Usher 's stage performances have been complimented by critics as " packed with high-octane choreography held together by sleek , masterful showmanship " , and his presence " engaging enough to pull off a one-man show " . '' Vibe magazine '' notes him as being Bobby Brown-esque for his displays of " brash sexuality and arrogance " , leading to antics such as being " prone to dropping his pants " , and a " tendency to shed his shirt on stage " . On his 8701 Evolution Tour in 2002 , Larry Nager of '' The Cincinnati Enquirer '' hailed his simultaneous ability , stating " the 23-year-old Atlantan proved you can sing and dance at the same time . Of course , that 's how James Brown , Jackie Wilson and Usher 's most obvious role model Michael Jackson did it , but in today 's high-tech , gimmicky concerts , it 's a lost art " , claiming his show " ended the reign of ' Nsync , Britney and the rest of the lip-synching , teen-pop acts " . Usher told '' People '' magazine " James Brown introduced me to soul . Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be . I learned showmanship from him " , and has seen comparisons to his influences . At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards , he performed " Confessions Part II " and " Yeah ! " under a rain machine , in which he eventually threw the mic stand at a mirror during the former . '' Rolling Stone '' placed it at number 13 of their " 20 Best MTV VMAs Opening Performances "
2004 MTV Video Music Awards
2004 MTV Video Music Awards
Usher (musician)