- 2004
Rebounding with Naomi
Fresh from his breakup with Chilli, Usher is seen around town with supermodel Naomi Campbell (right). In October, Campbell, 34, throws a private bash for Usher's 26th birthday at New York City's Rainbow Room. But Usher's rep insists they're just friends, while Campbell's rep tells PEOPLE that "Naomi and Usher are having fun hanging out together."
- 2006
Usher Lights Up Chicago
Usher makes his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in the Tony-winning musical Chicago. "I have always admired Broadway actors for their showmanship, dedication and focus that goes into performing live on stage every night," Usher says in a statement. "Being on Broadway allows you to connect to audiences in a whole new way that's different from music and movies." His two-month stint ends with a case of strep throat in October.
- 2007
Usher & Tameka Engaged
At the NAACP Theatre Awards, Usher, 28, wins a Spirit Award. But it's his acceptance speech that makes headlines as he refers to former stylist-turned-girlfriend Tameka Foster, 36, as his "fiancée." In June, Foster (right), who has three children from previous relationships, announces she's pregnant. "Tameka's given me one of the greatest gifts I'll ever have," Usher tells Essence. "With a child, now I have purpose. I understand love."
Rocky Road to the Altar
After canceling their July 28 Hamptons wedding, Usher and Foster tie the knot in the Atlanta office of Usher's lawyer. His mother, Jonetta Patton, is a no-show. On September 1, they have their dream wedding in Atlanta with 200 guests. Afterward, the couple appears on the cover of Essence, where they discuss the negative press surrounding their relationship. "[Getting married] and having a child is something that everyone should celebrate," Usher says. That November, the newlyweds welcome – a son, Usher Raymond V.
- 2008
Usher's Back With New Album
With "Love in This Club" reaching No. 1, Usher releases his new album, Here I Stand, where he chronicles the "journey of getting married." "Every word on this album is meaningful," he tells EW. Of his own marriage, he reflects, "I was reading very hurtful things about the person that I chose to love, and I felt like they were taking stabs at me or my choice." But the song's title track is also personal: "I'm saying, 'No matter where I'm at or what I'm doing, you're the person I'm with, so don't have any doubt about it. I stand here.'"
Baby Usher's Big Debut
Usher debuts his namesake 9-month-old son on the cover of Essence. "Now I represent what he is to become," Usher says of baby Usher. "He's gonna admire me, he's gonna look up to me. He's gonna say, 'I wanna be' – or he should say – 'I wanna be like my father. I wanna be a man of valor. I wanna possess what my father has as a man.'"
Photo Credits
BIOGRAPHY (top to bottom): Frank Micelotta/Getty Images; Frank Micelotta/Getty Images; Monica Morgan/WireImage
- Name
- Usher
- Real Name
- Usher Raymond IV
- Birth Date
- October 14, 1978
- Birth Place
- Dallas, Texas
- Heart Monitor
-
Tameka Foster, wife (2007 to present)
Eishia Brightwell, ex-girlfriend (2005)
Naomi Campbell, ex-girlfriend (2004)
Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, ex-girlfriend (2001 to 2004)
