<p id=”par-1_61″>At this year’s NAACP Awards, Usher proved that 2024 is his year. The <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/music/”>entertainer</a>, who played the <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/tag/super-bowl/”>Super Bowl</a> halftime show just last month, took home top honors at the ceremony. He even walked into the ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on a high note, having picked up awards for Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Soul/R&B song in pre-telecast presentations.</p>
<p id=”par-2_33″>His success continued throughout the ceremony, where Oprah Winfrey presented him with the Entertainer of the Year Award. He beat out Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Coleman Domingo, and Keke Palmer for the prize.</p>
<p id=”par-3_37″>“I guess all great things start from Oprah Winfrey. When I was a kid, I made my start on your show,” Usher said, per <a href=”https://www.bet.com/article/hvzla5/2024-naacp-image-awards-sheamoisture-entertainer-of-the-year-experience-5-levels-of-rb-with-these-classic-usher-records” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>BET</a>. “I want to thank each and every person who believed in me.”</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-1″><img decoding=”async” fetchpriority=”high” width=”1200″ height=”800″ src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?strip=all&quality=89″ alt=”Usher wears black and accepts an award from Oprah, who wears purple.” class=”wp-image-3640158″ srcset=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg 1200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=150&h=100 150w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=640&h=427 640w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=768&h=512 768w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=1024&h=683 1024w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=525&h=350 525w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=254&h=169 254w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=200&h=133 200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=761&h=507 761w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Oprah.jpg?w=90&h=60 90w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Usher and Oprah | Kevin Winter/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
<p id=”par-4_33″>The singer looked sharp in a 1970s-inspired black silk suit. He wore his black shirt unbuttoned to his abdomen and paired it with flared pants. He topped off the look with silver jewelry.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-2″><img decoding=”async” width=”1200″ height=”800″ src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?strip=all&quality=89″ alt=”Usher wears a black suit and holds up a trophy at the NAACP Awards.” class=”wp-image-3640155″ srcset=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg 1200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=150&h=100 150w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=640&h=427 640w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=768&h=512 768w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=1024&h=683 1024w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=525&h=350 525w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=254&h=169 254w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=200&h=133 200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=761&h=507 761w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-awards.jpg?w=90&h=60 90w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Usher | Kevin Winter/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
<p id=”par-5_52″>Years after making his debut, Usher continues to grow as an artist. In 2024 alone, he drew a record-breaking 129.3 million viewers to <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/usher-wont-get-paid-super-bowl-halftime-performance.html/”>his Super Bowl halftime show</a>, dropped a new album, and announced a tour. This comes just several months after the conclusion of his 100-show Las Vegas residency in 2023.</p>
<p id=”par-6_72″>“This has been an amazing career. Thirty years of passion that led me to Las Vegas to be able to celebrate the entire legacy,” he said in his speech, per <a href=”https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/usher-receives-top-honors-naacp-092210003.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJam6r-an_OSihJD1ChOz0lDqKKee6_pLew2Rn6TRwOKIuLyZkf486sdctgjqfRRCIPS4lU_A8FyOev-_EN0bKcfoP3LE21CBZroR86bVS9RmgS6JGjePkxIurQXaI2mROOSjJo_xUX2_c1kNpJbv88EadyaYeHUYnwVRr2UZ6iO” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Yahoo Entertainment</a>. “That’s 100 shows sold out, and then a residency in Paris, and then to play the Super Bowl, get married and then to also release an album. I don’t know how many people do that much stuff in one setting.”</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-3″><img decoding=”async” width=”1200″ height=”800″ src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?strip=all&quality=89″ alt=”Usher stands in front of a microphone while holding an award. A screen behind him shows him dancing.” class=”wp-image-3640160″ srcset=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg 1200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=150&h=100 150w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=640&h=427 640w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=768&h=512 768w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=1024&h=683 1024w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=525&h=350 525w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=254&h=169 254w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=200&h=133 200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=761&h=507 761w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-speech.jpg?w=90&h=60 90w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Usher | Kevin Winter/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
<p id=”par-7_42″>On top of being named Entertainer of the Year, Usher was also a special honoree at the NAACP Awards. NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson gave Usher the President’s Award, which is “presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.”</p>
<p id=”par-8_32″>Previous recipients of the President’s Award include <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/meghan-markles-subtle-nod-princess-diana-naacp-image-awards.html/”>Prince Harry and Megan Markle</a>, LeBron James, Muhammad Ali, and Condoleezza Rice. Johnson cited Usher’s creativity and philanthropy as reasons for giving him the award.</p>
<p id=”par-9_51″>“Beyond his vocal talent and stage presence, Usher has empowered thousands of under-resourced youth to pursue their dreams through college readiness programs, financial literacy, and career planning,” he said, per <a href=”https://people.com/naacp-image-awards-2024-usher-receives-presidents-award-8610078″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>People</a>. “His dedication to creating positive change in the world has touched countless lives, redefining the boundaries of creativity and compassion.”</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-4″><img decoding=”async” loading=”lazy” width=”1200″ height=”800″ src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?strip=all&quality=89″ alt=”Usher accepts an award from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.” class=”wp-image-3640156″ srcset=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg 1200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=150&h=100 150w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=640&h=427 640w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=768&h=512 768w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=1024&h=683 1024w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=525&h=350 525w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=254&h=169 254w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=200&h=133 200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=761&h=507 761w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-NAACP-president.jpg?w=90&h=60 90w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Usher and Derrick Johnson | Kevin Winter/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
<p id=”par-10_14″>In his acceptance speech, Usher thanked <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/much-older-usher-girlfriend-jenn-goicoechea.html/”>his wife, Jenn Goicoechea</a>, and his children. </p>
<p id=”par-11_59″>“I’m so overwhelmed with appreciation for my entire family, without them I wouldn’t be able to do this,” he said. “They say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman, and for that I thank my mother and my beautiful wife Jennifer for holding me down. My kids, I love you guys so, so much.”</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-5″><img decoding=”async” loading=”lazy” width=”1200″ height=”1134″ src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?strip=all&quality=89″ alt=”Jenn Goicoechea wears a navy blue blazer and stands next to Usher, who wears a black jacket and sunglasses.” class=”wp-image-3640207″ srcset=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg 1200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=529&h=500 529w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=768&h=726 768w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=1024&h=968 1024w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=370&h=350 370w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=179&h=169 179w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=200&h=189 200w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=537&h=507 537w, https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usher-Jenn-Goicoechea.jpg?w=63&h=60 63w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px”><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Usher and Jenn Coicoechea | Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
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<p id=”par-12_29″>Being able to refer to Goicoechea as his wife is another one of Usher’s accomplishments from this year. <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/times-usher-married.html/”>The couple married</a> in Las Vegas following Usher’s Super Bowl performance.</p>
<p id=”par-13_18″>Usher and Goicoechea were friends in the years before they began their relationship. They share two children together.</p>