Usher Defends Chris Brown and Celebrates R&B Legacy on Joint Tour

Usher and Chris Brown launched a 33-date co-headlining tour in Denver on June 26, 2026. In an interview with The Associated Press, Usher defended Brown’s character and performance, arguing that R&B music deserves stadium-level venues and that collaboration among Black artists creates more value for fans.

Usher told The Associated Press that the tour is designed to represent the legacy of R&B. He stated that the partnership is not centered on the two performers, but rather on the community of listeners they serve.

“It’s not about me and my brother coming together,” Usher said. “We come together in support of our fans of R&B.”

Usher via The Associated Press

Why does Usher believe R&B belongs in stadiums?

Usher argues that R&B music is often relegated to theaters and arenas, but possesses the scale and importance to fill larger venues. He told The Associated Press that the genre is major and deserves the same stadium presence as other top-tier musical acts.

The tour is intended to honor a lineage of influential artists. Usher noted that they are carrying it over there for a group of predecessors including:

• Buddy Bolden, James Brown, and Jackie Wilson
• Chuck Berry and Little Richard
• Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway
• Prince and Luther Vandross
• Earth, Wind & Fire and Babyface

How does Usher view Chris Brown’s legal controversies?

Despite the legal troubles that have followed Chris Brown, Usher stated he is not concerned. He defended Brown against criticism, describing him as a brother and an amazing performer.

Usher told The Associated Press that he focuses on Brown’s work ethic and the support he receives from his audience, noting that Brown works hard for his fans.

What is the commercial scale of the tour?

The co-headlining venture follows a period of significant solo commercial success for both artists. Usher’s Past, Present, Future tour sold more than 1.1 million tickets in North America, following his appearance in the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.

Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX tour generated nearly $300 million in revenue. Usher said that during rehearsals, the two artists discovered a mutual admiration for each other’s art, with each rooting for the other during their respective portions of the show.

How could this tour influence future Black artist collaborations?

Usher hopes the tour establishes a new industry blueprint for Black artists by demonstrating the power in numbers. He believes that joining forces allows artists to serve a larger portion of their fanbases than they could individually.

He told The Associated Press that once the tour’s success is established, other artists will likely understand that collaborations are more effective than trying to do it all by ourselves.