Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Usher Names Himself Alongside Icons on 'R&B Mount Rushmore'

In an recent interview with E! News, Usher made a bold and definitive statement, placing himself among the pantheon of R&B greats on what he calls the "R&B Mount Rushmore." He didn't hesitate to share the names of those who, in his view, belong on this musical monument.

With a self-assured tone, Usher declared, "I get to put myself up there." He continued, "Marvin Gaye is going up there, Michael [Jackson] is going to be up there, Prince is going to be up there, and I'd put a few incredible female vocalists like Whitney Houston up there. It doesn't necessarily have to just be men."



This revelation from Usher coincides with his preparation for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, slated to take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in February 2024. The announcement of his Super Bowl performance has generated considerable excitement, with fans and fellow artists eagerly anticipating what he has in store. Usher revealed that he's drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Maroon 5, making his upcoming performance a hot topic in the music world.

Behind the Scenes: Usher's Super Bowl Journey

Usher's dedication to delivering an unforgettable Super Bowl performance is palpable. Juggling the responsibilities of his "My Way" residency in Las Vegas, he's fully committed to the extensive preparations for the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

In a candid interview with CNN, Usher shared his thoughts on returning to the live stage after the challenges posed by the pandemic. For Usher, the stage represents his comfort zone, a place where he can seamlessly connect with his audience and let his creative energy flow.

"It's all about having everyone together in one room, celebrating this music, and returning to a sense of normalcy," Usher explained. He underscored the profound significance of the live experience, emphasizing that it's his driving force and a source of deep passion.

While physical fitness is vital for maintaining the rigorous demands of his residency, Usher shared that his Super Bowl preparation is primarily a mental exercise. He's carefully crafting a message of unity and celebration for the performance.

"My performance will be a celebration of various aspects. I'll celebrate the places I've been, the inspirations that have guided me, the music that has touched souls, the dance that has brought joy, and the legacy of all the entertainers who have played their part in uniting the world," Usher revealed.

A Unique Tradition: Usher's Decision to Perform for Free

In an industry where artists often perform for exposure rather than payment during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Usher has chosen to follow this unique tradition. The NFL, notorious for not compensating its halftime show performers, continues this practice, providing artists with an unparalleled platform to reach millions of viewers.

Usher, having been named the 2024 halftime show performer, revealed that he wasn't the NFL's first choice, with stars like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Lizzo reportedly turning down the opportunity. While he won't receive a performance fee, Usher recognizes the potential for vast exposure and the chance to connect with his dedicated fan base, making this a strategic move in his thriving career.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Iconic R&B Sextet New Edition Announces Six-Show Residency at Wynn Las Vegas

New Edition, the iconic R&B sextet, is set to embark on a long-awaited residency in Las Vegas in early 2024. From February 28 through March 9, the group will grace the stage at Wynn Las Vegas' The Encore for six intimate performances.

The news, initially teased by the group during its recent tour, was confirmed on Monday. In a joint statement, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivins and Ricky Bell expressed their enthusiasm for this career-defining moment. They stated, "Fulfilling a career-long dream to solidify ourselves with a residency performance in the entertainment capital of the world, we are beyond excited to embark on this fantastical journey at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas."


The group is committed to providing a unique experience for their fans. As Johnny Gill added, the residency will feature classic hits like "Candy Girl," "Can You Stand The Rain" and "If It Isn't Love." He teased, "It'll be the best show on Earth."

Bobby Reynolds, Senior VP of AEG Presents Las Vegas, noted the significance of New Edition's upcoming residency. "We are honored to have Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas serve as the home to New Edition's first-ever Las Vegas residency," he said. "Encore Theater's roster is comprised of legendary talents, and it only makes sense to have an iconic music group like New Edition join its ranks."

Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will go on sale this Friday, November 10, at 10 a.m. PT, with prices starting at $79.95.

The Las Vegas residency announcement follows New Edition's performance at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, where they paid tribute to The Spinners. They delivered a memorable performance at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, showcasing songs like "I'll Be Around," "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "The Rubberband Man."



This performance was not only a tribute to The Spinners but also celebrated the legacy of Soul Train host and creator Don Cornelius, who received the Ahmet Ertegun Award this year. The 2023 Hall of Fame inductees included Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, Rage Against the Machine, Sheryl Crow, George Michael and Willie Nelson.

With a string of top 10 hits, such as "Cool It Now," "Hit Me Off," "If It Isn't Love" and "I'm Still In Love With You," New Edition has left an indelible mark on the R&B genre and continues to captivate audiences.

For more details on the upcoming residency or to purchase tickets click here

SZA Named Variety's 'Hitmaker of the Year'

The Come Up ShowCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SZA has been crowned "Hitmaker of the Year" at Variety's seventh annual Hitmakers celebration. The event, set to grace the Nov. 29 publication and accompanied by an exclusive invitation-only brunch on December 2, recognizes the individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping and defining this year's 25 most-consumed songs, according to Billboard and Luminate Charts.

Variety's Executive Music Editor, Jem Aswad, succinctly captures the spirit of the event, stating, "The goal of Hitmakers has always been to honor the top artists and songs of the year, and especially the people behind them." He goes on to elaborate, "SZA, her 'SOS' album and tour, and her hits this year are not only a creative and commercial triumph but one with a reach that extends far beyond the music world. We are immensely proud to honor her as our Hitmaker of the Year."

SZA's distinction as Hitmaker of the Year follows a string of award nominations, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the music industry. Most recently, Femme It Forward announced its Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala, featuring SZA alongside notable artists like Teyana Taylor, Brandy, Flo Milli, and others.

Furthermore, the BET Soul Train Awards recently revealed that SZA, Usher, and Summer Walker are leading the pack with nine nominations each. The awards ceremony, scheduled to air on Nov. 26, marks a remarkable month for the talented artist.

SZA's critically acclaimed album, "SOS," made a significant impact with its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in December. The album comprises 23 tracks, including hit singles like "Kill Bill," "Snooze" and "Nobody Gets Me," with collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Following the album's remarkable success, SZA embarked on an extensive tour across Europe and the United States, captivating audiences with her artistry. The North American leg of her tour commenced on Sept. 20, spanning major cities and concluding in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 29.

Variety's 2023 Hitmakers program, meticulously curated by the editorial team, includes a lineup of distinguished awards:

  • SZA – Hitmaker of the Year
  • Olivia Rodrigo – Storyteller of the Year
  • Boygenius – Group of the Year
  • Metro Boomin – Producer of the Year
  • Mark Ronson – Soundtrack of the Year
  • Billie Eilish and FINNEAS – Film Song of the Year: "What Was I Made For"
  • Maren Morris – Changemaker of the Year
  • Republic Records – Label of the Year
  • Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka – Music Education and Advocacy Leadership Award, presented by City National Bank

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