After 30 years in the game, Usher proves that his reign in R&B is far from over. The singer-songwriter closed out his fourth consecutive sold-out show at LA’s Intuit Dome on Wednesday night, giving fans a night filled with nostalgia, new hits and unforgettable surprises.
Dubbed the “USHER: Past Present Future” tour, the concert coincides with the 30th anniversary of Usher’s debut album and celebrates the legacy he continues to build in the R&B world. Following his Super Bowl LVIII halftime show and the release of his ninth studio album, Coming Home, in February, Usher’s performances are a testament to his lasting influence on the genre.
The energy inside the packed arena reached its peak at around 9:20 p.m. Fans roared when the 3D cube screens glitched intentionally, transitioning into a montage of Usher’s achievements and presenting the theme of time. Usher emerged on stage and immediately commanded the crowd with his opening song, “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home),” setting the tone for the night. He and his dancers also wore roller skates as they glided across the stage, performing choreographed dance routines.
As the setlist went through Usher’s expansive discography, from his early classics to his latest releases, the visuals in the background shifted in sync with the music. After performing a mix of hits ranging from “Love In This Club,” “Lil Freak” and “BIG,” he did a quick outfit change and the screen flashed to an image of a young Usher in 1993. The screen showcased an emotional slideshow of video clips that portrayed his rise from the early days with “My Way” and “You Make Me Wanna…”.
Moreover, the night was packed with moments of reflection and gratitude. After singing fan-favorite “Superstar,” Usher paused to thank the crowd for their unwavering support. He reminisced about his childhood days of saving money to buy Bobby Brown’s tapes, a significant moment in his early connection to music. In a touching tribute, Usher brought out Brown himself, and the two joined the audience in singing “Roni” and “Rock Wit’cha,” creating a heartwarming moment of R&B history shared live.
The surprises kept coming as Usher glided effortlessly across the stage. Juicy J joined him for a lively performance of “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” and together they showered the crowd with “Usher Bucks” while making their way to a smaller stage in the center of the arena. Once there, Usher created intimate moments with the audience, including a spotlight on rising artist Tommy Richman, who performed his viral hit “Million Dollar Baby.” In a moment that quickly went viral on social media, Usher playfully hand-fed cherries to fans. At one point, he teased Halle Bailey, who was in attendance with rapper DDG, by offering her a cherry—only for DDG to humorously step in and move his hand away, adding a lighthearted touch to the evening.
But the true highlight of the evening came with a special guest appearance by legendary musician Stevie Wonder. In a beautifully lit section of the stage, Wonder serenaded the crowd with his classic “Overjoyed” before being joined by Usher for a soulful rendition of “Ribbon In The Sky.” It was a magical, unexpected moment that left fans truly in awe. Nearly every camera phone in the audience was out to record this moment.
Despite the packed setlist and numerous outfit changes, Usher kept the momentum high. After Wonder’s performance, he powered through hits like “Yeah!” and “Caught Up,” taking the audience back to the classics with him. The night’s final moments were marked by a heartfelt performance of “Without You,” as Usher thanked his fans for sticking by him through every era of his career.
From the show’s stunning visuals and choreography to its special guests and nostalgic tributes, Usher’s performance at LA’s Intuit Dome was a love letter to R&B. Through it all, Usher reminded the crowd why he remains one of the greatest entertainers of our time, proving that his influence will continue to shape the future of the genre.
