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Usher Aks Cathy Hughes: Shall We Dance?
Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, actor, businessman and philanthropist Usher talks to host Catherine
Hughes about his childhood, family, faith, future aspirations and new Thanksgiving-release movie, "In the Mix,"
in an exclusive TV One on One interview debuting Monday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. and repeating at midnight (EST).
Hughes concludes the interview by asking the superstar about his fantasies, and also asking him to help fulfill one of
hers. Usher teaches Hughes some dance moves, helping her fulfill a lifelong fantasy to dance with the stars.
The interview with one of America's hottest superstars offers a glimpse at what drives the 27-year-old man, how he stays
grounded and what his aspirations are for the future. The episode is scheduled to repeat on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday,
Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11 p.m. The interview will also air Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. and midnight, the night
before his new movie, "In the Mix," premieres.
Usher talks to Hughes about his increasingly busy acting career and unique involvement with "In the Mix."
"I think for us as entertainers to take that step from music to acting [is] an evolution," Usher says. "You
know, we spend so much time in front of cameras, you kind of get accustomed to it."
Usher, born Usher Raymond IV in Chattanooga, TN, was raised with his younger brother by a single mother, Jonnetta Patton,
who has served as his manager and closest confidant throughout his career. She moved the family to Atlanta when Usher was
12 and brought up her sons within the foundations of faith and family afforded by St. Elmo's Missionary Baptist Church, for
which
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With an album that sold more than 10 million worldwide, super star Usher is not sitting around enjoying his earnings. Instead,
he has been filming a movie - "In TheMix" - which he stars in and also executive produced. "In The Mix,"
which is billed as a romantic comedy, opens nationwide November 23, with a premiere in New York on November 16.
The premise" When New York's hottest nightclub DJ, Darrell, played by Usher, saves a mob boss's life (Chazz Palminteri),
he is rewarded for his bravery with the responsibilty of watching over the don's beautiful daughter, Dolly, played by Emmanuelle
Chriqui. The sparks soon begin to fly between the two, who are from very different worlds. Of course the liaison is against
her formidable father's wishes. Meanwhile, the don has other things on his mind - quashing a potential war with an archrival
and controlling a young, ruthless challenger to his throne. In the end, all's fair in love and gangster warfare in this hip,
romantic comedy, "In The Mix." Directed by Ron Underwood and produced by John Dellaverson, the film's executive
producers include Usher, Bill Borden, Holly Davis Carter and Michael Paseornek. For more, go to UsherInTheMix.com or click
on the photo to the left.
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for which she served as choir director.
"With my mother, we listened to gospel, and we studied," he said. "I watched her study music. I think that
is what gave me an idea of how to become better at what I did as a vocalist, watching her study the songs to get herself together
to teach the youth choir."
Usher got his first record contract at 13, through famed producer L.A. Reid, and Babyface Edmonds, Sean "Diddy"
Combs and Jermaine Dupri also all played important roles early in his career.
When Hughes asks if he feels an obligation to always be associated with them, Usher says, "If it's not broken, don't
fix it... If I have a great connection with my producer, why not continue?"
Usher talks about some of his other business ventures, including part-ownership in the Cleveland Cavaliers; the new record
label he has founded, US Records; and a new clothing line that he says "is a work in progress."
During the interview, Usher also talks about the importance in his life of his charitable endeavors, Camp New Look in
Atlanta, which offers kids an opportunity to learn about the business side of entertainment and sports; and Project Restart,
to provide housing for Hurricane Katrina victims.
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