Usher was born Arthur Raymond IV, and his parents divorced when he was very young. His mother valued Arthur's musical talent and moved him to Atlanta to attend art school there. At the age of 13, Arthur won the championship in an accidental talent show. What was even more surprising was that he got the opportunity to sign with LaFace Records and study under producer Puff Daddy.
Arthur once performed with MJ at MJ's 30th anniversary concert. Arthur kept shouting "Michael Jackson is the king of pop!"
Once with Michael Jackson Fellow performer Usher expressed "deep condolences" for Jackson's passing and asked his spokesman to express his thoughts: "God will protect you, Michael. We are all praying for you. Hope to the entire Jackson family Especially Michael’s mother, children and all fans are safe.”