with a detailed story about Arnold Palmer, at one point even praising the late, legendary golfer’s genitalia.
Trump was campaigning in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where Palmer was born in 1929 and learned to golf from his father, who suffered from polio and was head pro and greenskeeper at the local country club.
Politicians saluting Palmer in his hometown is nothing new. But Trump spent 12 full minutes doing so at the top of his speech and even suggested how much more fun the night would be if Palmer, who died in 2016, could join him on stage.
“Arnold Palmer was all man, and I say that in all due respect to women,” Trump said. “This is a guy that was all man.”
Then he went even further.
“When he took the showers with other pros, they came out of there. They said, ‘Oh my God. That’s unbelievable,'” Trump said with a laugh. “I had to say. We have women that are highly sophisticated here, but they used to look at Arnold as a man.”
Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told reporters before the speech that Trump planned to preview his closing argument against Harris and “start to get into that framing.”
Trump eventually hit many of his favorite campaign themes but didn’t offer much in the way of new framing of the race or why he should win it. He instead boasted of creating strong tax policies and a strong military during his first term in office.
He slammed Harris as “crazy” and added a profanity.
“You have to tell Kamala Harris that you’ve had enough, that you just can’t take it anymore, we can’t stand you anymore, you’re a s— vice president,” Trump said to roars of the crowd. “The worst. You’re the worst vice president. Kamala, you’re fired. Get the hell out of here.”
He also criticized Harris for suggesting during her unsuccessful run for president in 2020 that she’d support a ban on hydraulic fracking, which is important to Pennsylvania’s economy and a position Harris’ campaign says she no longer supports.
Trump invited on stage members of a local steelworkers union that endorsed him. He donned a construction hat with his name on it.
“He said, ‘It’s incredible what’s happened,'” Trump said of the Netanyahu call before moving to a criticism of President Joe Biden, saying that the Israeli prime minister “wouldn’t listen to Biden.”
Usher accepted the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards – even if the superstar mused it might be a bit early.
The Grammy winner stayed on his feet as a parade of artists performed his hits – Childish Gambino kicked it off with “U Don’t Have to Call,” joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on “You Make Me Wanna…” Coco Jones appeared in the audience for a sultry rendition of “There Goes My Baby,” serenading Usher and his wife Jenn Goicoechea.
Usher gestures after accepting the Lifetime Achievement award during the 2024 BET Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30, 2024.
Aude Guerrucci / REUTERS
Summer Walker hit the stage for “Good Good,” Tinashe did “Nice & Slow,” Marsha Ambrosius tackled “Superstar” and Chlöe performed “Good Kisser.” Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét teamed up for “Bad Girl,” mirroring Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their performance of the song. Latto brought the energy for “Yeah!” In some ways, the homage underscored the women that carried much of the night – dominating the performances.
After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music executive L.A. Reid.
“Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” Usher began his lengthy speech, reflecting on his career, which has spanned over three decades. He questioned the timing, saying, “I’m still running and gunning and I still love this (expletive) like I did when I was 8 years old,” he said.
Much of his speech couldn’t be heard to audiences at home because it was censored.
“I forgive each and every person who had anything to say negative about me because it only motivated me to be who I am,” he said at one point.
Earlier in the night, Will Smith stood in a circle of fire – joined by Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service – to make the live debut of his latest single, “You Can Make It.”
“I don’t know who needs this right now,” Smith opened his set. “But I am here to tell you, you can make it.”
Mid-way through, Kirk Franklin joined, and then two rapped together. “Nobody gets an easy ride,” Smith, who is in the midst of his comeback from slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago, told the room. “There is wisdom in that fire. Dance in your darkest moments.”
Will Smith performs during the 2024 BET Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30, 2024.
Aude Guerrucci / REUTERS
The forthcoming presidential election was a huge topic of conversation throughout the show. After Childish Gambino presented Killer Mike with the album of the year award for “Michael,” the rapper used his acceptance speech to address his Grammys arrest and voting.
“Technically, I was not supposed to be here. I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building. But I want to tell you, look at God. ‘Cause I’m back, baby. I’m back and I’m winning,” he said in his speech. Killer Mike was arrested at the Grammys earlier this year over a physical altercation he said was caused by an “over-zealous” security guard; he was not charged over the incident.
“They going to tell you who we vote for is important,” he continued his speech, “And it is who we vote for on the big stage. It’s important, but it’s more important you know who your city council person is, who your prosecutor is.”
