In an exclusive interview with tabloid! ahead of his first ever Middle East gig, he promised it would be a show to remember.
Turns out Usher Raymond IV was more than telling the truth.
"Ah, man. Every time I go out on stage I want my fans to know I give 150 per cent," he said just hours before the much-anticipated show on Thursday, which sold out seven days before the event. "I want to give my fans a show to remember." Mission accomplished.
More than 12,000 fans filled the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre to catch the five-time Grammy Award-winner who also insisted he would love to return to the UAE.
Softly spoken, his manners took me by surprise. Please and thank you followed every question, hello and goodbye and his gentle nature was obvious from the start.
‘Fame can be intoxicating'
Quizzed on the fact that he subtly helped switch the tape of a reporter's recording device after hearing the tape click, he looked confused, his eyes asking why he would have done anything else.
"Can you imagine how that person would have felt if I hadn't? Annoyed, for one. And I want them to hear what I have to say," he said laughing, attempting unsuccessfully to make me believe his cover-up.
"No, look — you have to ask yourself how many artists are able to be in this position? Not many. And even if they are, that's just the way I view it, which is why I handle it the way I do. Fame is something which can be intoxicating if it's picked up by the wrong person.
"Everybody in life has their seven minutes of fame. What do you do with yours? Those who are fortunate enough to have more than seven minutes — it's for a reason. It's because they have a mission which is greater than what people see. I would only hope the relationships and bridges that I have built along the way are the same ones that hold me up throughout my entire career."
The 31-year-old Burn singer wanted to make it clear he did not consider pulling out of the gig due to unrest in the Middle East, as rumoured earlier in the week.
"I feel an obligation to show up when I actually say I'm going to," he said with sincerity. "For my fans in Dubai, I wanted to make sure I'm here. I wanted to give them a show they'll remember for many years from now. Then hopefully they'll invite me back again.
"My style of music is really about creating cultural experiences that the entire world can be part of. Be it through emotion or through the emotion I'm going through."
In 2008, a young boy called Justin Beiber stood in front of Usher and sang his heart out. Months later he was signed to the R&B star's label, someone the 17-year-old considers his biggest mentor and friend, even now. "I never tire of answering questions about [Justin]. It's not pressure for me. It's obvious pressure for him. But I think that's the reason I'm a part of his life. To be able to help, monitor, help to guide that experience. From as much of my experience as I've had as an artist.
"There are certain things I'll be able to help him with and certain things he'll ask for my help on.
"To support him in his growth as a young man, to support him as an artist. As a person who has some sense of civic duty as a human being. I'll encourage him in all areas."
The funk side of life
Discovered singing at church, aged 13, there's no surprise among Usher's idols is James Brown, someone he says he listens to before every live show.
"I'm listening to anything from the '90s, late '80s. One sure party-starter for me is James Brown. I work out to James Brown. You know, just really getting into the moment of performing before I head on stage. It's like getting into the funk of things."
Watch the exclusive interview with Usher at gulfnews.com/gntv
