Usher Celebrates 4th Of July With A Playlist Of His Songs: Did He Pay Just Himself For Macy's Fireworks Spectacular?
Usher may have curated Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular without any major hitch, but the singer is currently receiving backlash for cutting a playlist which featured a number of his own songs.
As the first-ever collaboration between Macy's and a superstar to curate the music to go along with the fireworks, the singer glossed over this little details while announcing the endeavor.
"I'm really excited to add my flavor to the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, the largest show in America. As an artist, it's important that I expand creatively into new areas," says the 34-year-old according to the Gothamist.
"Working on the score and fireworks design has been a great experience that's allowed me to share my voice in a new way."
And he meant that literally.
During the fireworks show, Usher used no less than four of his singles, including "Yeah," "OMG," "Euphoria," and David Guetta's "Without You" during the 4th of July firework's most emphatic moments.
And while the singer also featured other musicians like Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Hendrix, Rihanna, and Avicii, most viewers didn't take too kindly to the blatant self-promotion.
Holy shit..make that four..from music biz perspective, Usher basically paying himself to play his songs #publishing
— Peter Lauria (@peterlauria3) July 5, 2013
Usher your music choice was horrible last night. You're selfish and self centered. You ruined the fireworks. — Mike Delpome (@MikeDelps) July 5, 2013
Gotta love how Usher helped organize the Macy's fireworks so basically every song they're set off to is by him