“Did You Say 16?!” Usher Stops Flirty Cherry Moment Over Age Confusion

R&B superstar Usher may be known for his smooth moves and seductive charm on stage, but he’s also careful when it comes to boundaries—especially with younger fans.

During a recent performance in London, the singer momentarily halted one of his now-iconic concert rituals—feeding cherries to women in the audience—after a fan appeared to say she was just 16 years old.

“How old did you say you were?” Usher asked the woman during the exchange, captured in a video that quickly went viral. When she responded, he followed up with a surprised, “Did you say 16?!”

Before she could clarify, Usher had already walked away, opting to avoid the interaction entirely. Moments later, she called out that she was actually 19, prompting the performer to return—but with caution. Rather than feeding her the cherry himself, he handed it to her friend to do the honors instead.

Online, fans praised Usher’s judgment. “Bros taking no chances 😂,” one viewer wrote on social media. Another chimed in: “I’m glad he kept moving. 19 is too young.”

Usher’s cherry-feeding has become a signature moment during his live shows, often accompanied by flirtatious serenades that sometimes leave audiences—and social media—buzzing.

The tradition reached new heights of viral fame in 2023, when actress Keke Palmer was serenaded during his Las Vegas residency. The moment sparked online drama after her then-partner, Darius Jackson, criticized her outfit, commenting, “It’s the outfit tho… you a mom.”

The backlash was swift, turning the incident into a flashpoint for conversations around motherhood, autonomy, and public shaming. A year later, Usher joined Palmer on her Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast, addressing the viral moment with humor and empathy.

“I don’t want to take any responsibility for breaking everybody’s home up,” he said with a laugh. “That wasn’t the purpose. It was for you to have a good time with your girls… You looked fabulous, by the way.”

As his shows continue to blend R&B nostalgia with theatrical flair, Usher seems to be balancing charm with caution—reminding fans that even on stage, boundaries matter.