The 55th annual NAACP Awards on Saturday night named Usher entertainer of the year, celebrating works by entertainers and writers of color. The event at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was a star-studded affair, with Usher expressing gratitude for his three-decade career, highlighting his recent achievements such as his sold-out Vegas residency, marriage, and the success of his ninth studio album, Coming Home. His Super Bowl halftime show, the most-watched in history, was also a standout moment. Usher's win bested nominees like Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer.
The multi-Grammy winner, presented the award by Oprah Winfrey, expressed disbelief at the amount he's accomplished in one setting and thanked his supporters. Usher dedicated his award to his fans, his "number ones," ending his speech with lyrics from his hit song "Superstar" from the album Confessions, which has sold over 10 million units in the U.S.
Usher was also honored with the President's Award for his public service through his New Look Foundation, where he thanked the influential women in his life, including his mother and wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl performance. "The say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman," he noted.
Queen Latifah hosted the ceremony, broadcasted live on BET, where The Color Purple won best motion picture. The film featured a star-studded cast, with Barrino winning best actress for her role as Celie.
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, with Michael Bivins expressing gratitude for the group's journey from conflicts and tensions to holding a Vegas residency. Bivins highlighted the group's bond, with members Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ricky Bell standing behind him, emphasizing their daily communication and growth.
Damson Idris won best actor in a drama television series for Snowfall, while Henson and Domingo took home best supporting roles in The Color Purple, with Domingo also winning best actor for Rustin.
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