Podcast Summary
Podcast: The Bert Show
Episode: Vault: Usher Talks About Broadway
Date: November 10, 2025
Host: The Bert Show Cast (Bert, Co-hosts)
Guest: Usher
Episode Overview
This episode features a lively conversation with Usher, focusing on his debut on Broadway in "Chicago" as Billy Flynn. Usher shares candid insights into preparing for Broadway, addresses rumors, discusses the challenge of juggling music, acting, and personal ambitions, and provides a behind-the-scenes view into his evolving career. The tone is warm, humorous, and filled with mutual respect and entertainment industry banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Usher on Entering Broadway and Performance Preparation
- Fearlessness & Preparation:
- Usher shares his nerves and excitement transitioning to Broadway, highlighting the unique demands of live theatre.
"I can't say that there's no fear. I'm just anxious, I'd say, to get started, you know, it's been a lot of...a lot of rehearsal in preparation for it." – Usher [01:55]
- He distinguishes the preparation for live performance from music videos and movies.
"You have to search to make sure that you understand the character because you're acting live, man." – Usher [01:55]
- Usher shares his nerves and excitement transitioning to Broadway, highlighting the unique demands of live theatre.
- Method Acting:
- The group discusses method acting with Usher elaborating on how some actors go deep into their roles.
"Some people are method actors...they don't step outside of the character. It becomes a part of their personality." – Usher [02:41]
- The group discusses method acting with Usher elaborating on how some actors go deep into their roles.
2. Integration into the Broadway World
- Proving Himself Among Theatre Veterans:
- Usher admits feeling like the rookie surrounded by Broadway pros and feels he has something to prove.
"Of course, I feel like I have something to prove to myself as well as the other people who have...conveyed trust in me playing this role." – Usher [03:29]
- Usher admits feeling like the rookie surrounded by Broadway pros and feels he has something to prove.
- Welcoming Company Culture:
- He praises the professionalism and inclusivity of the cast.
"They're totally professional and great professionals, really...they've been working with the company for at least, you know, a minimum of 10 years." – Usher [03:55]
- He praises the professionalism and inclusivity of the cast.
3. On Career Evolution and Artistic Boundaries
- Natural Progression to Broadway:
- Usher views Broadway as a natural next step from his work in music and acting.
"As an artist, it will be a natural evolution to go from music to having a label...as an actor...it’s a natural evolution for me to someday go to Broadway." – Usher [04:59]
- Usher views Broadway as a natural next step from his work in music and acting.
- Drawing the Line:
- Lighthearted joking about career limits (explicitly avoiding adult films).
4. Broadway’s Demands and Sacrifices
- Schedule Intensity:
- Performing eight shows a week is highlighted as a demanding schedule.
"I'm playing eight shows a week...that's unheard of." – Usher [06:16]
- Performing eight shows a week is highlighted as a demanding schedule.
- Family Support:
- Usher credits his mother and family, who are traveling to see his Broadway debut.
"My mother's always been...very supportive...a lot of it is due to her. She's my manager." – Usher [07:28]
"I might take up the first 10 rows." (Referring to his family and friends in the theater) – Usher [08:10]
- Usher credits his mother and family, who are traveling to see his Broadway debut.
- Living in New York:
- Usher is so busy with rehearsals he hasn’t experienced much of the city.
"I've been so, so busy that I don't even get the opportunity to walk the streets." – Usher [06:11]
- Usher is so busy with rehearsals he hasn’t experienced much of the city.
5. Rumors, Paparazzi, and Celebrity Culture
- Handling the Tabloids:
- Usher expresses tolerance for paparazzi, citing it as part of the job, while emphasizing he tries to be courteous to fans.
"As long as paparazzi is not disrespectful...when you sign up to become an entertainer, anonymity goes out the window." – Usher [09:32]
- Usher expresses tolerance for paparazzi, citing it as part of the job, while emphasizing he tries to be courteous to fans.
- Misinformation:
- Usher debunks online rumors (such as turning down a Beyoncé video for Broadway).
"No, that's not true. Where'd you hear that?" – Usher [08:59]
- Usher debunks online rumors (such as turning down a Beyoncé video for Broadway).
