Usher has Got Us Fallin' In Love with him all over again!
The legendary singer, songwriter, dancer, actor and entrepreneur took the stage at the 2024 BET Awards to receive this year's Lifetime Achievement Award honor, and his speech was enough to make his longtime fans tear up.
The 45-year-old artist, who has led a prolific and highly influential career over the past three decades, was honored with the award presented by producers Jimmy Jam , Terry Lewis , L.A. Reid and Babyface at the 2024 BET Awards ceremony, which took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, June 30.
Usher opened his acceptance speech by telling the audience: “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it. … I didn’t write anything because I wanted this moment to be exactly what it was: present. In this moment, how I am feeling and the appreciation that I have for each and every person that had anything to do with this moment tonight as well as the 30-plus-year career that I celebrate...I don’t know, man, is it too early to receive it? Cause I’m still runnin’ and gunnin’ like I did when I was eight years old."
The legendary musician then reflected on growing up without his father present in his life, pleading with others not to turn their backs on their kids. "But that’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers gotta stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need them to be for them," he said before asking the fathers in the room to stand up as he hyped them up.
Usher then spoke about forgiveness and said he was "turning over a new leaf."
"We’ve got to be willing to forgive, we’ve got to be willing to be open," he added. "I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it. Look what I was able to ‘usher’ in. But that’s what’s real, that’s what makes us human, that’s what makes us women and men."
Not everyone caught the entirety of his 12-or-so minute speech, though, especially if you weren't in the theater, as the broadcast's audio cut out nearly four minutes of it–something fans were quick to call out online.
According to a Billboard reporter inside the awards show, Usher said “f–k” and “motherf–ker” once in his lengthy speech, which reportedly didn’t contain any salacious subject matter. A rep for the awards show did not respond to the outlet's request for comment at the time of writing, so it's unclear if the lengthy lack of audio was intentional or not.
Still, the audible part of Usher's speech–as well as Keke Palmer 's tribute to the star–had viewers feeling some sort of way as they took to the internet to with their uncensored opinions.
Usher now joins a group of fellow global icons who have also received the same honor in years past, including names like Whitney Houston , Prince , Lionel Richie , Busta Rhymes , Queen Latifah , Mary J. Blige and more legendary artists.
“The relationship between BET and Usher spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards ,” said Connie Orlando , BET EVP , Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy in a statement last month. "From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals. to his signature moves and sound, Usher continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence."
In addition to the special honor, Usher was also up for four awards at this year's show, including Album of the Year for Coming Home , Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Best Collaboration and Best Video for “Good Good” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage . He took home the award for best male R&B/pop artist at the ceremony.
It's safe to say this has been a big year for Usher, who tied the knot with Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas in February, just hours before he headlined the Super Bowl Halftime show at Allegiant Stadium.
Next: Country Artist Shaboozey Thrills at BET Awards With 'Tipsy' Performance Featuring J-Kwon
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