Usher’s Cherry Mishap Nearly Triggers Medical Emergency—Then Sparks $2.8K Backlash in Australia.
Usher may be serving up hits and flirty moves on his Past, Present, and Future world tour—but one fruity stunt nearly ended in disaster, and now Aussie fans are losing it over sky-high VIP ticket prices.
🍒 Fan Allergic to Cherries? Usher’s “Sexy” Stage Move Nearly Goes Very Wrong
At his recent London show, the R&B legend kept up his quirky habit of feeding fruit to women in the front row—this time, offering a cherry to a fan mid-song. It’s a move that’s become part of his act, evolving from strawberries during his Vegas run to what he described as the more “erotic” cherry.
But things went sideways fast.
In a TikTok video now making the rounds, the fan quickly pulls away from the offered fruit. Confused, Usher leans in. She shouts: “I’m allergic!”
His eyes widen. “Oh st, you’re allergic to cherries? Damn!” he says, throwing up his hands. “Anybody got an epipen in this b*h?”
He hugged her, laughed it off, and told the crowd, “We almost had an emergency in here.” Close call? That’s putting it mildly.
@milliesmith110 Made me chuckle #usher #ushercherrygirls #usherconcert
🎥 London Loves the Drama
It’s not the first time Usher’s cherry routine has gone viral.
Last month, Chicago-based arts leader Jimalita Tillman was pulled in for a steamy serenade. As the singer crooned “There Goes My Baby,” he handed her a cherry and locked eyes like something out of a rom-com. Social media ran wild, speculating the moment ended her marriage.
Tillman quickly shut it down: “I’m single,” she told WGN9. “That is completely false. I am a retired homeschool mom looking to expand the arts here and across the pond. You got a cherry, give me a jingle.”
(Also, side note, whoever filmed that clip deserves a cinematography award.)
💸 Meanwhile in Australia: ‘Almost $3,000? For Real?’
While Usher is winning hearts in Europe, he’s sparking outrage in Australia with his $2,792.85 “Ultimate VIP Lounge Experience” for upcoming tour dates.
The package includes a meet-and-greet, photo op, 90-minute cocktail reception, and a reserved seat. Sounds decent—until you see the price tag.
“That's almost $3,000! What the actual f***,” TikTok creator Jacinda Chenelle said in a now-viral video. “I've hung out with Taylor Swift backstage on multiple tours—and you know how much she charged? Zero.”
Usher fans jumped in, some fuming, others laughing.
“For that price you better let me duet with you on stage.”
“This better come with a hotel stay, a robe, and a cherry-fed breakfast.”
“Babes... you’re not in your prime anymore.”
One commenter pointed out even regular tickets are pricey, saying, “I was gonna take my mum, but $600 for two people? Yeah, nah.”
(And here's the typo: Ticketek lists some “preimum” reserve seats at over $530—ouch.)
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🎤 Tour Dates, Context, and a Little Neck Injury
Usher's Aussie leg kicks off this November, hitting Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena (Nov. 19, 20, 22, 23) and Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena (Dec. 1, 2, 4, 5). It’s his first full Australian tour since 2011.
The Past, Present, and Future tour launched in the U.S. last year—though it stumbled out of the gate after Usher injured his neck during rehearsals and had to cancel three shows.
Now back in top form, he’s riding high after 100 sold-out Vegas shows and a swagger-filled turn at the Met Gala.
Tickets officially go on sale Friday, May 16, but fans can jump on the artist presale at UsherWorld.com starting Monday, May 12.