6. Personal Insights & Career Aspirations
- Legacy Goals:
- Usher reveals ambitious plans for an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
"I want a Grammy, Tony, Oscar, Emmy." – Usher [14:27]
- Usher reveals ambitious plans for an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
- Personal Fulfillment:
- He reflects on balancing career achievements with personal happiness.
"Some people don’t find...happiness truly within themselves until later on in their life." – Usher [13:46]
- He reflects on balancing career achievements with personal happiness.
- Missing Home:
- When away, he misses Atlanta, especially his car, restaurants, and the familiar places.
"Yeah, my Porsche GT." – Usher [16:11]
"Lenox Mall, of course, or 6 Plaza." – Usher [16:23]
- When away, he misses Atlanta, especially his car, restaurants, and the familiar places.
7. Future Projects
- Film & Label Updates:
- Confirms talks about working with Denzel Washington and projects with Morgan Freeman in development.
"Yes, there had been conversation about me being a part of a Denzel Washington film. And yes, I had been writing...with Morgan Freeman." – Usher [11:46]
- Promotes his label's new group, One Chance, with upcoming music and a tour.
"My label, I got One Chance...look out for One Chance later. The album be out a little bit later this year." – Usher [12:25]
- Hints at a new album of his own:
"My next album...I'm hoping by 2007." – Usher [13:18]
- Confirms talks about working with Denzel Washington and projects with Morgan Freeman in development.
8. Memorable Banter & Good-natured Ribbing
- The conversation is peppered with friendly jabs, jokes about boundaries, and inside humor among host and guest.
"I mean, you’re throwing it out there. That means you want to talk about it." – Bert [13:13]
"Entertainment don't stop and it don't quit. The show must go on, man." – Usher [13:29]
"I love you, Bert." – Usher [16:00]
Notable Quotes (With Timestamps and Attribution)
-
On facing fears and challenges:
"I can't say that there's no fear. I'm just anxious, I'd say, to get started, you know, it's been a lot of...a lot of rehearsal in preparation for it."
– Usher [01:55] -
On method acting:
"Some people are method actors...they don't step outside of the character. It becomes a part of their personality."
– Usher [02:41] -
On making the jump to Broadway:
"As an artist, it will be a natural evolution to go from music to having a label...as an actor...it’s a natural evolution for me to someday go to Broadway."
– Usher [04:59] -
On celebrity privacy and the press:
"As long as paparazzi is not disrespectful...when you sign up to become an entertainer, anonymity goes out the window."
– Usher [09:32] -
On career ambition:
"I want a Grammy, Tony, Oscar, Emmy."
– Usher [14:27] -
On maintaining well-being:
"Some people don't find...happiness truly within themselves until later on in their life. I’ve learned to love myself enough to...be patient and, you know, eventually I'll make sure I get it right."
– Usher [13:46]
Timeline of Key Segments
- [01:05] – Conversation with Usher begins
- [01:55] – On preparing for Broadway and managing fear
- [02:41] – Method acting and seriousness of stage prep
- [03:29] – Usher reflects on being new to Broadway
- [06:16] – On the grueling schedule and physical demands
- [07:28] – Talking about family support and his mother as manager
- [09:32] – Discussion on paparazzi and celebrity culture
- [11:46] – Upcoming projects with Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman
- [12:25] – Music updates: One Chance and future projects
- [13:18] – Hints at new album (timeline: 2007)
- [14:27] – Career ambition (EGOT)
- [16:11] – What Usher misses about Atlanta
Tone & Style
The conversation is fast-paced, friendly, and playful, with moments of sincerity as Usher delves into career philosophy, the importance of family, and personal aspirations. The hosts' easy rapport with Usher allows for both genuine insights and comedic exchanges, reflecting the show’s goal of mixing real talk with humor.
Takeaways
- Usher approaches every new artistic opportunity with intense preparation and respect, especially when joining established worlds like Broadway.
- Fame brings both privilege and loss of privacy, which Usher acknowledges but manages with grace.
- He is strategic about his career, continually evolving, and is driven by ambitious, multi-award-winning goals.
- Personal fulfillment, family support, and roots in Atlanta remain important anchors amid his busy career.
- Listeners are left feeling both entertained and inspired by Usher’s candor and charisma.
For more on Usher's Broadway debut and future projects, check out the episode links and stay tuned for his new works both on stage and in music.