That’s it Usherworld, and we’re just living in it. During Sunday night BET Awards 2024The 45-year-old was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award – presented by LA Reid and Babyface – where he shared an inspiring message in his acceptance speech and became emotional as he reflected on the honor.
“Getting here definitely wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” Usher shared with a smile. “I didn’t write anything because I wanted this moment to be exactly what it was: present. Right now, how I’m feeling and the appreciation I have for every person who has anything to do with this moment tonight, as well as the more than 30 years of career I’m celebrating.”
“This lifetime achievement award, I don’t know, man. Is it too soon for me to get it? Because I’m still running and gunning and I still love it like I did when I was 8,” Usher shared with a laugh.
Seriously speaking, the singer recalled his early years and his search for identity.
“I was trying to understand this name that a man gave me but didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” Usher reflected, emotionally. “Or at least that was my perception, because I had to live long enough to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of being a black man in America.”
“My dad was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions. He made a lot of choices, and one that probably hurt me 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 fathers have to stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man they need to be for them.”
Although Usher’s acceptance speech was sadly marred by audio issues during the broadcast, his message of acceptance and forgiveness shined through.
“You gotta be willing to forgive, folks. Let he who knows no sin cast the first stone. You gotta be willing to forgive. You gotta be willing to open up,” he shared. “I’m telling you, you’re looking at a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up. And look what I did with that! Look what I was able to inaugurate. That’s what’s real. That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I appreciate all of you, man.”
Usher’s speech was preceded by a special tribute that highlighted the artist of “Love in this Club”achievements in music, film and TV – with stars such as Toni Braxton, LA Reid and Janelle Monáe speaking in a special video montage honoring their career and legacy.
Then, in one of the most star-studded awards shows in recent history, some of Usher’s biggest hits were covered by a host of celebrities, including Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét, to name just a few.
Before accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Usher took the stage to accept the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
On the blue carpet ahead of Sunday’s awards show, Usher opened up to ET’s Deidre Behar about bringing his family to witness the special night by his side. Along with his mother, Jonnetta Patton, and his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, the musician attended the show with his sons, Naviyd Raymond and Usher “Cinco” Raymond V.
“Being able to share this moment with my family is incredible. We worked hard (and) they made the sacrifices of allowing me to do what I love and supporting me,” Usher shared. “We’re celebrating the last 16 years of their lives (and) the last 40 years of my life and my mother’s life and everything she put into this moment that I’m going to have tonight. able to celebrate all the people who had something to do with this moment.”
And when it comes to Sunday night being the right time to celebrate all the hard work he’s put into his career, Usher told ET that “when it’s meant to happen, it will eventually happen.”
“You have to be committed (and) dedicated and eventually they see it. For all the people who have been (my) motivation and to receive this award (and) join them in this legacy moment, it’s great company to keep and I feel like I’m just getting started, honestly,” he admitted.
It was an exciting year for Usher, who headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show It is officially married his longtime girlfriend in February.
Usher joins a star-studded roster of gamechangers and industry pioneers who have left a lasting impact on culture and entertainment, including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, New Edition and Busta Rhymes.
Looking ahead, Usher told ET he’s more focused on building his “kingdom” than collecting accolades.
“A lot of people focus on being number one, being the queen or being the king. I just want to build a kingdom and continue to do amazing things and amazing offerings for the world, whether it’s music or culture of things that I think are relevant to the world”, declared Usher. “I’m going to do a tour and after that, we’ll see what happens.”
O BET Awards 2024hosted by Taraji P. Hensonairs live on BET channel in the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30th at 8pm ET/PT. check out the full list of winners here.
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