Megan Thee Stallion opened the show by emerging from an egg – a metaphor for her a new musical rebirth – before diving into with an energetic medley of her new singles “Hiss” and “Boa.”
“BET, Where my girls at?” she said, shouting out Monét and Jones in the crowd before launching into “Where Them Girls At” – a track that’s been an immediate fan favorite since Friday’s release of her third studio album, “Megan.”
Taraji P. Henson hosted the show at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Her opening monologue was a performance, Henson rapping “It’s about us,” in a loose parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which he released in the midst of his reignited feud with Drake.
“No beef in here tonight,” she joked, “Can we say plant-based?”
Tyla, the Johannesburg , South African amapiano superstar, won two honors on the show, starting with best international act.
Later in the night, she’d take home the award for best new artist. “This is crazy,” she said. “I just want to dedicate this one to Africa.”
Monét, who earlier this year won the Grammy for best new artist, made her BET debut and set a high bar for performances, condensing a full set into a few mins with three costume changes and a pair of songs, “On My Mama” and “Alright.”
Then Sexyy Red took the stage, performing her smooth bedroom ballad “U My Everything” before moving to another stage and a costume change – tackling “Get It Sexyy” in front of an LED screen depicting the White House and dancers dressed like the Secret Service.
The show took a tonal shift when VanVan and Heiress Harris, two child rappers, their empowerment anthem “Be You” in a school room set. Harris is the daughter of rapper T.I. and singer Tiny Harris.
Best female R&B/pop artist went to SZA and best actress to Regina King, both of whom were not in attendance; the BET HER award went to Monét for “On My Mama.” She brought her mother up to accept it.
Country musician Tanner Adell brought her “Buckle Bunny” and her new song, “Cowboy Break My Heart.” GloRilla emerged from above, descending to join her dancers for “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” – the latter of which saw a surprise appearance from Megan Thee Stallion. Shaboozey kept the country coming with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and was joined by rapper J-Kwon, who appears on the track, creating an unexpected and rewarding collaboration across genres.
Lauryn Hill closed the night, beginning with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” going into “Lost Ones,” before introducing her son YG Marley for his reggae tracks “Survival” and “Praise Jah In The Moonlight.” Best of all: Wyclef Jean appeared, and the trio – in front of a full-band – performed Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.” Pras, the third member of Fugees, was not present. The rapper, who was accused in multimillion-dollar political conspiracies spanning two presidencies, was convicted in April.
This combination of photos shows Victoria Monet at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 26, 2022, left, and Usher performs at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2016 at Barclays Center in New York on Oct. 27, 2016. (AP Photo)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher will add another prestigious award to his already loaded trophy case.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said Thursday that Usher will receive its Voice of the Culture Award. He’ll be honored at ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers event on June 27.
The honor Usher is receiving is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture.
“Artistic development is a lifelong journey of experimentation that requires risk for reward, embracing unknowns, trusting your intuition, and believing in your creative vision and God given talent,” Usher said in a statement.
The R&B superstar is an eight-time Grammy winner who recently ended a two-year Las Vegas residency, “Usher: My Way” at the Park MGM. In February, he released his first solo album in eight years, and in August is scheduled to kick off a 24-city U.S. tour titled “Past Present Future.”
Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance drew acclaim and included guest appearances by such stars as Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Ludacris. His album “Confessions” has sold more than 10 million units in the U.S., ranking it among one of the best-selling music projects of all time. It launched No. 1 hits such as “Yeah!” with Ludacris and Lil Jon, “Burn” and “Confessions Part II.”
“It means the world to me that my peers, this community of passionate and distinguished songwriters, composers, and authors are inspired by my execution of the craft,” Usher added.
Singer Victoria Monét will be honored as well. She will receive the Vanguard Award, which recognizes members who are helping to shape the future of music.
“Victoria Monét has proven herself not only as an illuminating songwriter, but also as a flourishing artist and ASCAP member who continues to break barriers,” said Paul Williams, chairman of the board and president at ASCAP. “Her resilience, talent, and exemplary work ethic have helped her become a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter.“
A while ago, we ranked the hottest music videos of all time. But a lot has happened since this article was last published, and we need to recognize a few more steamy music videos that had our jaws on the floor. We’ve added five more MV’s to the ranking because they deserved recognition.
