Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Usher divides fans with April Fools’ gag by telling crowd Beyoncé is performing

‘It was an April Fools’ joke. But I wasn’t laughing,’ one fan tweeted

Tom Murray
Monday 03 April 2023 20:44 BST
Comments
Usher pranks fans into thinking Beyonce is coming out at concert

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Usher left a lot of fans disappointed after tricking them into thinking Beyoncé would be joining him on stage.

The R&B star was performing at Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, 1 April.

Halfway through the set, the singer told the crowd: “You know, I don’t know if you guys listened to some of the interviews that I did before we decided to do this show, but as promised, I said I would have a special surprise for you tonight, ladies and gentlemen.

“You guys wanna know what that surprise is? Ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, put your hands together for the one, the only, Beyoncé.”

While the crowd erupted into cheers, the My Boo singer waited, pretending to check backstage for the singer before announcing: “April Fools’.”

The trick divided fans on Twitter, some of whom called it the “best” April Fools’ prank ever while others called it the “worst”.

“Usher just gestured to the side of the stage and said ‘ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, my special guest, Beyoncé.’ It was an April Fools joke. But I wasn’t laughing,” one person tweeted.

“Does usher think this is a joke ? don’t EVER play about a Beyoncé appearance like,” wrote another.

Praising the joke, one fan tweeted: “Usher saying he was bringing out Beyoncé was still jokes. Watched like 3 people faint from that.”

“I know Beyoncé somewhere cackling at what Usher did,” wrote another.

Usher recently expressed his desire for EGOT status – an entertainer who’s won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

“That’s a goal in life. I’ve acted on Broadway. I’ve acted in movies. I’m now producing,” he told The Associated Press.

The artist last month added an additional 15 dates to his sold-out My Way residency in Las Vegas, which will take place in June and October.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in