Dubai: Megastar Usher may have made a few "adjustments" to his sold-out Dubai gig tonight, but fans can still expect "a few surprises". Speaking softly at a press conference at Atlantis, The Palm, ahead of his debut Middle East performance, the five-time Grammy Award-winning R'n'B artist said he was mindful of the more conservative standards in the UAE and asked his female fans for forgiveness. "I was very mindful of the standards of the region," he said. "I won't be taking my shirt off. I hope the fans will forgive me." Usher Raymond IV is one of just a handful of R'n'B artists who can boast true staying power and the proof is in the pudding as all 12,000 tickets for Thursday's show at Dubai Media City amphitheatre sold out in every category seven days before the show. "It will be a great journey on stage tonight," he said. "I would be keen to return to the United Arab Emirates, especially after such a warm welcome. Everybody is chilled here. They are kind and accommodating. The only thing which I've had to do for myself was remove my sunglasses at airport customs," he joked. His music career hit the high notes and continues to stay there but in stark contrast the singer is dealing with the break-up of his marriage to Tameka Foster, the mother of his two children. Rather than bitterness, regret and resentment, the world-renowned star is respectful and sad and says now it's all about being a dad. "My children are my greatest contribution to life and they are the reason for doing what I am doing." Tickets for the show are completely sold out. Doors open at 6pm and Usher will perform at 9pm. After hours The official After Party with Usher will take place at Nasimi Beach at Atlantis, The Palm, on Thursday, where Usher will make an appearance.
By Kelly Crane