5. Iggy Azalea “Work”
Iggy Azalea was the moment in 2013. This “Work” music video proves it.
4. Ariana Grande “7 rings”
She sees it, she likes it, she wants it, she got it. Ariana Grande is going for the money with this music video.
3. City Girls “Twerk ft. Cardi B”
Cardi B and City Girls teach us how to twerk…need I say more?
2. Nicki Minaj “Barbie Tingz”
One of Nicki’s wittiest songs, “Barbie Tingz” details all the relationships she’s had with different rappers throughout her career. Exposing men is one of Nicki’s finest moments, and this music video is about as steamy as it gets.
1. Cardi B. & Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
You had to know it was coming. One of the most hyper-sexual songs in recent history from two of the biggest female rappers in the world. The music video with a cameo from Kylie Jenner is our steamiest music video of all time.
The music video is a very specific art form that many appreciate, but few really take the time to explore.
While you may have a quick answer to the question of the hottest music video you’ve ever seen, we doubt you could rank the hottest of all time. From Beyonce to Prince, we’ve made a definitive ranking of the ten steamiest music videos ever made.
Beyonce is the queen of the sparkly leotard. Her iconic love seat pose has given life to countless memes, and for good reason. This video is undeniably one of her hottest.
9. Selena Gomez “Hands to Myself”
Selena Gomez – Hands To Myself (Official Music Video)youtu.be
First of all, Selena Gomez+bangs is pretty fire. Second of all, Selena Gomez+bangs+lingerie+steamy bathtub shots= 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Usher doing anything is undeniably hot. We would watch the man tie his shoe laces and give him a standing ovation afterwards. In this video, we not only get steamy bedroom shots and plenty of oiled muscle, but also weird indoor-human-fish-tank moments that we’re admittedly pretty into.
This whole list could be Rihanna music videos and we’d stand by it. Out of all of Ri-Ri’s steamy videos, this is perhaps the most enticingly chaotic. Bonus: Rihanna has magnificent red hair in this clip.
Prince was the king of pushing boundaries, and this video was no exception. MTV loosened their standards specifically for this 1986 hit, and we’re so glad they did. Prince in a crop top? Yes please.
3. Beyonce “Drunk in Love”
Beyoncé – Drunk in Love (Explicit) ft. JAY Zyoutu.be
Yes, Beyonce made the list twice, but we just couldn’t help ourselves. While Beyonce looks as amazing as always in this video, what really puts it over the top is the way she undresses Jay-Z with her eyes. *Melts*
2. Chris Isaak “Wicked Game”
Wicked Game – Single Edit – Official Music Videoyoutu.be
This video is decidedly NSFW. Widely agreed upon across the internet to be one of the hottest videos of all time, “Wicked Game” will leave you speechless.
1. Britney Spears “Toxic”
Britney Spears – Toxic (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com
This video tops our list because it just doesn’t get more iconic than this. Say what you want about Britney, but she always delivered in the music video department.
Usher was named the Entertainer of the Year at Saturday’s 55th annual NAACP Image Awards. But he hasn’t forgotten whose help he needed to get there.
The singer also won the President’s Award at the event, and paid tribute to the women in his life.
“They say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman, and for that I thank my mother and I thank my beautiful wife, Jennifer, for holding me down,” he said, before giving a nod to his kids and his late grandmother, Ernestine Carter.
“My kids, I love you guys so, so much, I hope that I’m an example, I’m a dad whose just trying to get it right every day.”
Usher then went on to thank his mother (who was his manger at the start of his career). “I’m thankful for the support that my mother gave me for my dreams,” he said. “I’m so overwhelmed with appreciation for my entire family, without them I wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Usher was also effusive when he took the stage and accepted the award for Entertainer of the Year. He acknowledged his Las Vegas wedding ceremony.
“I want to thank each and every person who bought a ticket,” he said after returning to the stage and accepting the award from Oprah. “Each and every person who decides to believe in themselves and believe in me. This has been an amazing 30 years of passion that lead to me to Las Vegas to celebrate the entire legacy that’s 100 shows sold out and then a residency in Paris and then to play the Super Bowl, get married and also to release and album. I don’t know how many people are able to do that stuff in one.”
Usher went on to address his mother Jonnetta Patton, who he wanted to recognize “more than anybody.”
“Far too often in our industry do women not get the recognition that they truly deserve,” he said, adding that when his career was first picking up, “it was even harder for a mother to believe in the dreams that I had, ’cause I was unwavering — being raised without a father in our home, being raised from a single parent, it was a lot.”
