Usher

Lemme hear you say "Yeah!" From kiddie choirboy (spotted, age 14, at a talent contest in Atlanta) to old-school soul upstart to international pop sensation, Usher has grown up to become one of R&B's elite artists, the cream of the crunk crop, and one of radio's sexiest song men. The only question? How soon would he become the heir to Michael Jackson's throne? Usher leaves his inner choirboy way behind, in Next Steps.

Usher's hits came with alarming regularity, and he matured before our eyes into one of the contemporary R&B scene's most sensual balladeers right alongside Babyface, one of his producers. Outrageously seductive storylines, like "Bedtime," "Think of You," and "Tender Love," transformed Usher from angelic choirboy to something, uh, diametrically opposed to that. A couple of R&B divas appreciate Usher's attentions, in Deep Cuts.

Usher's ability to play to hip-hop, soul and pop crowds has brought him a healthy fan base. He's a triple threat – a singer, dancer, and actor . . . not to mention a basketball team co-owner (Cleveland Cavaliers). What will he do next? For now, let's just appreciate the man as he provides sterling support for Mary J. Blige ("Shake Down") and Alicia Keys ("If I Ain't Got You"), and shines on his own in front of a worshipful audience ("Pianolude").

Usher Raymond has had one hell of a ride. In a relatively short space of time he's so far compiled a scroll of accomplishments as long as Santa's gift list — from GRAMMY® statues to movie roles to elite duet partners (Ludacris, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys). And you know there are plenty of platinum records on those walls of his. But Usher is also a soul flame-keeper, intent on seeing that the music of greats like Stevie Wonder and Barry White burns brightly in the hearts of a new generation of fans. And surely that's one "confession" the man doesn't have to make.