Megastar Usher delivers mixed bag in Las Vegas

Ken Miller

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004 | 8:22 a.m.

Why has Usher dubbed himself "Mr. Entertainment"? Probably because "The King of Pop" and "King of All Media" are already taken.

As he ably demonstrated Sunday night at a sold-out, hysterical Mandalay Bay Events Center, the 25-year-old R&B/hip-hop performer could easily use any of those self-imposed titles and be playing it safe.

For the uninitiated -- that is, those who don't listen to FM radio -- Usher is also "King of the Hill," a crossover, award-winning behemoth with three singles on Billboard's Top 10 Singles chart, putting him in the company of the Beatles and the Bee Gees as the only artists to accomplish that feat.

He's also found modest success as an actor in movies ("The Faculty") and television ("7th Heaven"), and he put those talents to good use during his nearly two-hour show. His stage presence is undeniable, and it wasn't uncommon for him to bring the house down with just a look into the audience.

The biggest act on the planet? No question. The best? Not quite.

Too much of Usher's act was simply going through the impeccably choreographed motions, and too many of his songs were pop fodder that any current performer could pull off (Justin Timberlake springs to mind far too quickly).

The whole concert felt pre-packaged far in advance. Upon entering the venue, MasterCard debit card applications were distributed featuring -- what else? -- Usher's picture. Just beyond the entrance, fans could buy Usher posters, T-shirts, blinking necklaces and more. Another booth offered fans the chance to get their picture taken in front of a giant picture of Usher -- at $20 a pop.

Think you were safe in your seat? Think again. Vendors patrolled the floor, hawking posters, binoculars and more blinking souvenirs.

Usher isn't just a performer -- he's a cottage industry.

Even the crowd's behavior was choreographed in advance. A particularly harsh warning from the management about taking pictures (those caught would be escorted out), dancing in the aisles (a no-no!) and standing on your seat (double no-no!) was not met favorably by the crowd.

Christina Milian opened the show with a trio of pop/R&B numbers, joined by two scantily clad dancers. By her third number, "Dip It Low," she had the crowd singing along.

Rapper Kanye West spent his nearly hourlong set covering his hits from his debut CD earlier this year, "College Dropout," including "Get 'Em High," "Through the Wire" and "Jesus Walks," which ended his set.

Usher performed on a two-tiered stage with four sets of stairs connecting the two levels. A giant screen directly above center stage was augmented by four vertical, rectangular screens on the stage floor. They were always in use, either showing clips from Usher videos or images ranging from fire to water.

He got things started with the first of many energetic but generic numbers, "Caught Up," in which he wore a white coat and pants with a silver stripe down the side. His eight dancers kept in step with his every move, and Usher had worked up a healthy sweat 10 minutes into the show.

Through his show Usher made 10 costume changes, wearing multicolored coats, Nike jackets, silk shirts, fedoras and a grey top hat. He even went shirtless at times, revealing a sculpted physique (that probably sold at least another poster or two). He was constantly in motion, moonwalking, beat-boxing and suggestively moving his hips, much to the squealing delight of the teenage girls in the audience.

He mixed up old favorites with selections from his newest CD, "Confessions," including the No. 1 hit "Yeah!," which closed his show. The crowd recognized every number from the first note, although enthusiasm seemed to wane early during a few of them.

Usher tried to stir the crowd up politically, urging, "Be sure you vote on time, man." Sensing the crowd getting a bit distant, he added, "I guess nobody in Vegas votes, is that what you're telling me?" But he quickly got the mood going again with, "Vegas, you feel like singing tonight?" They did indeed, and followed him along on almost every song after that.

Explosions and props were used sparingly. The highlight was a large silver chair with black lining, on which Usher entered the stage to sing "Bad Girl," yet another number which really failed to showcase Usher's vocal and lyrical talents (his dancing and athleticism are beyond reproach). But he salvaged things by bringing an audience member onstage and serenading her on a chaise lounge to "Do It to Me," a Prince-inspired slow ballad, followed by "Superstar."

The selection process itself was a highlight, with the camera scanning the crowd and zooming on potential candidates, one of whom kept crossing herself.

Usher was at his best when he sang "Confessions, Part II" and "Burn," easily the most heartfelt -- and best -- songs off his newest CD. On the latter he finally seemed to put himself fully into the music, and when he lit a lighter others followed suit.

Usher has achieved enormous success at a young age, and deservedly so, but as his youthful immaturity gives way to wisdom, his stature and success will only grow. He's called his tour "The Truth Tour," and he's at his best when the truth comes out and the posturing stays home.