“The tenacity that it took to look within a male-dominated industry to believe in your son unwaveringly … because of that, I have this moment,” he said.
When commuting to work, I do a lot of people watching. Call me creepy, but in New York City, there’s not much else you can do besides be hyper-aware of your surroundings. And that includes taking note of the three main different types of commuters.
There’s the insufferable worker: has a classic novel folded as they lean against the subway rails, barely cognizant of the fact that they could be launched onto their neighbor at any moment. Yes, they’re waiting for someone to ask them if they truly enjoy the discourse of the Charles Dickens book they’re toting.
Then there’s the head down, hating-the-world commuter who just needs to get to their destination in one piece. Do not make eye contact, you’ll turn to stone.
…And then there’s me: the off-duty DJ. At any moment, I’m hoping someone stops and asks me what song I’m listening to for their TikTok’s. I’m bobbing my head, there’s a little skip to my step, and I’m rocking out at all times. I like to think of myself as the pedestrian version of Baby Driver.
Music gets me out of bed and helps me hype myself up for work. It’s the background noise as I get ready to go out each weekend. It’s also part of my job. I should have a black card Spotify membership at this point.
So, as we know, I spend the week gathering up all the new music that’s released every Friday and compiling a playlist that is so irresistible you’ll spend the weekend replaying it. If you’re looking for new music, well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve got another week filled with fresh tracks you won’t wanna miss. Without further ado, let’s get listening!
“Saturn” – SZA
GRAMMY award winner, SZA, is fresh off her SOS album: a thrilling sophomore addition to her no-skips, no-miss collection of music. She’s gearing up to release the deluxe reissue of the album titled, Lana, and “Saturn” is her first submission. It’s your classic, dreamy SZA sound with ethereal beats and longing vocals.
Singing about how she doesn’t belong on this planet, how life is better on Saturn – where none of this matters. It’s about the sheer feeling of escapism that overwhelms you from time to time…and it gets us excited for what comes next.
“Planet” – Aidan Bissett
Aidan Bissett has a unique way of combining rock and pop to create an earworm-worthy single. Alongside his EP, Supernova, Bissett releases “Planet” – a song about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. Written after being ghosted, he touches on real-life experience to produce yet another banger in his already impressive discography.
Begging for someone to “come back down to this earth”, Bissett bursts into the chorus lamenting how he’s wasting his time and unable to understand his partner…so she must be from another planet. It’s a softer edge to Bissett that works just as well as his upbeat songs.
“Proud” – SERGIO
When interviewing SERGIO a while ago, you could tell he was someone who had two things figured out: his sound, and how he wants to stay true to making music he loves. You can see this reflected in his new song, “Proud”, which emphasizes all the hard work he has put in to get to where he is now.
SERGIO’s voice is smooth, clean-cut, and soothing, gently guiding you throughout the song filled with catchy pop sounds and passionate lyrics. “Proud” is a perfect example of how SERGIO can make a song both relatable and unique all in one.
“All I Want” – Simi
Simi is a star in her own right: an actress, a songwriter, a singer, and a performer. She owns her own label, Studio Brat, which is where she’s releasing her next single, “All I Want” – and it’s every bit as fulfilling as the rest. An upbeat, encouraging song that is dedicated to finding love, Simi makes it all feel possible with this new single.
“All I Want” is her follow up to last year’s ballad, “Stranger”, which is an exemplification of her vocal range and songwriting ability. It’s rare to have someone who can do it all, but Simi seemingly does it with ease.
“Believe” – USHER
Fresh off a Super Bowl Halftime performance, USHER has had himself a year. An extended Vegas residency that draws A-list crowds (my roommate sat next to the Kardashian’s table), and now new music as the cherry on top of it all. “Believe” is everything you love about USHER: his traditional R&B sound, littered with vocal runs and sensual sounds.
“Believe” is your reminder that USHER isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. He looks as good as he did when he was performing “Somebody To Love” with Justin Bieber, and he sounds even better.
Representatives for Usher confirmed that the the star and longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea, a senior vice president at Epic Records, tied the knot at the Vegas Weddings chapel after the Super Bowl where Usher headlined the halftime show, with the couple stating that they “look forward to continuing to raise their children together surrounded by love.” What do you think?
“Hold on, let me see if I placed on prop bet on that.”
