Usher wins awards and honors mother at NAACP Image Awards

When he walked on stage to just accept the award, it was clear that the ladies in his life were crucial. He took time to share the highlight together with his mother and former manager Jonetta Patton, to whom he credited his success.

“I am very honored to receive this incredible award, which comes from the depths of my soul, my passion… work has been the most important thing to me since my mother made me understand what it is to be able to speak to the whole world,” he said.

“I wanted it to be known that far too often women in our industry (don’t) get the recognition they truly deserve. When we started out, it was even harder for my mother to believe in my dreams because I was so steadfast, having been raised without a father. In our single-parent home… it was a lot. But if anyone deserves it more than anyone, it’s (my mom).”

The superstar, who recently married Jennifer Goicoechea, continued to pay tribute to the ladies she loves in her moving acceptance speech.

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“The perseverance it took to look at a male-dominated industry and unwavering faith in my son, no matter how difficult those boardrooms were, she didn’t have the experience… but that’s why I have this moment,” he said.

“I want you to know how much I love, honor, acknowledge and appreciate you. It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the NAACP in this beautiful community. We all take our craft very seriously… I’m grateful for the support my mother gave me. I am impressed by the recognition from my entire family. Thank you to my beautiful mother and my beautiful wife Jennifer for supporting me. I dedicate this award to my family.”

In addition to receiving the President’s Award, Usher also won Entertainer of the Year during Saturday’s live performance hosted by Queen Latifah.

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