Usher Never Had Any Doubts About Teaming Up With Chris Brown for R&B Tour

LOS ANGELES — Usher says criticism and legal problems involving Chris Brown never influenced his decision to launch a 33-date North American stadium tour with the R&B star, insisting the partnership is about celebrating the genre rather than revisiting Brown's past.

Building on record-setting solo tours, the two performers will open their co-headlining run June 26 in Denver with plans to bring stadium-sized R&B shows to audiences across the United States and Canada. As reported by The Associated Press, Usher said the collaboration is intended to demonstrate that R&B belongs on the biggest concert stages alongside every other major music genre.

Usher dismissed suggestions that Brown's legal history factored into the decision to tour together. According to The Associated Press, he said, "Absolutely not. He's my brother, and he's amazing as a performer. That's who I see. He works hard for his fans, and his fans support him."

Brown remains one of R&B's biggest commercial stars despite years of legal issues. Last year he pleaded not guilty in London to charges stemming from an alleged 2023 nightclub assault after previously receiving bail to continue touring, and in 2009 he pleaded guilty to felony assault involving then-girlfriend Rihanna.

At its core, Usher said the tour represents a larger statement about R&B's place in live entertainment. His 2024 "Past, Present, Future" tour sold more than 1.1 million tickets across North America, while Brown's "Breezy Bowl XX" generated nearly $300 million in gross revenue, giving both artists momentum heading into the new run.

"It deserves to be in a stadium," Usher said while arguing that R&B has shaped modern music without always receiving equal recognition. He also described the tour as a tribute to artists including James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Luther Vandross, Jackie Wilson, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Donny Hathaway, Earth, Wind & Fire and Babyface.

Rehearsals, Usher said, have reflected mutual admiration rather than competition. He recalled watching Brown perform during run-throughs while Brown returned the encouragement, adding that the partnership fulfills a vision he has carried since Brown entered the music business during his earliest days in music.

The R&B icon believes the stadium collaboration could encourage more artists to join forces instead of touring separately. He said combining audiences ultimately serves fans better and could expand opportunities for future large-scale R&B tours.