Marshall Bouvet, Subpoena Filer
The Most Iconic Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time
“I guess women really dig halftime performers.”
Ezekiel Barrett, Rock Climbing Guide
“Lord forgive me, for I have unwittingly lusted over the dripping-wet abs of a man betrothed to another.”
By now, you’ve probably seen Jermaine Dupri‘s questionable Super Bowl halftime performance outfit that’s sparked a hilarious roast fest across the whole entire internet.
JD donned a short set tux and fluffy Girl Scout socks paired with shiny black loafers that people compared to Wednesday Addams, Eddie Munster, and the Lollipop Guild from The Wizard of Oz.
According to Jermaine Dupri, however, he’s completely unfazed by the (hilarious) jokes because the socks are from respected fashion house Louis Vuitton.
Jermaine them socks being Louis Vuitton does not change the fact that yo ass was up their looking like a lil rascal about to give his Easter speech pic.twitter.com/sg6KZ6eyzQ
“It’s really, really funny but, you know, them Louis Vuitton socks I had on— I don’t know what everybody talking about,” Dupri laughed with ET’sNischelle Turner after the memes went viral.
“It’s amazing to be up there with your friends and to be up there with people that you basically started,” he continued.
“When we first worked, [it was] the first time he ever had a No.1 record so to be up there was… definitely, definitely amazing.”
He later followed up with a close-up of the socks in question, which only made things worse.
“Haaa!! ok I ain’t have time for y’all last night I was too drunk, me and my homies performed at the Super Bowl!” he captioned a pic of the $565 Louis Vuitton pocket socks.
He also tagged in Pharrell to help back him up.
“I’m just really seeing y’all got me f***dup !! But I will say it’s funny as hell, yoooo!! @pharrell you see this !? PS we came into this game with our clothes on backwards, i ain’t no regular n***.”
Hours later, he followed up with another post, noting that he produced five singles that are trending in Apple Music’s Top 10 that range from Usher’s classics to Muni Long’s “Made For Me.”
Would you rock those LV socks? If not, WHY? Tell us down below and peep the hilarious social media hysteria over Jermaine’s Louis socks on the flip.
Jermaine Dupri is weighing in on the social media discourse surrounding the now-viral fit he wore to Super Bowl LVIII. As The Shade Room previously reported, the music mogul made an appearance amid Usher’s halftime on Sunday, February 12.
On Monday, February 12, Jermaine Dupri took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos with fans. The first picture featured him flexin’ his $565 Louis Vuitton Pocket Socks, adorned with pearl pocket-button.
The second photo featured a screenshot of one social media user’s comment on Jermaine Dupri’s Super Bowl fit while the third featured an animation graphic of his appearance.
Additionally, the 51-year-old shared a caption with the carousel.
“Haaa!! ok I ain’t have time for y’all last night I was too drunk, me and my homies performed at the Super Bowl!so I’m just really seeing y’all got me f****d up !! But I will say it’s funny as hell,yoooo!! @pharrell 🤣🤣 you see this !? PS we came into this game with our clothes on backwards, i ain’t no regular n***a 🤣🤣” he wrote.
Swipe below to see Dupri’s reaction and check out a photo of his now-viral fit.
“Just because they’re LV doesn’t make it right 😂😂”
While Instagram user @therealkerwinclaiborne added.
“We don’t care they still look like his daughter Easter socks”
Instagram user @notsochristian_ wrote.
“Just cause LV told you to dress like a pilgrim don’t mean you GOTTA do it 🙄”
While Instagram user @_brookes.alexandria_ added.
“His socks said ‘anothuh bowl of porridge sir 🥹’ 😂😂😂”
Instagram user @tastelikecandi_ wrote.
“Somebody Said Jermaine Dupri Was Dressed Like Boss Baby && I Can’t Unsee It 😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @blackfoodlife added.
“So because it’s designer….it’s ok to wear them orphan Annie church socks?😂”
Instagram user @kingali wrote.
“A purse 👛 on a sock 🧦 crazy”
While Instagram user @mizzlipz added.
“Somebody tell ‘em it wasn’t just the socks, it was the half size suit- for an already smaller sized man 😭 or fact that it took a second to realize it wasn’t CeeLo Green up there 😩 Congrats on the performance tho 💫 for the culture!”
Check out additional social media reactions to Dupri’s fit below.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Usher’s halftime performance kicked off with a few solo sets from the singer. However, it was also joined by Alicia Keys.
