LOS ANGELES (AP) — As Usher prepares to launch a stadium tour with Chris Brown, he says the criticism and legal troubles surrounding the singer never factored into his decision to embark on the tour.“Absolutely not,” Usher told The Associated Press. “He’s my brother, and he’s amazing as a performer. That’s who I see. He works hard for his fans, and his fans support him.”Brown has remained one of R&B’s biggest stars despite years of legal troubles and controversy. Last year, he pleaded not guilty in London to charges stemming from an alleged 2023 assault at a nightclub after previously being released on bail to continue touring. He also pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault for attacking then-girlfriend Rihanna.For Usher, their North American tour — which kicks off Friday in Denver — represents something much bigger than two of R&B’s brightest stars sharing a stage.
The 33-date tour follows blockbuster solo runs for both artists. Fresh off headlining the Super Bowl halftime show in 2024, Usher’s “Past, Present, Future” tour sold more than 1.1 million tickets across North America, while Brown’s “Breezy Bowl XX” grossed nearly $300 million.
“It’s not about me and my brother coming together,” Usher said. “We come together in support of our fans of R&B.”Throughout the interview, Usher repeatedly returned to one message: R&B has helped shape modern music while rarely receiving equal recognition.
