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On Tuesday, Usher received the Icon Award at the Apollo’s spring charity event marking the legendary theater’s 90th anniversary.
Extra spoke with Usher after he enjoyed a date night with his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea.
Usher was happy to celebrate the honor with Jennifer, as he explained, “It’s amazing to be able to celebrate this moment with the people I love the most and really celebrate with the people that actually motivate me. I get motivated at home. My grandparents, my aunts and uncles motivate me.”
He continued, “I always thought of this place as a benchmark where I could finally perform, so after all these years, I’ve been able to not only perform here, but honor others, and to be honored here tonight, it’s just such a joy for them, for her, for my family, for everybody.”
With Father’s Day fast approaching, what do they have planned? “A surprise,” Jennifer replied.
When asked about his dream Father’s Day, Usher replied: “It would be to spend it with my family, my kids and all the people I love.”
“Typically, dads get socks and ties. Things have changed recently,” Usher noted.
While accepting the Icon Award, Usher revealed who inspired him growing up, saying, “Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, just amazing people. Not only are they incredible contributors, but I feel like they’ve also been incredible supporters and mentors to someone like me.”
Usher described being honored at the Apollo Theater as “historic,” saying, “I’m really pleased that the story I’ve been telling has been embraced by this great institution.”
Usher also hinted at what to expect when he hits the road again, promising to give us “the past, the present and the future.”
