Usher Performs The Entire 'Confessions' Album at Essence Fest 2024

The ‘Superstar’ singer, fresh from winning his BET Lifetime Achievement Award, dazzled the crowd at the 30th Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans on Saturday with a special one-night-only performance of his entire Confessions album.

Usher, along with his band, performed the certified diamond album from start to finish in celebration of its 20th anniversary, featuring hit songs like ‘Caught Up’, ‘Bad Girl’, ‘Burn’, and the iconic title track. The stage design was transformed into a church sanctuary, complete with a full choir and a glowing cross displaying Usher's name and the Confessions title.

Also Read: BET Issues Apology to Usher For ‘Audio Malfunction’ During Lifetime Achievement Award Speech

The electrifying set earned thunderous applause as the R&B legend showcased the timelessness of his music. At the end of the performance, Usher surprised fans in two sections by giving them tickets to his upcoming Past Present Future tour before concluding with his smash hit ‘Yeah!’

Usher headlined the festival alongside music icons like Janet Jackson and Birdman, with other performances from Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Victoria Monét, and The Roots.

Following the festival, the R&B superstar will embark on his highly anticipated tour in August, starting with three shows in his hometown of Atlanta. Usher's recent BET Awards acceptance speech, which faced some broadcast issues, highlighted his deep reflections on his career, his relationship with his father, and his appreciation for his collaborators.

"If you are committed to something and you find passion and you stay committed to it, this could potentially be you,” Usher said during his speech. “This could be your moment."

-Sushmita Sarkar