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Usher Pays Tribute to Michael Jackson at Essence Festival

Posted Jul 2nd 2011 11:55AM by Latifah Muhammad
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Usher closed out the first day of the Essence Music Festival Friday (July 1), with a rousing two hour performance in which he paid homage to the late Michael Jackson.

Shocking the audience with his entrance, the Grammy winner emerged from a platform in the middle of the New Orleans Superdome high above the crowd, before breaking into his set. "Welcome to the first day of the Essence Music Festival," he said in between crowd cheers. "Are you guys having a good time?" From there he launched into a timeline of hits including 'You Make Me Wanna,' 'Bad Girl, 'Nice & Slow' and 'Lil Freak.'

Amidst four costume changes, and nearing the end of his show, Usher honored the two year anniversary of Jackson's death. "Six days ago marks the death of Michael Jackson," he said. "I'd like to pay tribute to him, is that all right with you guys?" He asked before breaking into a dance sequence to the King of Pop's hits 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough,' 'Rock With You' and 'Billy Jean,' while trying his hand at mimicking Jackson's moonwalk. Usher closed the show with one last costume change before his hit single 'OMG.'

The Essence Music Festival continues through July 3, with performances from Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Naughty By Nature.

The Essence Musical Festival will be held through July 3. For more information, visit www.essence.com.

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Filed under: Soul/R&B, R&B News, Tours and Concerts, Exclusive
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5 Comments

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Valerie

I liked Michael.I love Usher!!!!!!

August 10 2011 at 11:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Old Soldier

While Usher Raymond is undeniably one of the greatest entertainers of his generation, his supporting cast, i.e. sound technicians, fail him during his Essence Music Festival Performance. Most of his songs were very good and the dancing and showmanship was impeccable, but his last few songs were too loud, distorted and occassionally off pitch. In fact, the music was so loud, I suspect Usher may have had difficulty hearing himself. Still, I think most enjoyed the performance. Those, however, with a discriminating ear may have found the last few songs painful. Overall, it was a very good performance, but he's reached a level where people began to expect and demand perfection. When I see him again, my expectations will be no less. I have no doubt that he's aware of the issues and will take the necessary action to resolve them, because that's what professionals do, and he has consistently demonstrated that he is indeed a professional. OS

July 05 2011 at 10:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Cecile Noel

Michael jackson was my brother on christ and i understand every step my boo made everytime he goes on stage he is phenomenal he remember michael and i think that so much greatful and as michael raise christian young age he know the value of God law and usher too understand it then i just can congradulated usher for such remembering he made on every stage he took place that remarquable and nice from a brother ,and behind all comprenhension only God can understand fully this magnitude remember ,true michael will miss forever and my mom too even i raise young age christian too i sometime i don't really understand why i lost my mom she will be miss me forever and ever until the promise land usher i love you and will always be

July 04 2011 at 9:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

aloettedorinda

I miss Michael Jackson-I still cannot believe he is gone. I hope the remaining Jackson's will record again-I just cannot get enough of the JACKSON'S music-I LOVE watching the Motown 25 anniversary and the 30th also-on YouTube-WOW-there has never been another group of this calibur-Not even close-C'Mon there are still 5 talented Jackson brothers-give us something-PLEASE!!!!! Maybe your sisters will get in on the act, too-that would be awesome!! Get all the family together and do a tribute to Michael-THAT is a GREAT idea!!!

July 04 2011 at 1:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mshirley

Thank you Usher;for continueing to pay tribute and honorablility to Michael Jackson!!For every moment of those who love him;I KNOW he is looking down from heaven witrh a HUGE SMILE on his face..We all know HE'S THE VERY BEST............

July 02 2011 at 4:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

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