Usher received a special honor at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards this weekend.
On Saturday, the “Coming Home to You” musician, 45, was presented with the Presidential Award — a special honor given to celebrities and others “in recognition of special achievements and distinguished public service.”
After NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson presented the pop star with the award, Usher kissed his wife, Jenn Goicoeche, in the audience before taking the stage.
Wearing an all-black ensemble, Usher happily accepted the award, thanking the women in his life for making him who he is today.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for my entire family, I couldn’t have done this without them,” Usher said. “They say behind or next to or with every strong man is a stronger woman, and for that I thank my mother and my beautiful wife Jennifer for holding me down. My children, I love you so much.”
In a statement ahead of the ceremony, the NAACP’s Johnson said, “We are honored to present this year’s President’s Award to Usher for his unparalleled talent and outstanding contributions as an artist and advocate for our community.”
“In addition to his vocal talent and stage presence, Usher has empowered thousands of underprivileged youth to follow their dreams through college prep, financial literacy and career planning programs,” he continued.
Johnson added, “His dedication to making a positive difference in the world touched countless lives, redefining the boundaries of creativity and compassion.”
“Usher stands as a preeminent multihyphenate performer, consistently setting new standards for Black Excellence,” BET President and CEO Scott Mills said in a statement. “With a career spanning over three decades, Usher has earned his place as one of the most prominent performers of our time and a beacon of social change in our community. It is a great honor to recognize his extraordinary influence and lasting legacy.”
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Prior to the ceremony, Usher won two Image Awards, one for Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Soul/R&B Song for “Good Good,” his song featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage.
During the event, the musician took home the prestigious award for Entertainer of the Year, where he was up against Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer.
Usher grabbed attention again this year with his performance at the 2024 Super Bowl, where he pulled out all the stops for his career-spanning 13-minute Las Vegas-inspired performance.
Recent winners of the presidential award include Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Rihanna.
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Source: HIS Education