 Usher and Sean Kingston spiced up Sin City at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Ursh joined fellow heartthrob Romeo Santos to perform their Rico Love-penned duet “Promise” live at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center. Sean Kingston returned to the stage for his first televised performance since his near-fatal accident, adding some fire to reggaeton duo Wisin y Yandel’s set with his single “Fire Burning” and their collaboration “Fever.” If you missed these moments, watch them below. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Sean Kingston, TV Appearances, Usher | Permalink |   Usher is cooking up some fire for his next album. The music superstar hit the studio with today’s top hitmakers including Pharrell, Jim Jonsin, Rico Love, and Diplo to lay down some new tracks for his seventh LP, due in 2012. “Right now we’re just experimenting with different sounds,” said Rico, who penned “There Goes My Baby” off 2010’s Raymond v. Raymond. “My job is to make sure it stays classic. I don’t feel like Usher is just a Top 40 artist or just an R&B artist or just a rhythmic artist. I gotta make records that connect to all formats.” One insider who heard the new material tells Rap-Up.com, “It’s the most ridiculous music I’ve ever heard Jim and Rico make. Amazing!” Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Pharrell, Photos, Usher | Permalink |  Alicia Keys was the belle of the ball at the 8th Annual Keep a Child Alive Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Thursday evening (Nov. 3). The Grammy-winning songstress, who co-founded the non-profit organization, shimmered in a gold top, cream-colored blazer, and gold pointy-toe heels as she posed on the red carpet with her husband Swizz Beatz, who looked sharp in an all-black tux. “I am overwhelmed by the kindness I witnessed last night at the eighth annual Black Ball NY,” said Keys, who raised over $3 million for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in India and Africa. “I am forever grateful to all of our supporters whose generosity will provide AIDS treatment and care for so many in desperate need.” Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Gayle King, Kerry Washington, Carmelo Anthony, and La La Vazquez were among the stars who dressed up to honor the spiritual, musical, and philanthropic legacy of the late George Harrison. Guests were treated to performances by Usher, Norah Jones, will.i.am, Jay Sean, and more. The “Fallin’” singer joined Usher and Richie Sambora on The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” and closed the night by singing “I Gotta Feeling” with will.i.am, as her mother and brother danced onstage. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Alicia Keys, Jay Sean, Photos, Swizz Beatz, Usher, will.i.am | Permalink |  Pharrell paid Justin Bieber the ultimate compliment after he heard his new Christmas album Under the Mistletoe, which arrives tomorrow. “Listening to your vocals, man, I’m impressed,” said The Neptunes hitmaker while kicking it in the studio with the pop star and Usher. “It’s amazing. I didn’t know that his voice had matured this much. Those runs are really, really clean. A couple times I [got chills].” Skateboard P co-signed the album, which features collaborations with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men, and Usher himself. “Ya’ll gotta get this Christmas album. I’m definitely stamping it,” remarked P. Usher added, “The world is bugging right now ’cause your voice is incredible.” Bieber is working with Kanye West and Drake on his next studio album Believe, which is due in early 2012. “I feel like this Christmas album is like the iPhone 4S,” said Biebs. “Everyone was waiting for the 5, but we just put out the 4S to give them something real quick.” Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Justin Bieber, Pharrell, Usher | Permalink |  Turn on the fireplace and pour the eggnog. Usher and Justin Bieber get into the Christmas spirit early with their remake of “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).” The heartthrobs duet on the Christmas classic made popular by Nat King Cole. Their soulful version will appear on Justin’s upcoming holiday album Under the Mistletoe (Nov. 1). “This right here is an incredible record to be remembered for years to come,” Usher told Ryan Seacrest. “It’s a record that has always been one of my favorites, and I’m happy that I was able to share it with Justin.” In addition to Usher, Mistletoe features contributions from Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men, and Chris Brown, who lent his songwriting skills to the track “Christmas Eve,” described by Bieber’s manager as “baby makin’ music.” Now that we gotta hear. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Justin Bieber, New Music, Usher | Permalink |  Usher had the honor of performing for former President Bill Clinton at the William J. Clinton Decade of Difference Concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles last night (Oct. 15). The R&B singer served up a three-song set including “Yeah,” “OMG,” and a cover of the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help from My Friends.” While working up a sweat on stage, Ursh accidentally split his pants, but danced right through the wardrobe malfunction. “I work hard,” he joked. Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and U2’s Bono and The Edge also participated in the star-studded affair. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Live Performances, Usher | Permalink |  Taylor Swift has been keeping company with some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest stars on her “Speak Now” tour. One of her surprise guests, Usher, is praising the country crooner for her hip-hop sensibility. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Usher | Permalink |  David Guetta brings the continents together—literally—in the video for “Without You,” his top 10 collaboration with Usher off his latest album Nothing But the Beat. The French DJ throws a global party—from the shores of Thailand to the golden coast of California to the plains of Africa. “Every continent is [coming] back together and it’s one big party and there’s no more different continents, there’s no more different colors—we’re all the same and we’re all together,” explained Guetta. “That’s what the video is and that’s what the music is.” He meets up with Usher as the celebration continues and the people of the world unite, dancing to one rhythm. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Music Videos, Usher | Permalink |  David Guetta unites the globe with his beat in the feel-good video for “Without You,” his top 10 collaboration with Usher off his album Nothing But the Beat. The French DJ throws a worldwide party—from the shores of Thailand to the golden coast of California to the plains of Africa—in the behind-the-scenes clip. “Every continent is [coming] back together and it’s one big party and there’s no more different continents, there’s no more different colors—we’re all the same and we’re all together,” explained Guetta. “That’s what the video is and that’s what the music is.” He meets up with Usher in Paris to shoot scenes against green screen. “Some of your greatest experiences in life will happen at those moments and we just want to be able to give you those moments,” said Ursh. The full video will premiere Friday, October 14, on VEVO. Read the rest of this entry » Posted in Usher, Videos | Permalink | |
