The 46-year-old singer and actor thrills fans in his 10-night residency at the O2
R&B legend Usher proved why he remains one of the greatest entertainers of his generation with an electrifying performance at The O2 Arena in London.
The 46-year-old singer, dancer, and actor dazzled the crowd with gravity-defying air flips, slick dance routines, and rapid costume changes, making for an unforgettable night of music and showmanship.
Usher’s latest London performance, part of his 10-night residency at The O2, kicked off on Wednesday evening with a high-energy medley of hits, opening with his 1994 track Can U Get Wit It.
A night of spectacle and nostalgia
The eight-time Grammy Award winner, who announced his tour last year during his Super Bowl halftime show, brought his signature mix of choreography, charisma, and crowd engagement to the stage.
With a setlist packed with fan favourites, including Burn, U Remind Me, OMG, and Yeah!, Usher’s two-hour performance pushed him to his physical limits as he danced, skated, and serenaded the crowd.
Throughout the show, Usher’s flawless footwork and effortless stage presence kept fans on their feet. His rollerblading sequences, performed alongside his dance crew, added a thrilling visual element, while his engaging crowd interactions made the show feel intimate despite the arena’s massive scale.
“Are we celebrating life tonight?” Usher asked the audience, as he took them through a joyous journey spanning his three-decade career.
Dramatic visuals and costume changes
The concert’s visual production was equally impressive. Between songs, a large screen—which at times referred to itself as “AI”—kept fans entertained with futuristic animations while Usher made dramatic costume changes.
His outfits ranged from:
- A Union Jack-inspired ensemble, paying tribute to his UK fanbase.
- A sparkling gold suit, capturing the glamour of his performance style.
- A white suit and cane, giving him an old-school R&B showman vibe.
The AI screen also played a creative role in storytelling. During U Got It Bad, the visuals featured a pre-recorded dance sequence appearing deliberately out of sync, as if each character was experiencing a different version of reality—a clever nod to modern relationships and perception.
Memorable fan interactions and special guests
One of the standout moments of the evening came during There Goes My Baby, when Usher stepped into the crowd, offering cherries from a bowl to his female fans, adding a touch of romance and playfulness.
Another highlight occurred during Birthday, when two seemingly unsuspecting women, dressed as event staff, were invited onstage to take a shot—only to reveal themselves as pole dancers, launching into a mesmerising routine for I Don’t Mind.
Midway through the show, Usher took a moment to acknowledge his return to the UK after a decade-long absence, telling the crowd:
“I’m so happy to be performing here after 10 years. This music that ties us together represents 30 years of a career.”
In a playful nod to his roots, he also declared:
“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.”
As the night drew to a close, the energy only intensified. US rapper T.I. made a surprise appearance, thrilling fans with an unexpected collaboration. The show reached its climactic finale with an explosive performance of Yeah! and Without You, complete with more rollerblading and dance-heavy theatrics.
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Usher’s European return
Aside from his eight-night residency in Paris in 2023, Usher’s O2 residency marks his first European tour since his 2015 UR Tour.
His return to the stage comes after a neck injury last year, which forced him to reschedule several US dates. However, his London performance confirmed that he has lost none of his energy or star power.
A legacy of hits and versatility
Usher rose to international fame in 2004 with his album Confessions, which topped the charts and won multiple awards. The record included some of his biggest hits, such as Yeah!, Burn, Confessions Part II, and My Boo.
Beyond music, Usher has made a name for himself in acting, appearing in films like Hustlers and Light It Up, as well as TV series including Moesha and The Faculty. He has also served as a coach on the US version of The Voice.
A triumphant return to the UK stage
For Usher’s fans, his O2 residency is more than just a concert—it is a celebration of his legacy, talent, and enduring impact on R&B and pop culture.
As he continues his London run, one thing is clear: Usher is back, and he remains one of the greatest performers in the industry today.
