Usher talks new Vegas residency dates, becoming 'memeable' and finishing his next album

From a new Las Vegas show to an NPR "Tiny Desk Concert" performance, Usher has been keeping busy. Not to mention, he's nearly completed his highly anticipated upcoming album.

The R&B star tells USA TODAY the sequel to his groundbreaking album “Confessions” won't be called "Confessions 2."

The 2004 album sold more than 10 million units in the U.S., earned him eight Grammy nominations and three wins and launched No. 1 hits like "Burn" and “Yeah!” featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon.

"It's been an inspiration throughout the process," Usher says. " 'Confessions' was a successful album and I count down the days until I begin to launch this. It's coming real soon. I've actually finished it, and I'm now going through the process of sequencing it and naming it."

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The 43-year-old hasn't decided on an album name yet, he says. He's been working on the project for four years, which is the longest it's ever taken him to create an album. The pandemic impacted his release plans but also helped him reflect on which topics matter most and what people want to hear.

The "My Boo" musician says the new album will have energy reminiscent of R&B while matching the same pop sensibility as his previous records like "Confessions," "8701" "My Way" and "Raymond v. Raymond."

"I think (fans) want to hear R&B more than they've ever wanted to hear R&B," Usher says. "This is a classic album that touches many subjects."

Usher's Las Vegas residency emphasizes storytelling

Usher has also recently embarked on his second Las Vegas residency. He announced new dates Aug. 22 for March, April, June and July at Park MGM's Dolby Live theater.

The new show will feature a greater theatrical element in addition to renditions of his hits.

He says his production allows him to become a triple threat, simultaneously performing music, storytelling and roller skating throughout the show.

"I actually do it all on the stage," Usher says.

Tickets for "Usher: The Vegas Residency" are available online, with dates ranging from Tuesday to Oct. 29.

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Usher loves becoming 'memeable' after 'Tiny Desk Concert'

Usher's NPR "Tiny Desk Concert," uploaded on June 30, immediately became both memorable and memeable.

Among his favorites: A viral video where Usher whispers "Watch this" at the start of "Confessions Part II" while wiggling his fingers over his face.

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He says he appreciated how the memes brought attention to the performance, which stood out to him for its level of intimacy.

"That intimacy, I don't know if I've had that. I play in big stages and big audiences every night," Usher says. "There's nothing like acoustic music, there's nothing like it really just being about your voice and connecting to the music and that's what Tiny Desk gives me."

Usher says being able to continue to perform live and connect with people who are singing at the top of their lungs is an accomplishment of a lifetime.

"I only hoped when I was a kid that this would be worthwhile to make people happy," Usher says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Usher says Vegas residency made him a triple threat