October 17 is now known as Usher Raymond Day in Las Vegas as R&B singer, Usher, received the key to the city and his own day.
October has treated R&B singer, Usher, very well. He celebrated his 45th birthday on October 14th and a few days later, he received the key to Las Vegas and the honor of having October 17th declared as “Usher Raymond Day” in the city.
Usher is no stranger to Las Vegas, as he currently performs at his Park MGM residency, with dates scheduled through November and December. He has been performing his residency for three years, having begun at Caesar’s Palace in 2021. He will have a worldwide audience in February when he presents his Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Performance from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
When discussing his residency, the singer pointed out how when it was launched in July 2021, it, “was one of the first that reopened the world of live entertainment following the pandemic.”
He shared that, “This was the groundswell for the belief that we would get back to the norm that we know we needed.”
In addition to these accomplishments, Usher received the Las Vegas honors due to his, “work in the community.” Usher was honored by Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman.
Councilman Crear called Usher a, “pillar in our community,” and emphasized how the crooner is more than just an entertainer, but an individual who helps the next generation.
Established in 1999, Usher’s New Look Foundation is a “non-profit organization that transforms the lives of under-resourced youth through comprehensive programming which develops passion-driven, global leaders from middle school through college.”
His 2020 op-ed in the Washington Post helped encourage Congress to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and he was involved in former President Obama’s committee for arts and humanities.
Councilman Crear went on to say that Usher, “has been an absolutely incredible brand ambassador for Las Vegas with his extremely popular residency.”
Major Goodman shared that Usher is selfless, praising him for his ability to care about everybody and how even though the world is troubled, he helps others and helps, “children have another chance, a better chance.”
Usher was very thankful for the honor, stating that he wants, “to continue to be an amazing contribution to [the] amazing city.” Usher sees many opportunities in Las Vegas. He said, “I do see opportunity here, and the belief that everything that’s in my mind and that I’ve dreamed of is coming to life as a result of the city.”
He mentioned that in Las Vegas, the impossible could happen, expressing even more gratitude to the city. He hinted that his Super Bowl performance will feature inspiration from popular Las Vegas acts. He mentioned that with such a history in the city, he’s mindful of where he’s playing and that he’s going to, “put on the show for Vegas, with Vegas.”
Usher expressed his gratitude with his moving words, declaring that he’s a man for the people.
He continued by saying, “I’m a man for entertainment and entertainment has been my tool, but that belief that was placed the moment that I came here, the roots that now have grown to a Super Bowl moment, is something to be recognized […] I’m so happy that it happened here. I could’ve never calculated that, but I know that true belief in something always manifests into something greater.”
Usher’s Super Bowl performance is sure to be an extravaganza, and it’s always a positive to see an individual who helps the community and helps support the next generation receive recognition and a worldwide stage to perform.
