Usher's Electrifying Performance at London's O2 Arena: A Night to Remember

BY ESHERU KWEKU

Usher's Electrifying Performance at London's O2 Arena: A Night to Remember

London was buzzing with excitement last night as Usher delivered an unforgettable performance at The O2 Arena, marking the fourth stop on his highly anticipated "Past Present Future" tour. The global superstar captivated the audience with his smooth vocals, high-energy choreography, and a setlist that spanned three decades of hits.

The night reached a crescendo when Usher surprised fans by inviting UK R&B legend Craig David to join him on stage. Craig David, fresh off his own successful Commitment arena tour, stepped into the spotlight with his iconic debut single "Fill Me In," sparking cheers from thousands of fans. The energy soared as Usher joined him for a collaborative performance of "7 Days," creating a magical moment that united two R&B titans.

Craig David posted on X:

Feeling truly blessed to share the stage with the legend @Usher ???????? This is a real full-circle moment for me ????✨ Growing up, I had ‘I Think of You’ and ‘U Make Me Wanna’ on repeat ???????? He’s always been an artist I deeply respect and one of the greatest to ever do it ???? Thank you… pic.twitter.com/LeMnpTbmux

— Craig David (@CraigDavid) April 5, 2025

 "It was a full-circle moment and such a beautiful thing. Having grown up listening to Usher, I was like, wow — what an incredible voice, what an amazing artist. To have just performed at the O2 on my own tour, and then get the call from Usher just a few weeks later — what a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Born To Do It."

Usher's performance was divided into ten distinct acts, blending smooth vocals with high-energy choreography, including an impressive 15-minute skate routine. He moved seamlessly through his extensive catalogue, delivering early tracks like "Call Me A Mack" and global anthems such as "Yeah!", "U Got It Bad," "Love In This Club," and "There Goes My Baby." More recent hits, including "Climax" and "Good Good," showcased his enduring relevance in the industry.

Taking a moment to reflect on his 30-year career, Usher addressed the crowd directly, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support. "Hopefully my music has been something to you. Maybe we fell in love together, maybe we had a good time together, but something brought you here. And I just want you to know, I appreciate the connection. If I didn't have you to cheer me on, I wouldn't continue to do this."

The night also drew in an A-list crowd, with stars like model Leomie Anderson, presenters Maya Jama and Judi Love, and actor Daniel Kaluuya spotted in the audience. After the show, Usher continued the celebration with a stylish afterparty on the River Thames, cruising past London landmarks before arriving at The Box Soho for an exclusive event.

For fans of both artists and the R&B genre they helped shape, the surprise duet was more than a performance. It was a celebration of mutual respect, artistic legacy, and the enduring impact of UK and US R&B. The collaboration between Usher and Craig David was a reminder of the timelessness of their sound and the unbreakable bonds forged through music.