Usher is expanding his influence beyond music through the launch of paid fellowships at USC, while also navigating tour changes following the cancellation of several stadium dates with Chris Brown amid Brown's legal proceedings. Recent performances have featured surprise appearances by Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and Robin Thicke, highlighting a high-profile reunion with Brown despite ongoing controversies. Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to a late Grammy-winning producer known for work with Usher and Mariah Carey.