Raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Began singing in the church choir at age nine

Won a high school talent show at age twelve

Was named best teen male vocalist on TV's "Star Search" (syndicated)

Met producer L.A. Reid and signed with LaFace Records

Released debut album, Usher

Debuted on series TV playing the title character's (played by Brandy) boyfriend in "Moesha" (UPN)

Acted in recurring role on the CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful" as part of an interracial romance

Made film debut in the sci-fi thriller "The Faculty"

Appeared as a campus DJ in the comedy "She's All That"

Starred in the hostage drama "Light It Up"

Had featured role in the Western "Texas Rangers" (filmed in 1999)

Released multiplatinum album, 8701

Released multiplatinum album "Confessions"; received eight Grammy nominations

Had a small part in "Ray" a film starring Jamie Foxx as the legendary blues singer Ray Charles

First starring role in a feature film "In The Mix"; directed by Ron Underwood

Made Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in "Chicago"

Earned a Grammy nomination for the title track from his album Here I Stand

Performed with Stevie Wonder and Shakira at Obama's Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial