Usher has teamed up with Audible for its Words + Music storytelling series. The R&B icon’s installment, The Last Showman, premieres Thursday, Feb. 6.
According to Audible, The Last Showman will offer “an unfiltered look” into Usher’s 30-year career as he reflects on the past, honors the present, and anticipates the future.
Further, the three-act episode “will feature the groundbreaking artist opening up about the inspirations, heartache and personal growth that fueled the creation of his record-breaking masterwork, Confessions, while revisiting some of its most iconic tracks.”
Throughout The Last Showman, Usher will look back at his musical roots, discuss his artistic evolution, share how he navigated the pressures of fame while balancing his personal and public life, and more.
It wouldn’t be Words + Music without the latter. The Last Showman will also feature all-new performances of some of Usher’s signature tracks, including “Confessions,” “Confessions, Pt. II,” “Bad Girl,” “Burn,” and more.
“With the recent 20th anniversary of Confessions, creating The Last Showman has been an incredible opportunity to reflect on the most pivotal moments of my career with fresh eyes and deep appreciation,” says Usher. “This project isn’t just about telling my story; it’s about sharing the raw, unfiltered truth behind the music that’s connected with generations of listeners, as well as the power of vulnerability in art.”
Previous Words + Music participants include Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, John Legend, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
As indicated above, Usher’s seminal album Confessions turned 20 in March 2024. The R&B megastar performed the album in its entirety at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture that July. Later in the year, he released Confessions (20th Anniversary Edition) digitally and on vinyl.
The expanded set included all the songs from his groundbreaking fourth album plus two bonus tracks — orchestral versions of “Burn” and “Superstar.”
“Confessions was a pivotal album for me and continues to transcend generations and time 20 years later,” said Usher. “A masterpiece in the truest sense of the word, seeing fans singing along word-for-word to this day is an indescribable feeling and I hope it continues to be memorable for generations to come.”
Usher, who will embark on the European leg of his Past Present Future Tour this spring, is among the most nominated artists at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. The “Good Good” singer is competing in four categories, including Outstanding Male Artist.
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