Usher ended an onstage fan interaction during his concert in Nashville after a woman selected from the audience appeared uncomfortable during one of the show’s signature performance moments.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, took place during the singer’s performance of his 2004 hit Can U Handle It? as part of The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown, his co-headlining tour with Chris Brown.
Usher ends fan segment after noticing her discomfort
During the performance, 24-year-old Gabrielle Cheyenne, a nurse, was invited on stage after being selected from the VIP section.
Usher performed around the fan on a prop bed that forms part of the show’s choreography. However, Gabrielle remained largely expressionless throughout the interaction.
Realising she did not appear to be enjoying the moment, Usher addressed the audience.
“I don’t think she wanna be on the stage.”
He then gestured for Gabrielle to leave the stage before continuing with the performance.
Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, with some audience members heard booing as the interaction came to an end.
Social media reacts to the viral moment
The clip divided opinion online.
Some viewers questioned why Gabrielle accepted the invitation to join Usher on stage.
“Now, why did she sign up to be on stage? If she didn’t wanna be there you knew what it means to go on stage with Usher and Chris Brown come on now.”
Others expressed sympathy, suggesting the moment looked uncomfortable.
“OMG that was awkward. Poor girl.”
Fan says she was moved to the VIP section
Gabrielle later responded to the online reaction, explaining that she had originally purchased general admission tickets for herself and her mother.
According to her account, members of Usher’s team moved them to the VIP area before the concert began.
“Their team approached us and moved us to VIP before the show even started.”
She also addressed criticism from social media users.
“Ya’ll don’t know me in real life! I’m quiet and keep to myself but don’t think that ya’ll are gonna bully me about an experience that ya’ll didn’t get.”
Onstage fan moments have become part of Usher’s live shows
Audience participation has become a regular feature of Usher’s recent tours, with selected fans often invited on stage during performances of romantic songs.
