The 55th annual NAACP Awards celebrated outstanding achievements by entertainers and writers of color on Saturday night, with Usher taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year honor.
Accepting the award at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the R&B superstar reflected on his remarkable three-decade career journey.
Usher recounted several recent milestones, including his sold-out Las Vegas residency, getting married, releasing his ninth studio album “Coming Home,” and delivering the most-watched Super Bowl halftime performance in history. He triumphed over fellow nominees Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer.
“I don’t know how many people do that much stuff in one setting,” remarked the multi-Grammy winner, who received his award from none other than Oprah Winfrey.
Usher expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “This is for you, you, my number ones,” as the audience echoed his words. He closed his speech by reciting lyrics from his hit song “Superstar” off the iconic album “Confessions.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President’s Award for his public service efforts through the New Look Foundation. He acknowledged the influential women in his life, including his mother and new wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl performance last month. “They say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman,” he remarked.
Queen Latifah hosted the live BET broadcast of the awards show, where “The Color Purple” musical film took home Best Motion Picture. Fantasia Barrino, who portrayed Celie in the star-studded film, won Best Actress in a Motion Picture.
Super group New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
“We stand here in brotherhood,” said Michael Bivins while his group members stood behind him. The Grammy-nominated group includes Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Ricky Bell.
“You’ve seen our story. You know what we’ve been through,” said Bivins, who spoke about the group overcoming conflict and tension in their earlier years to now holding a residency in Las Vegas.
Damson Idris won best actor in a drama television series for his role in “Snowfall.” Henson and Domingo took home best supporting roles in “The Color Purple.” Domingo also won best actor in a motion picture for his role in “Rustin.”
This article has information from The Associated Press