Entertainment
Singer Says, ‘Be Positive’
Usher Revels in New Roles as a Father and Mentor
By ELYSA GARDNER
USA Today
NEW YORK — It may seem like only yesterday that Usher was a teen prodigy.
But the precocious young singer who rose to fame in the 1990’s is now a 31-year-old divorced father of two young sons, and he's a mentor in his own right.
Unwinding in a Midtown TV studio after an appearance, Usher speaks enthusiastically of his new album, “Versus,” and forthcoming tour, which launches Nov. 10, but he appears especially pleased, and grows more playful, when the subject turns to his toddlers — and to a certain “tween” heartthrob he has helped groom and guide.
"I call him the single Beatle," Usher said of Justin Bieber, 16, his protégé and pal for the past two years.
Justin Bieber is managed by Usher's business partner, Scooter Braun, and Usher introduced the fledgling idol to record company executive, L.A. Reid, who signed him on the spot — just as Mr. Reid signed Usher more than a decade earlier.
"I feel as if God specifically placed [Justin Bieber] in front of me, because of how I started," said Usher, who keeps in touch with the young singer via his BlackBerry and his Twitter account.
"I understood the hardships of trying to find yourself in this industry at that age, and I wanted him to have an instant, organic connection to his fans.
“And he's done that. He just has these natural talents — and some you haven't even seen yet."
Usher is, predictably, just as effusive discussing his sons, Usher Raymond V, 2, and Naviyd, 1.
"Life can weigh you down, but children pump blood back into your heart. Their innocence gives you a reason to be open-minded, and they re-ignite your love for life."
The kids adore music, "to the point that Usher V harasses me and everyone around us to play his favorite song of mine.
“It's the first song he ever saw me perform. I'd really rather he become a lawyer or accountant, but he may be talented.
“He'll just find his way, and I'll be supportive."
Usher shares custody with the boys' mother, stylist Tameka Foster, whom he divorced last year, on amicable terms.
"I took a woman's hand in marriage, and, unfortunately, it didn't work out,” he said, “but it's damaging when [parents] don't work together.
"My life isn't the typical one, but that doesn't mean I can't be a traditional father, in my own way.
“My tradition is loving, being available for my kids.”
“I didn't have that from my father,” he continued, “so, having it will give them greater potential."
Asked about whether he's dating, Usher smiled and said, "I'm very single."
He's not opposed to getting married again, he commented, "but I'm in no rush. I want to make sure that I really know what I'm getting into.
“If someone is out there, I'll find her and we'll make it in time.”
Not that anyone would associate Usher's pursuits with a casual pace. His mentoring extends to his New Look Foundation, which provides disadvantaged young people with grants and training "to motivate them to make a change in their lives,” the singer said. “I understand that, coming from a broken home."
Usher also hopes to do more acting. He especially enjoyed a stint in the Broadway revival of “Chicago” four years ago.
"I can't recall a more intimate, monogamous relationship I've had as an entertainer,” he quipped. “You have to show up on time every night, and it tightens you up in every aspect."
And what of his downtime?
"Relaxing isn't really in my DNA," he said. "I do meditate. You have to find those moments to focus and process everything."
"I pray,” the singer added, “because faith is all we have at the end of the day. You never know which way the coin is going to fall, so you have to stay positive."
