Usher
Photo: MTV News
He's a chart-topping entertainer by trade, but Usher also looks out for the kids.
The singer celebrated his New Look Foundation's first World Leadership Awards on Friday night (August 6) in Atlanta, alongside some high-profile pals. ATL star Ciara and Usher protégé Justin Bieber treated guests to a performance. Former President Clinton, also stopped by and So So Def boss Jermaine Dupri showed up with his daughter, who has a serious case of Bieber Fever. "Justin Bieber's here — she ain't gonna miss that," the mogul riffed.
With his celebrity pals showing their support, Usher said he was excited to witness the success of the event. "As a philanthropist I'm very happy to see this incredible event come to fruition. It was an idea that was born in New York City with President Clinton," Usher told MTV News. "Being a part of the Clinton Global Initiative every year has given me the opportunity to do something with the youth that I felt like would talk to the rest of the world."
The singer added that he enjoyed empowering young people and helping them create change around the globe. "Us donating $150,000 dollars from the foundation with the help of the youth to a mobile clinic that will go to Haiti, is a huge step towards youth addressing world issues. I really am just happy that I'm able to not only recognize the kids but to see the New Look Foundation do something that is on a world scale."
Usher, who is gearing up to drop Versus, the re-release of his album Raymond v. Raymond, also said he has some music videos and some possible acting gigs in the works. Despite everything he's got bubbling on the entertainment front, the singer insisted, "music is what I do as my day job, philanthropy is my passion," and broke down what helping others means to him.
"As a philanthropist, I'm happy to do what I do," Usher said. "The idea of it comes from who I am as a businessman. That model is something that I share with the kids. That ... you can do anything you want to do, as long as you have the belief and come up with an idea [and] a goal [and] set it at a very young age. I remember being 18 years old saying that I wanted to do all of what is a reality now."
Usher's star pals were inspired by the evening as well. Ciara tweeted,"Tonight was sooo much fun performing. Both Usher and Justin Bieber rocked the show! today was all about positive energy and love! #perfectday."
Justin Bieber typed, "Proud of my big bro @usherraymondiv for putting 2gether the world leadership awards 2night. He is inspiring the youth. Great mentor and guy!"
What do you think of Usher helping young people with his New Look Foundation? Let us know in the comments below!
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