Usher with his kids. PHOTO:
INSTAGRAM/USHER
Usher Raymond may be a multi-platinum-selling artist who has sold out arenas the world over, gleaned eight Grammys throughout the course of his illustrious career and will headline the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, but when all is said and done, his greatest role is being a father to his four kids.
The “My Way” singer shares sons Usher “Cinco” V, 16, and Naviyd Ely, 15, with his ex-wife, Tameka Foster, as well as a daughter, Sovereign Bo, 3, and a son, Sire Castrello, 2, with his longtime girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea.
And much like anything else in his life, his children have served as inspiration for his music. In 2020, the Grammy winner opened up about the idea behind his song “I Cry.”
“I’m not shy in terms of being honest with my kids about the fact that I didn’t have a relationship with my father at all,” he told Washington, D.C.-based radio station WPGC 95.5 FM in an interview.
“And there was a moment between a son and a father [in Onward] and it got to me — I started crying. So my kids, they look over at me and they’re like, ‘Are you crying?!’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m crying!’ They’re like, ‘You cry?!’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I cry, and it’s okay to cry.’ And the beginning of the idea was born there,” he added.
As we prepare for another awe-inspiring performance this Sunday at the Super Bowl, here’s a look at some of Usher’s sweetest moments with his kids.
01of 10Candid MomentsUsher with Sovereign and Sire.
USHER INSTAGRAM
In this cute 2023 candid, the singer shared a moment with his two youngest babies. “2 out of 4 reasons I do it for LOVE ❤️❤️❤️❤️” he wrote.
02of 10Leaving a MarkUsher with his sons.
DAVID BUCHAN/VARIETY/PENSKE MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES
Dad proudly beamed while posing with his two sons when he got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
03of 10At the Ball GameUsher and Usher Raymond V.
PARAS GRIFFIN/GETTY
Usher and his lookalike namesake were pictured courtside in Atlanta as they watched the Hawks take on the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.
04of 10Cuddle TimeUsher and Naviyd. USHER INSTAGRAM
The doting dad managed to squeeze in some cuddles during a dinner date with a young Naviyd.
05of 10Serene SovereignUsher and Sovereign. USHER INSTAGRAM
Even while on the go, Usher still made some to get giggles out of 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 Soverign.
06of 10Hitting the Red CarpetUsher with Cinco and Naviyd. JEFFREY MAYER/WIREIMAGE
It seems Cinco (a.k.a. Usher V) and Naviyd weren’t too keen about cameras when they hit the red carpet with their dad back in 2011 for the premiere of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.
07of 10Doing Good with the BoysUsher with Cinco and Naviyd.
PARAS GRIFFIN/GETTY IMAGES
Clearly the boys grew out, of it as they were pictured with their dad while doing some good at the Healthy Thanksgiving Meals giveaway event hosted by Hungry, Sunfare and Usher at Mary Hall Freedom Village in 2022.
08of 10Just Trollin
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Usher with his son. USHER/INSTAGRAM
The singer matched his little tyke when the family dressed up as trolls for Halloween.
09of 10Having Fun
Usher with his child. USHER/INSTAGRAM
Clearly, the father of four was invested in the festivities.
10of 10Proud Dad
Usher with his kids.
INSTAGRAM/USHER
“Hold on to them while you can mannn…😌 BIGS & littles” Usher wrote on Father’s Day 2023 as he smiled big, surrounded by all four of his kids.