R&B sensation Usher has cautioned fans about participating in his sensual live routines on stage, following a recent viral incident. The artist addressed the matter during a performance at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The warning comes days after an interaction at his Nashville concert circulated widely online. "Now, before we get started, don’t bring your ass up here if you don’t want to be here," Usher told the audience. He added, "God don’t like ugly, but he most certainly don’t feel too good about pretty privilege either, do he?"
The remarks referred to an incident during 'The R&B Tour' show at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Saturday, July 25, 2026. During his 'Can U Handle It?' performance, Usher invited a woman identified as Gabrielle Cheyenne on stage for a lap dance routine around a prop bed. Cheyenne reportedly remained largely still, avoided eye contact, and appeared reluctant to participate. Usher stopped dancing, noting, "I don’t think she wanna be on the stage," and gestured for her to leave.
Footage of the moment subsequently went viral. Cheyenne later defended herself on social media, explaining that tour team members had moved her and her mother from floor seats to the VIP area before the concert. She stated, "NOBODY is declining to go on stage," and added, "They don’t say who you’re going up there for!"
At the Birmingham show, Usher selected another woman from the audience who enthusiastically participated in the routine, even attempting to feed him a cherry.