When it comes to an artist exceeding Michael Jackson’s influence, Usher is certain who wins the debate between him and Chris Brown.
What would music look and sound like without the influence of Michael Jackson, the world’s biggest and most iconic pop star to grace the global stage? We may never know for sure, but the generation of entertainers who used his career as a blueprint to chart their own success makes his impact undeniable.
Usher is among the artists who have found ways to weave hints of the “Thriller” superstar into his performances and stage persona, dance moves included. But if you were to ask him who, if anyone, might be the second coming of Jackson, he wouldn’t name himself or any other pop-R&B act.
“The same as in history, there’s been inspiration that defines who and inspired who I am. There will only be one Little Richard. There will only be one James Brown. There will only be one Michael Jackson. There will only be one Prince. There will only be one Usher,” he told The Associated Press. “So with that, everybody has their space in history. I’m just trying to make certain that we remember it.”
The eight-time Grammy Award-winner released his ninth studio album, Coming Home, performed at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, launched a world tour, PAST PRESENT FUTURE, and has been receiving his flowers for his decades-long career all year. He is currently promoting his international concert film, USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS, that completes its three-day run in AMC Theaters on Sunday (Sept. 15).
The debate challenging fans to choose between the crooner and his younger contemporary, Chris Brown, has been ongoing for years. Most recently, this summer, singer-songwriter Tank declared Brown to be the ultimate evolution of Jackson. Usher’s super fans agree that the “Run It” artist has proven talents, hits, and moves, but that MJ’s crown is best suited to be passed down to the 2024 Billboard R&B Entertainer of the Year winner.
“Chris Brown is in fact better than Michael Jackson,” said Tank in an August appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” He doubled down on his stance, arguing, “If there was Magic Johnson, now there is LeBron James. That is the ultimate evolution of a man who can play all five positions. If we talk about Chris Brown, we’re talking about the evolution of Michael Jackson, the evolution of Usher, the evolution of me, the evolution of Ginuwine. That is what this kid is.”
Brown, like Usher, not only has a history of praising the legendary entertainer throughout his career but also called cap on the comparisons.
News
Video: John Tavares and Chris Tanev Engage in Hard-Fought Battle at Leafs Training Camp
Photo credit: Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun Chris Tanev and John Tavares have put their best foot forward on day one of Maple Leafs training camp, facing off in a competitive test against one another. After Tavares passed the torch this summer, playing a special…
Fans argue against outrage on Caitlin Clark and Victor Wembanyama’s $12.02M pay disparity
Fans argue against outrage on Caitlin Clark and Victor Wembanyama’s $12.02M pay disparity (image credit: getty) This season, Caitlin Clark has brought a lot of attention to the WNBA. Given her massive marketing and economic impact on the league, fans were outraged…
NBA Analyst Predicts What Could Be The Most Wholesome Moment For LeBron James And Bronny James This Season, And Fans Are Loving It
Bronny James and LeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images) As the 2024-25 season begins, LeBron James and his son Bronny will become the first father-son NBA duo to play in the same team. Many fans doubt the 19-year-old guard playing with his…
Eminem’s Last Name Uncovered: The Shocking Truth Behind His Rare Surname
Eminem’s Last Name Revealed: The Surprising Rarity Behind His Surname! When it comes to Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, fans around the world are more familiar with his iconic stage name than his real surname. But have you ever…
Chris Brown Fans Fight Over His Jacket
Chris Brown’s Jacket Starts Tug-Of-War At Jersey Show: Watch LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Chris Brownperforms on day 1 of Wireless Festival 2022 at Crystal Palace Park on July 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak…
Chris Brown Looks Frustrated After Facing Another Set Malfunction On His “11:11” Tour
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 17: Chris Brown attends Ant Tha Ladies Man Birthday Celebration at Sound Nightclub on June 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage) Chris Brown had no choice but to walk off. Chris Brown is currently…
End of content
No more pages to load