Chatter on social media even prompted Swizz Beatz to weigh in on his wife’s romantic duet with Usher.
It was agreed upon before the show was over: Usher‘s halftime performance was one of the best — if not the best — in Super Bowl history.
Thankfully, it won’t be long before we see more from Usher. The heartthrob, who released his album Coming Home the same day as his Super Bowl performance, is taking off on tour this summer. Usher will be at American Airlines Center for three different dates on Thursday, Oct. 3; Friday, Oct. 4; and Saturday, Oct. 5. Tickets went on sale Monday, Feb. 12, at livenation.com.
Some incredibly misguided people had their doubts when the multi-platinum, eight-time Grammy winner was announced as the halftime artist for America’s biggest football event, even though he was coming off a sold-out Las Vegas residency. But Usher went on to prove himself as a historic R&B icon. (The man also has the ability to transform a simple living room into a sauna. That “Let It Burn”?)
But it wasn’t just the star-powered appearances from Lil’ Jon and Ludacris for “Yeah!” or Alicia Keys for “My Boo” that made the show such a unique Super Bowl performance: Usher actually seemed to be … singing? Where most artists opt for lip-syncing, Usher appeared to be using live vocals for the majority of the show. Sure, a friend commented, “He would sound better if he wasn’t” — but that’s some welcome authenticity in an often copped-out performance.
Usher began on the field with “My Way,” moving into “Caught Up,” the fifth single from his 2004 album Confessions, a Grammy winner. It was almost an homage to Michael Jackson — with the white suit and gloves, and the moonwalking. Then there was “Love in This Club,” a wash of nostalgia. After “U Don’t Have to Call” and “Super Star,” things started heating up with “If I Ain’t Got You” and “My Boo,” when none other than the effervescent Alicia Keys was unfurled from a red scarf, singing at a red, mermaid-tail piano. After that embrace with Usher, Swizz Beatz must be quaking.
Then there was “Let It Burn,” the highlight of the show — and not just because when he took his shirt off, practically everyone in the room lost their minds. There was Usher, dancing on roller skates in an outfit evoking an R&B Power Ranger in extremely expensive Nikes. It’s honestly something you never thought you’d see this year, but it’s as welcome as an oasis in the desert or a joint after a hangover.
It seemed like it couldn’t get better until you heard the easily identifiable voice of Lil’ Jon, because who else could yell “Turn down for what?” without getting punched in the face? Of course, we were expecting the inimitable rapper to show up, because who would expect Usher to perform the Super Bowl without singing “Yeah!”? And then fucking Ludacris comes out in football pads. This is when my friend, who actually was at the Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake Super Bowl halftime show, declared: “This is the best halftime show I have seen.”
Usher had some surprise guests and Taylor Swift had a suite full of celebrities, but they weren’t the only stars in attendance at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
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It was agreed upon before the show was over: Usher‘s halftime performance was one of the best — if not the best — in Super Bowl history.
Thankfully, it won’t be long before we see more from Usher. The heartthrob, who released his album “Coming Home” the same day as his Super Bowl performance, is taking off on tour this summer; Usher will be at Footprint Center on Nov. 23. Citi presale starts Tuesday at 10 a.m., and the general on-sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday on the Live Nation website.
Some incredibly misguided people had their doubts when the multi-platinum, eight-time Grammy winner was announced as the halftime artist for America’s biggest football event, even though he was coming off a sold-out Las Vegas residency. But Usher went on to prove himself as a historic R&B icon. (The man also has the ability to transform a simple living room into a sauna. That “Let It Burn”?)
But it wasn’t just the star-powered appearances from Lil’ Jon and Ludacris for “Yeah!” or Alicia Keys for “My Boo” that made the show such a unique Super Bowl performance: Usher actually seemed to be…singing? Where most artists opt for lip-syncing, Usher appeared to be using live vocals for the majority of the show. Sure, a friend commented, “he would sound better if he wasn’t” — but that’s some welcome authenticity in an often copped-out performance.
Usher began on the field with “My Way,” moving into “Caught Up,” the fifth single from his 2004 album “Confessions,” a Grammy winner. It was almost an homage to Michael Jackson — with the white suit and gloves, the moonwalking. Then there was “Love in This Club,” a wash of nostalgia. After “U Don’t Have to Call” and “Super Star,” things started heating up with “If I Ain’t Got You” and “My Boo,” when none other than the effervescent Alicia Keys was unfurled from a red scarf, singing at a red, mermaid-tail piano. After that embrace with Usher, Swizz Beatz must be quaking.
