Usher’s return to the concert scene has been nothing short of electrifying, and his recent stop in Detroit proved just how much of a timeless R&B icon he remains. In a concert season packed with nostalgic throwbacks to the 1990s and 2000s, Usher's "Past Present Future" tour stands out as one of the most exciting events for fans of retro music. With his first U.S. tour in over a decade and coming fresh off a Super Bowl halftime performance, the suave R&B superstar delivered a show that, while not perfect, reminded audiences why he continues to be a household name in music.
Kicking Off at Little Caesars Arena
On Thursday night, Usher kicked off a two-night stand at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, and the energy in the air was palpable. Fans were ready to bask in the presence of their beloved singing and dancing sensation. After all, Usher's ability to command the stage has always been one of his defining traits. But what made the night even more memorable was the unexpected guest appearance of Detroit’s own Big Sean. About 70 minutes into the show, Big Sean appeared onstage during Usher’s performance of “Superstar,” drawing a massive roar from the hometown crowd.
Big Sean wasn’t just there for a cameo; he brought his own flair to the evening. The rapper performed his new track “Who You Are (Superstar),” which samples Usher’s 2004 hit "Superstar." The chemistry between the two artists was electric, and Usher graciously handed over the spotlight to Big Sean for a solid 10 minutes. Together, they moved through the crowd to a satellite stage, complete with a cocktail bar where Usher even poured drinks for fans. Big Sean then delivered a six-song set of his own hits, including fan favorites like “Blessings” and “Bounce Back.”
Big Sean Steals the Show—Again
Interestingly, this wasn’t even Big Sean’s first performance of the night. Earlier, he had played a 30-minute set at Lager House in support of Stand with Crypto, a cryptocurrency advocacy group. When he hit the stage at LCA later, he expressed his gratitude to Usher for allowing him to sample “Superstar” and hinted at future collaborations between the two. Calling Usher a “national treasure,” Big Sean’s words reflected what many in the audience were undoubtedly feeling: Usher’s return to the stage was a moment to be cherished.
Usher: A Showman Through and Through
Usher’s concert may have had some technical issues in the beginning, but his undeniable stage presence carried the night. The first half of his 1-hour, 45-minute set felt a bit disjointed, with a puzzling sound mix that left some of the vocals drowned out. Many fans, especially those who came for the classic hits, seemed unfamiliar with Usher’s newer material. However, once the sound improved and Usher found his groove, the show truly took off.
Usher structured the performance around the tour’s "Past Present Future" theme, taking the audience on a nostalgic trip through his career. Using date stamps on a large video screen, he revisited key moments from his past, starting all the way back in 1993 with “Call Me a Mack.” As footage of a young Usher played onscreen, the crowd was reminded of just how long this R&B icon has been in the game.
High-Energy Moments
One of the most exciting parts of the night came when Usher transformed the stage into a roller rink, gliding around in a sequined outfit and skates during songs like “Don’t Waste My Time” and “Love in This Club.” It was a dazzling display of showmanship, proving that even at 45, Usher’s athleticism and energy are still on point. His performance of “Nice & Slow” took things down a notch, creating a more intimate, bedroom vibe before ramping things back up with high-energy dance tracks like “OMG” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.”
A Tribute to "Confessions"
For fans of Usher’s earlier work, Thursday’s show did not disappoint. Much like his Las Vegas residencies, this setlist leaned heavily on material from his 2004 blockbuster album Confessions, which remains one of his most celebrated achievements. It was during these songs that Usher truly shone, often taking the stage solo and allowing his voice to do the talking. His vocal performance, honed over decades in the industry, captivated the audience, reminding them of why Usher is considered one of the best R&B singers of the past 25 years.
While the audience was eager for more, some moments during the concert left them wanting. The sound issues early on and the fact that newer material didn’t quite hit with the same punch as the classics were minor setbacks. However, these moments were soon overshadowed by Usher’s dynamic performance and the pure nostalgia he delivered.
Detroit’s Love for Usher
Usher’s Detroit show was part of a larger transatlantic tour, which will run through next spring. Having recovered from a neck injury that delayed the tour’s original launch, Usher proved that he’s back in full force. And Detroit was ready to welcome him with open arms. Detroit marks the seventh stop on the tour, and the city's love for Usher was evident throughout the night.
Wrapping up the show with a lively performance of “Yeah!,” Usher left the crowd on a high note. But that wasn’t all that made Thursday such a busy day for the singer. Earlier that morning, the official release date for the 20th-anniversary edition of Confessions was announced—November 1, to be exact. And to top it off, Usher’s concert movie, Usher: Rendezvous in Paris, began its weekend-long worldwide run with screenings in metro Detroit. It was a full-circle moment for the artist who has managed to stay relevant across multiple decades.
Giving Back to the Community
Usher also took time during his Detroit stop to give back to the community. On Thursday afternoon, he visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, speaking about the importance of after-school programs and the role they play in shaping the lives of young people. His philanthropic efforts only added to the reasons why he’s held in such high regard, both as a performer and a person.
The Night Continues
For fans who missed Thursday’s show, there’s still hope. Usher is set to perform again at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night, and scattered seats and resale tickets are still available through Ticketmaster. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, it’s sure to be another unforgettable night. (Pro tip: Usher took the stage just after 9 p.m., so be sure to plan accordingly if you’re heading out!)
In conclusion, Usher’s return to the stage has reignited the flame for fans of classic R&B. From his smooth dance moves to his still-powerful voice, Usher has proven that he’s still at the top of his game. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or to witness the magic of one of the best performers of his generation, Usher’s "Past Present Future" tour is an experience not to be missed. So, if you get the chance to catch him in concert, don’t sleep on it—this is Usher at his finest, delivering a show that’s equal parts nostalgia and pure entertainment.
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