Usher, Babyface receive awards at Apollo’s 90th anniversary
Iconic singers Usher and Babyface received prestigious awards at The Apollo Theater’s 90th anniversary.
Usher had some “Confessions” to make at the 2024 BET Awards, but they were of the heartwarming kind.
The R&B icon was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony Sunday night.
“Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” Usher said. “This Life(time) Achievement Award, I don’t know man, is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning, and I still love this (work) like I did when I was 8 years old.”
Usher was given his flowers with a jam-packed tribute performance that showcased the “Yeah!” singer’s immaculate collection of soulful pop hits.
On a more somber note, Usher also looked back at his early years during his speech.
“I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me but didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” said Usher of his relationship with his father. “Or at least that was my perception of it because I had to live long enough in order to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart in order to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America.”
“My father was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions. He made a lot of choices, and one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away,” Usher continued. “That’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers have got to stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need to be for them.”
Still, Usher stressed the importance of forgiveness.
“You’ve got to be willing to forgive, y’all. He who knows no sin cast the first stone. You’ve got to be willing to forgive. Got to be willing to be open,” he said. “I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it! Look what I was able to usher in. That’s what’s real. That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I thank you all, man.”
Earlier in the night, Usher won the award for best male R&B/pop artist. “I’m really happy to still be a part of the fight,” he said, including “being an inspiration for the new kids.”
Usher’s BET Award follows major accolades for the 45-year-old, including a career-defining performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in February.
Taking the stage at Allegiant Stadium, the Grammy-winning singer delivered a suave, nostalgic set that highlighted his legacy of R&B-pop hits, including “Caught Up,” “Love in This Club” and “U Got it Bad.” The 13-minute performance also featured appearances from longtime pals and collaborators Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Will.i.am., Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris.
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Childish Gambino opened the tribute performance with a suave rendition of Usher’s “U Don’t Have to Call.”
Actress and singer Keke Palmer also made an appearance, delivering an energetic performance of “You Make Me Wanna…” Palmer previously starred in Usher’s music video for “Boyfriend.”
Other stars who took the stage to honor Usher included Summer Walker, Jennifer Hudson, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét.
Rapper Latto channeled Usher’s heartthrob charisma for a swaggering performance of “Yeah!,” even playfully throwing her jacket at Usher in the audience.
Earlier this month, Usher was honored with the Icon Award by the Apollo Theater during its annual spring benefit. Songwriter and record producer Babyface was recognized with the Legacy Award alongside him.
Usher was first to take the stage to accept his award, recalling his early memories of being at the Apollo, including seeing former Apollo Amateur Night host Kiki Shepherd. “They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. But if you can make it to the Apollo, you can do anything,” he said. “Everything that the Apollo has done has motivated me in so many different ways.”
Usher at the Apollo: Usher, Babyface showcase icon and legend status at Apollo 90th anniversary
The “Good Good” singer praised his mother Jonnetta Patton for allowing him to dream big. “I was always talking about the reality that I would be able to make it and she believed it,” he said. “She was daring enough to support my vision and support me as an artist and as a man and as a philanthropist.”
“Incredible moments have happened on this stage. Tonight I’m able to join a legacy of incredible people, like Harry Belafonte,” Usher continued. “I feel like I’m the youngest of the legends, but for some reason, I also feel like I might be the oldest of the pioneers of this time. Someway, somehow this puts me in this very new and classic space. I’m so happy that I could have this moment.”
Contributing: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
