Bio
Usher is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, businessman and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, "Nice & Slow".
Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher's career since he was first discovered on Star Search.
Since then, he has sold millions of albums worldwide. Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his 10-million-selling 2004 album "Confessions" ranked as the top solo album of the decade. Usher has attained numerous Hot 100 Number One hits and Hot 100 Top Ten singles.
Along the way, Usher has recorded with everyone from Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Shakira to Jay-Z, T.I. even Enrique Iglesias. He has appeared everywhere from Broadway to the Super Bowl.
He is part owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, has a best-selling line of fragrances and a business venture with RBMG (Raymond Braun Media Group), home to superstar Justin Bieber.
Usher has also proven to be a major philanthropic force. Founded in 1999, his New Look Foundation empowers youth from impoverished communities to become leaders.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Usher has been honoured by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trumpet Foundation, Do Something, the NAACP, and as the 2010 Ford Freedom Award Scholar.
In 2013 he joined the reality competition The Voice as an on-again, off-again judge.