LIVE: Usher @ The O2 Arena, London

On Tuesday 8th April, the O2 Arena became the ultimate destination for R&B fans as Usher brought his Past Present Future tour to the capital, and what a night it was. With a career spanning over three decades, Usher proved exactly why he’s still at the top of his game, delivering a show that was equal parts nostalgia, showmanship, and sheer vocal excellence.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening chords hit, the energy inside the arena shifted. Usher emerged with the kind of confidence that only comes with legendary status. The stage production was sleek and stylish, with choreography that paid homage to the golden era of R&B, while also incorporating fresh, modern visuals. Every detail felt intentional — from the wardrobe changes to the smooth transitions between eras of his discography.

The show’s concept — 'Past Present Future' was executed to perfection. We got the full spectrum of Usher’s sound: the youthful era of the early 2000s, the confessional depth of Confessions, the sleek polish of his modern hits, and even glimpses of what’s next for him musically. He reminded us that R&B isn’t just alive, it’s thriving and he’s still one of its greatest architects.

One of the most impressive elements of the night was watching Usher glide across the stage with his signature smoothness — not just in his dancing, but on his rollerblades too. Even at the age of 45, Usher moved with the agility and confidence of someone half his age, effortlessly weaving between his backup dancers with sharp choreography and undeniable stage presence. The chemistry between him and his dancers was electric, like a well-oiled machine built on rhythm and trust. Whether he was popping, locking, or hitting classic R&B two-steps, he made every move look effortless. The rollerblading segment added a playful, nostalgic energy to the show — a reminder that Usher’s has certainly still got it.

What truly set the night apart was Usher’s phenomenal crowd interaction, it was so engaging and immersive that you barely noticed there were no surprise guests — a feature that had become a highlight at other stops on the Past Present Future tour. Whether he was walking to the edge of the stage to serenade fans, sharing intimate moments with the front row, or locking eyes with the balcony crowd, his charisma filled every corner of the O2. 

But the most iconic crowd moment… had to be the cherry scenes. Midway through the show, Usher turned the intimacy all the way up with a now-viral moment that had the crowd losing their minds. He made his way through the crowd, locking eyes with fans before pulling out a cherry, slowly feeding it to some of the ladies in the front row. The screams were deafening — phones flew up, people were on their feet, and the energy hit an all-time high. That moment alone will be talked about for years to come.

In a standout moment that showed just how much Usher values his fans, he took the performance from the main stage to a smaller setup at the back of the arena — bringing the energy straight to those in the upper tiers and far seats. It was here that he switched gears into a gritty, high-energy hip-hop segment, giving the crowd an up-close-and-personal taste of his versatility.  In a surprise nod to his peers, he even performed a snippet of 'How We Do' by West Coast rapper The Game, who was spotted in the crowd that night, much to the excitement of fans. It was one of those rare, spontaneous-feeling moments that made the O2 show feel more like a celebration than a concert — a reminder that when Usher’s in the building, you never quite know what magic he’ll bring to the stage.

Not only was Usher creating once in a lifetime experiences on the stage, he was also having his way in London off stage too. Complementing his electrifying performances, Usher extended his artistic flair into the fashion realm with an exclusive pop-up shop at Selfridges London. This limited-time boutique offered fans a unique opportunity to purchase custom-designed merchandise that encapsulated the essence of the Past Present Future tour. From sleek apparel to distinctive accessories, each piece reflected Usher’s dynamic style and the tour’s thematic journey through his musical evolution.

The crowd was locked in from start to finish, singing every lyric back to him, dancing in the aisles, and reliving memories attached to every beat. It wasn’t just a concert, it felt like a celebration of culture, artistry, and longevity. Usher’s stop in London reminded us why he’s an icon and why his influence on music, dance, and performance will continue to echo for years to come.