Live Review
USHER DAZZLES ON NIGHT 2 AT THE O2
Tuesday night (1 April) USHER put on a second masterclass in London, dazzling 20,000 fans at The O2 in London, the second of 10 London shows as part of the USHER: Past Present Future Tour. The show has already been highly praised by critics with 4 and 5 star reviews.
And last night, superstar, supermodel and long time friend Naomi Campbell joined USHER on stage as a special guest during the song ‘Bad Girl’, a classic USHER track taken from his smash hit 2004 album Confessions.
Naomi did what she does best, using the stage as a catwalk while Usher serenaded her.
There was also sporting royalty in the house, as British boxers Anthony Yarde and Caroline Dubois were joined by former footballer and now presenter Alex Scott and singer Jess Glynne.
From the moment USHER ascended to the stage, the atmosphere was charged with pure energy and excitement. Moving seamlessly through his extensive catalogue, he commanded the arena with a show divided into 10 distinct acts. His signature blend of smooth vocals and highly advanced and precision choreography, including a 15 minute skate routine, made each moment feel larger than life. The setlist spanned three decades of hits, taking the audience on a journey through USHER’s evolution. He revisited “Call Me A Mack”, global smash hits like “Yeah!”, “U Got It Bad”, “Love In This Club”, and “There Goes My Baby”. Moving into the 2010s and beyond, he delivered the emotive “Climax” and his recent hit “Good Good”, a reminder of the global entertainer’s incredible longevity.
The crowd were on their feet from the start, singing every word of “U Remind Me”, “Tell Me”, and “Nice And Slow”, USHER driving the fans wild with his dance moves during “U Got It Bad”.
Taking a moment to reflect on his 30-year career, he spoke directly to the crowd, acknowledging the deep connection he shares with his London fans: “London, you look so beautiful tonight,” USHER called to the crowd. Fellas they got us outnumbered!
“It has been a long time coming, it’s been 10 years, and for every year I’ve been away I decided to do one show, that’s how much I’ve missed you. Every time I come to London I always have an amazing time, I won’t leave it for that long next time. You know, I have a pint, love a pint, no matter where we are we always manage to have a party.”
“This is the United Kingdom of Usher right now!”
By the time USHER closed the show, alone on stage performing anthemic club tune, “Without You”, it was just him and the London audience, singing as one.
Fashion was just as much a part of the spectacle as the music. USHER’s wardrobe was a masterclass in style, featuring a bespoke Union Jack jacket and trousers by Mowalola, alongside collaborations with Robert Wun, Ralph Lauren, Edward Cumming, Luis De Javier, Luar, David Koma and Alpine Stars. Each look, for both him and his dancers, was as carefully curated as the show itself with new pieces seen tonight – a custom Burberry suit, custom Willy Chavarria chasers cape and pieces from Anonymous Club and Marni.
USHER has taken over London. The stars came out for the first spectacular show on Saturday night, to see the legend in action, including model Leomie Anderson, presenters Maya Jama and Judi Love as well as A list actor Daniel Kaluuya.
After the show, USHER marked the occasion with a stylish celebration on the River Thames. Joined by over 100 VIP guests, he set sail from North Greenwich Pier on a deluxe Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, taking in iconic landmarks like The London Eye and Tower Bridge before arriving at Embankment Pier. The night was a fitting tribute to his milestone residency; elegant, vibrant, and full of energy. From there, the celebrations continued at his own aftershow “The Yeah Man” at The Box Soho, with guests including musician RAYE and Burberry CCO Daniel Lee, rounding off an unforgettable night in London.
Sunday saw him back at The Box Soho, taking to the stage to host the launch of Black Box with Spotify, a variety show celebrating Black Excellence in homage to the “Chitlin Circuit” revues of the 1950s-60s. Select fans and celebrity guests were treated to a setlist of his classics including Good Kisser, I Don’t Mind, U Don’t Have To Call. During his set he delighted fans by throwing out special USH POUNDS across the club. Among the star-studded crowd were rappers Headie One and Ghetts, with Rio and Kate Ferdinand also spotted vibing and soaking up the atmosphere. Even Sir Ian McKellen, a regular at The Box, swung by.
On Monday, USHER unveiled his exclusive tour merch pop-up at Selfridges London available 31st March – 11th April. He delighted hundreds of fans who attended the launch, with several lucky fans joining him for a meet and greet. USHER was then joined by Kenya Hunt, editor-in-chief of ELLE UK, for an in-store Q&A which saw the star speak about his 30 year career, his love of fashion and the collaborations with several designers on his current tour.
USHER explained, “I’m serious about clothes. Clothing has always been something that I used to express how I feel and how I want others to feel. I’m dressing up because it’s a show, but otherwise, every day is a different fashion show. So I’ve been given a chance to now have fun with European designers who I respect, they respect me because they know the legacy of what I do. And they look at videos and creative things that are invented to who I am, and they can reimagine me. That’s the type collaboration that I love, and what I hope to is to create for my thing“
From mid April, USHER continues on to perform in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, before returning to London on 6th and 7th May to close out the tour.
For tickets visit UsherWorld.com
During USHER’s 10-night UK-exclusive residency at The O2, fans will be able to feel the excitement before entering the arena as active lifestyle company, Flipper’s, heads to The O2. Entertaining the crowds from 6pm each event day, the Flipper’s sQUAD will perform to some of USHER’s biggest hits.
It’s been a spectacular few years for USHER, from his powerhouse Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime performance, where he dazzled millions with an epic medley of hits alongside special guests Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, H.E.R., Will.i.am, and Jermaine Dupri, to his incredible two-year, 100-show My Way: The Las Vegas Residency and a legendary eight-night run at Paris’ La Seine Musicale. In 2024, he kicked off his Past Present Future tour across North America, selling out over 60 shows and delivering unforgettable performances. Now, he makes his highly anticipated return to Europe, his first arena tour since the 2015 UR Tour.
USHER: PAST PRESENT FUTURE 2025 TOUR DATES:
Sat 29 March – London, UK – The O2
Tues 01 April – London, UK – The O2
Wed 02 April – London, UK – The O2
Sat 05 April – London, UK – The O2
Sun 06 April – London, UK – The O2
Tues 08 April – London, UK – The O2
Wed 09 April – London, UK – The O2
Fri 11 April – London, UK – The O2
Tues 15 April – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Wed 16 April – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Sat 19 April – Club Social @ Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sun 20 April – Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Tues 22 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Wed 23 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Fri 25 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Sat 26 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Mon 28 April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Thurs 01 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Fri 02 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Sun 04 May – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena
Tues 06 May – London, UK – The O2
Wed 07 May – London, UK – The O2