Becoming ... Usher

See how the sexy Grammy nominee went from choirboy to chart-topper. By Serena Kappes

9 of 17

LIVE & IN PERSON

Before gigs, "I say a prayer to calm down," says Usher (performing in March). But onstage, the singing and dancing powerhouse – who launched his nationwide Truth tour in August – is electrifying "in his movements, his gestures, the way he expresses his lyrics," says former duet partner Monica.