R&B icon Usher lit up the O2 Arena on Wednesday evening with a stunning display of showmanship, combining airborne flips, rapid costume changes, and his signature smooth dance moves. The performance marked one of ten nights in his highly anticipated London residency.
The 46-year-old singer and actor launched the show with a medley that included his 1994 classic Can U Get Wit It, setting the tone for a high-octane evening. The tour, first announced during his memorable Super Bowl halftime performance—complete with roller skating and hit medleys—continues to impress, now on UK soil.
Hit After Hit in a Joyous Celebration
The eight-time Grammy Award winner powered through a nearly two-hour set packed with chart-topping tracks such as Burn, U Remind Me, OMG, and Yeah.
Despite the physical demands of the show, Usher remained energetic, delighting the crowd as he danced, rollerbladed alongside performers, and interacted with fans.
At several points, the show incorporated a large screen labelled “AI” to entertain the audience during swift costume changes. Outfits ranged from a sparkling gold suit to a Union Jack ensemble—an homage to his UK setting—alongside a white suit paired with a cane for added flair.
In a creative twist, the screen was also used to enhance on-stage illusions, with synchronised choreography and acrobatics. During U Got It Bad, a pre-recorded sequence appeared intentionally out of sync, suggesting multiple realities unfolding simultaneously.
Usher expressed heartfelt gratitude to his UK fans, saying:“(I’m) so happy to perform after 10 years. This music that ties us together represents 30 years of a career.”Fan Highlights and Surprise Moments
One standout moment came during There Goes My Baby, as Usher wove through the audience, handing out cherries to delighted female fans. Later, during Birthday, he playfully involved two women disguised as staff, only for them to be revealed as pole dancers as I Don’t Mind began.
The crowd erupted as Usher quipped, “Since we’re in the United Kingdom, respect to the Queen, but I’m going to turn it into the United Kingdom of Atlanta for two seconds.”
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The finale brought a spectacular burst of energy, featuring a surprise appearance by US rapper T.I., a return to rollerblading, and crowd-pleasing hits Yeah and Without You.
Aside from an eight-night Paris residency in 2023, this marks Usher’s first European tour since 2015’s UR Tour. His US dates last year were briefly postponed due to a neck injury sustained during rehearsals.
Rising to global fame in 2004 with the record-breaking Confessions album—which featured Yeah!, Burn, Confessions Part II, and My Boo—Usher has also built a career in television and film. His credits include a coaching role on the US The Voice and acting roles in Hustlers, Light It Up, Moesha, and The Faculty.
