June 13th 2024.
As a child, Usher used to sit in front of the TV and watch Showtime at the Apollo with his grandmother. He was fascinated by the talented performers on the iconic stage and dreamed of one day making it there himself. Little did he know, that dream would become a reality and he would even be honored with the Icon Award at the Apollo Theater's annual spring benefit gala.
On June 12, Usher joined fellow music legend Babyface in Harlem, New York, where they were both recognized for their contributions to the industry. This year's gala was particularly special as it marked the 90th anniversary of the historic venue and raised an impressive $3 million for its mission.
During the event, Usher was treated to a stunning performance by dancers who flawlessly executed a medley of his hit songs. From "Yeah," to "Burn," to "Caught Up," the crowd was on their feet and cheering as Usher looked on with gratitude and humility. In his speech, he shared memories of watching Showtime at the Apollo as a child and how it inspired him to chase his dreams.
As the audience rose to give him a standing ovation, Usher couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by their appreciation. "They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. But if you can make it to the Apollo, you can do anything," he declared, holding his Icon Award proudly.
The soulful singer also took to social media to express his gratitude, tweeting a heartfelt message about his journey from watching Showtime at the Apollo to receiving an award there. He even included a photo of himself in a stylish maroon suit outside the theater.
The night before the gala, Babyface had already been honored with the inaugural legacy award at the Apollo Theater's Walk of Fame ceremony. His fellow former Amateur Night winners, Fat Joe and Kwanza Jones, joined him on stage for a singalong of his 1989 hit, "Soon as I Get Home."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Babyface took a moment to gather his thoughts before thanking everyone in attendance. "I am just in awe to be considered as part of this," he said, reflecting on his journey from writing songs for others to being recognized for his own talents.
The star-studded evening ended with a grand finale performance by a group of singers who paid tribute to Babyface with a medley of his classic hits. From Toni Braxton's "You Mean the World to Me," to Eric Clapton's "Change the World," to Whitney Houston's "I'm Your Baby Tonight," the audience was treated to a night of unforgettable entertainment.
The gala proved to be a huge success, not only in terms of fundraising but also in celebrating the impact of Black arts and creativity. It was a night to remember and a reminder of the incredible talent and determination of artists like Usher and Babyface.
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