Usher Explains How He Became ‘The Last Showman’ Starting at Age 12

Usher proudly claims the title of “the last showman,” and his long-standing commitment to his craft certainly supports his assertion. In a revealing episode of his Audible Words + Music series, aptly titled “The Last Showman,” the celebrated R&B artist discusses how he began honing his performance skills at the tender age of 12.

“My mother signed me up for talent shows around town, and I always tried to push the envelope on stage,” Usher shared in an exclusive preview. He attributes his performance style and dedication to legendary entertainers such as James Brown, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Prince, Frank Sinatra, and Gene Kelly.

“These artists taught me the importance of creating memorable moments for the audience, which is what truly makes a showman.”

Usher described how he meticulously observed these icons to learn how they utilized the stage to enhance their storytelling. This attention to detail carried over into his own performances, where he made it a point to interact with the audience, something he noticed other performers often avoided.

“If no one else went into the audience to get close to the people, that’s what I was doing,” he explained.

From a young age, Usher was determined to stand out, not just as a singer or a dancer, but as a consummate entertainer. “I never wanted people to say, ‘Oh, he’s just a singer’ or ‘Oh, yeah he’s good, but he’s just a dancer.’ I wanted them to walk away thinking, ‘That is entertainment, and he is a showman.'”

Now an eight-time GRAMMY winner, Usher continues to reflect on his journey, sharing insights into his evolution as an artist and performer in his Audible episode, which is available for free. This introspective look not only highlights his past achievements but also sets the stage for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.