Then there was “Let It Burn,” the highlight of the show — and not just because when he took his shirt off, practically everyone in the room lost their minds. There was Usher, dancing on roller skates in an outfit evoking an R&B power ranger in extremely expensive Nikes. It’s honestly something you never thought you’d see this year, but it’s as welcome as an oasis in the desert or a joint after a hangover.
It seemed like it couldn’t get better until you heard the easily identifiable voice of Lil’ Jon, because who else could yell “Turn down for what?” without getting punched in the face? Of course, we were expecting the inimitable rapper to show up, because who would expect Usher to perform the Super Bowl without singing “Yeah!”? And then fucking Ludacris comes out in football pads. This is when my friend, who actually was at the Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake Super Bowl halftime show, declared: “This is the best halftime show I have seen.”
Spanning his early-career ’90s R&B songs to new music from his Coming Home album, it’s all about Usher on Usher Radio!
Usher Radio on SiriusXM
How to listen
Usher Radio is available on satellite channel 79 through February 25 and streaming on the SiriusXM app through February 29.
What you’ll hear
Usher has been cranking out hits for over 30 years. Now, you can hear the songs from the very beginning of his career through the ’90s and ’00s, plus music from his new album, Coming Home, on his dedicated channel.
More about Usher
A singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and entrepreneur, Usher has sold over 75 million records worldwide. His music career began in 1994 with his self-titled debut album, and he’s won eight GRAMMY Awards over the past three decades with 23 nominations. His first GRAMMY win happened in 2001 for “U Remind Me” (Best Male R&B Vocal Performance).
Released on February 9, 2024, Coming Home is Usher’s first full-length solo studio album since 2016’s Hard II Love. The release of Coming Home coincided with his headlining Super Bowl LVIII halftime show on February 11, 2024, where he performed a medley of 13 career-spanning hits with multiple collaborators — from “My Boo” with Alicia Keys to “Yeah!” with Lil Jon and Ludacris.
The day is here it’s finally time for Super Bowl LVIII and the Usher half-time show and we’ve got your drink menu covered.
Super Bowl LVIII is going down tonight and once again the Kansas City Chiefs are close to securing another Lombardi trophy. Hopefully, the game isn’t a blowout and the 49ers have a solid plan to stop that from happening. On the bright side at least we get Usher at half-time which is sure to be a treat. While you’re watching the game from home you’ve got to have drinks. You know we’ve got a menu for you and your guests to enjoy while watching the game. We would say take a shot every time you see or hear Taylor Swift mentioned but we don’t want any hospital visits.
Method: Add ice to a wine glass and gently pour in Prosecco. Swirl in SKYY Infusions Watermelon, Aperol, and lemon juice. Top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with Mint bouquet + watermelon triangle (*optional*)
Source: Gran Coramino Cristalino / Gran Coramino
TASTES LIKE TEAM SPIRIT RECIPE
Ingredients: (for a pitcher)
750 ml bottle of Gran Coramino Cristalino
2 cups fresh lime juice
2 cups Cane Sugar
7 cups cold premium water
2 limes (covers Limeade base and 3 custom cup garnishes)
Source: The Bedford at Paris Las Vegas / The Bedford at Paris Las Vegas
“Kansas City Ice Water” From The Bedford at The Paris Las Vegas
Ingredients:
½ lemon (cut in half)
1 lime (cut into quarters)
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
1 ounce Belvedere vodka
1 ounce Hendricks gin
1 ounce Cointreau
4 ounces seltzer
1 wide strip lemon zest
1 wide strip lime zest
Method: Place lemon and lime pieces in a cocktail shaker. Add sugar. Muddle lime and lemon together. Add vodka, gin, and triple sec. Fill the shaker with 1 generous cup of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker is very frosty and the mixture is very cold 30 to 40 shakes. Pour the contents of the shaker into a highball glass. Top with seltzer. Express zests over the drink, then rub the rim of the glass with zests. Skewer zests on a decorative pick. Garnish drink. Serve immediately.
Singer-songwriter Usher sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance and his new album, “Coming Home,” out now. Then, Mo Rocca learns about Truman Capote’s renowned Black and White Ball. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
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