Usher delivered a heartfelt speech upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards, sharing personal stories about his family, struggles, and the journey to his success.
However, four minutes into his 13-minute speech, the audio started cutting in and out, and then dropped off entirely for about five straight minutes. BET has since apologized saying that an “audio malfunction during the live telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted.”
During the speech, Usher opened up about his father, who wasn’t present in his life. “This is his name that a man gave me who didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” he began. “Or at least that was my perception of it. You have to have a forgiving heart to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America. My father was a product of that.”
Reflecting on his father’s absence, Usher mentioned, “This is the year of the father, where all the fathers got to stand up for their sons and daughters and be a man.” He emphasized the importance of his support system, calling them his “village,” and acknowledging their unwavering support through thick and thin.
In an emotional moment, Usher admitted, “It got really thick. Some people weren’t messing with me. But sometimes you gotta go through some stuff to get through something.” He praised those who stood by him, highlighting the importance of loyalty and support.
Usher also spoke about his confidence from a young age. He recounted meeting L.A. Reid at 12 or 13 years old and declaring himself the next superstar. “I expressed goals out loud,” he said, urging others to do the same. “You have to express your goals outwardly, no matter what people may see, no matter what they may feel, no matter how dark or complicated it may be.”
The singer credited his mother for her dual role in his upbringing. “My mother served in two ways. She was a mother and a father. This is the power of a Black woman in America.” He expressed gratitude for those who have influenced him, including Quincy Jones and Clarence Avant, as well as mentors like Virgin Roberts and Evangelist Ernestine Carter.
Usher’s speech also paid tribute to those who supported him from the beginning. He thanked James and Nancy Lackey, who provided a foundation for him as a hopeful child. “They were at the foundation of who I am, even though there wasn’t a dad to call.”
Reflecting on his role as a father, Usher shared how his experiences shaped him. “It led me to be the father that I am to my boys and my little ones at home.”
Usher later expressed forgiveness to those who doubted him. “Good Good more than just a song. I’m turning a new leaf.” He then went on to address his co-parenting efforts with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster. He highlighted Swizz Beatz, his ex-wife Mashonda, and Alicia Keys as examples of successful co-parenting. “We gotta be cool for the sake of the kids. I look at Swizz Beatz and his ex-wife and Alicia Keys and the fact that they managed to pull things together.”
“I’m trying Tameka,” Usher said.
In closing, Usher thanked his tribe for always having his back.
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