Usher Debuts New Michael Jackson Song At iHeartRadio Awards
The first single from the late King of Pop’s upcoming posthumous album premiered Thursday night at the iHeartRadio Awards. Usher honored the pop legend, Michael Jackson, with choreographed moves to the unreleased debut single “Love Never Felt So Good.”
The curator of the project, L.A Reid, introduced the R&B entertainer to perform tribute as images of the late legend scrolled across walls at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium. Dressed in black and gold, Usher moonwalked with other dancers, who simulated spray paint to make “artwork” of Michael Jackson come to life in front of the live audience. The song was originally written and recorded by Jackson in 1983.
“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” said LA Reid, who was reportedly given unlimited access to Jackson’s vocal-only material for the last four decades. He teamed up with top producers to add a “fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity.” The collection has been “contemporized” by a range of producers including Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.
The debut single, “Love Never Felt So Good,” features a duet with Justin Timberlake. It will appear in the upcoming posthumous album XSCAPE, along with eight other songs previously recorded by Jackson between 1983 and 1999. Songs will officially be released by Epic Records in partnership with Jackson’s estate on May 13.
See Usher’s tribute performance at the iHeartRadio Awards show… and hear the duet with Justin Timberlake below!
