Usher delivered an emotional speech as he accepted a lifetime achievement prize at the BET Awards on Sunday.
The singer-songwriter told the audience as he accepted the award that “getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it”.
The 45-year-old is best known for hits including Yeah! and You Make Me Wanna.
Usher also picked up the award for best R&B and hip-hop artist at the ceremony.
Tyla wins big as South African artists triumph at BET Awards
Usher Delivers Emotional
Speech After BET
Achievement Awards
The singer went on to speak about his dad leaving his family when he was a child.
He also reflected on what it means to now be a father himself.
As several men in the audience got on their feet, Usher said: “We don’t get a chance to say enough, ‘Dad I did it’, so this one is for all of the men out there being generals to their sons, and motivation for our future black leaders – young men.”
Usher also said he was “turning over a new leaf” and addressed the topic of forgiveness.
He said: “We’ve got to be willing to forgive, we’ve got to be willing to be open.
The award was presented to him by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
After a montage of career highlights, including clips from his teenage years and his recent Super Bowl performance, there was an all-star tribute to the singer.
Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer and Summer Walker were among the artists to each perform one of Usher’s songs.
You Can Make It is Will Smith’s first new music since 2017
The recognition for Usher comes just a few months after he played the prestigious half-time show at the Super Bowl.
Other highlights from the event included Will Smith debuting a new single – You Can Make It.
The Black Entertainment Television awards have been running since 2001 and celebrate black talent across a variety of industries.