The Last Showman: Words + Music, Vol. 41

by Usher (Narrator), Gerrick Kennedy

For the past 30 years, Usher has exhilarated audiences with stadium-sized anthems, innovative choreography, and dazzling charm that has made him a once-in-a-generation superstar. The Last Showman is an introspective look into the past, present, and future of a beloved global R&B icon.

Usher opens up about the inspirations, heartache, and growth that fueled the creation of his record-breaking magnum opus, Confessions, while revisiting some of its most iconic tracks. Usher delves into the personal and professional struggles that shaped his life and his career and how one album changed everything for him—and pop music.

©2025 Usher (P)2025 Audible Originals LLC

Genres: Audiobook, Music, Memoir, Nonfiction, African American

Audible Audio

Published February 6, 2025

Reviews

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

we call him… U-S-H-E-R… R-A-Y-M-O-N-D, now baby tell me what you wanna do with me!!!

💚✨💚✨💚✨ I mean, it’s Usher.

What’s the question? Cause I can tell you that the answer is EMPHATICALLY YESSSS. 🙃

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usher's World

What a fantastic insight into Usher's thought process when creating music! Now, we can see why he has remained relevant throughout his career. Listening to him talk was soothing, and him singing of his music was an added bonus.

I recommend this audible!!

[Katie Rankine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting this little insight into Usher and his music ❤️

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

You either love Usher or you’re wrong 😂

[Maya McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love me some Usher 😩

[Carrie Campbell-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Nostalgic. Thank you Usher for sharing your brand’s origin. I respect your evolution and you are correct in your synopsis of music today vs years-gone-by. It IS different. My 9yo daughter asked me what is a CD followed by what is a VCR. 🤣 I am 49yo and I am explaining CDs and VCRs. I MISS GREAT MUSIC AND GREAT MUSICIANS WITH GREAT TALENT. You seem to be the last of the Mohicans for my generation and I appreciate your infusion and collaboration with the newer artists for it’s not just for your evolution but for theirs as well. Streaming has certainly changed the music industry. I don’t even KNOW the musicians out there today and no longer recognize the names on the award shows so I stopped watching them. Pandora is now my own personal juke box on which you are listed as a favorite! 😍

[Heather Baez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm knocking off one star because this was entirely too short. Usher needs to write a a full memoir because his fans (ME!) would read it ASAP. I love Usher. He's insanely talented and this was a really interesting peek into his thought process behind his music. Namely just his Confessions album, though, and I want more! He briefly mentioned his start in the music business, how some of his songs speak to some fans, and not others, his Super Bowl show. But a lot of it was only a few sentences. Interesting, and I could listen to him all day long, but this was just a little over an hour long. Give me more!

[Carrie J Biely · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was worried by the way he was reading and didn't know if I could finish the hour😳 THANKFULLY he changed that up quick, and it was pretty good! Early on, he mentions something likely being narcissistic-that vibe continues throughout the hour but at a minimum. To be fair, he knows hes cute...he knows he can sing...and he knows he can dance-I'd be the same way! Plus he said his favorite thing to do is show off! It was fun to get a glimpse into his experiences, his writing style, and of course, hearing some of my favorite songs! Worth a listen...short and fun!

[Jonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short audiobook with Usher talking about his music and career. I am not a R&B music person and haven't listened to much of his music. That said, I found the story to be interesting and I'm glad I listened to it. I liked how he talked about "you either evolve or evaporate." I enjoyed the snippets of his music and appreciated hearing his perspective on his music. If you like Usher, you will like this short peek into his story.

His narration was excellent; his voice was soothing.

[Melba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a treat. With some of his best songs peppered throughout, this iconic R&B artist gives us a taste of how he became who he is, as well as some thoughts on how he plans to get where he’s going. With some insightful advice, he gives the sense that readers might also want to follow in his footsteps. Great read!

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am a huge Usher fan this one was a disappointment. I didn't learn anything new about Usher and I was looking forward to diving into some of how he got to be who he is. Didn't mention any family or how he grew up exactly. Compared to Black Thought 7 years you can skip this one and go to the next.

[Ale Con · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved hearing some of one of my favorite albums, Confessions, broken down into this audiobook. More specifically- hearing some of the lyrics and why Usher started a song with a certain intro.

I also like the quote he referenced on “if we don’t evolve, we evaporate.”

In summary though- I really want to keep the album on repeat again.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice enough, general summary of Usher's ride through his albums preceded by a brief explanation of his introduction to singing and performing. All in all, I appreciate his dedication to producing only his best work throughout the years. However, my greatest take away from this production is a mantra he repeated a couple of times- "Evolve or Evaporate"! Absolutely love that!

[Jenni Stein · Rating 2 out of 5]

so I am not a huge Usher fan. if you are you'll probably love this book. I felt some parts were alright and I know he mentioned manifesting, but some of it just came across as cocky. yes, Usher has fone a lot for popularizing R&B but I felt calling himself the last showman was a bit overstated. I did like while listening at 1.5 speed the last 6 minutes of the book tho .

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audible. The transparency was refreshing & his voice is soothing. It was like he was sitting next to me telling his story. I have loved Usher since he first debuted and the love is still there. Wish the book could’ve been longer

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off very unreal, but eventually settled down into something like a hagiography (not to be completely trusted but interesting, nevertheless) of Usher's rise to fame.

I probably won't listen to the audiobook again, but maybe.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish it was longer! I loved it!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Usher, how I have loved you since I saw you open for Ms. Jackson when you were like 15 years old! Loved this quick audiobook, filled with music and tidbits about your passion and career path.

[Rich Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent narration and singing by the author, Usher. He shares insights of his life and the changing music scenes.

[Jenna Redd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have and always will love Usher. This was a fun, short insight into his music world.

[Marlo G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once you get past the hubris it a cute story, but no depth.

[Josh Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job didn't know alot about usher going into this if you want to get to know the artist better read this

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this all-too-brief look into the life and career of one of my favorite musical performers. And he is the last showman, captivating audiences with his voice and his dance moves.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usher’s commentary on his music with some of those songs sprinkled in.

[Kimberly Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Ushers perspective on making the iconic album Confessions. Brought me back to my childhood and hearing it for the first time. Was very informative and a quick listen.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome to listen to Usher's journey from Usher himself. As an added bonus, some of my favorite songs!

[Tiana Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good car listen- bridging the gap between dialogue and lyrics while maintaining solid storytelling!

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed the BTS view of his story.

[Ashley O'shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but it didn’t deliver for me.

[Ign33l · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are my confessions Just when I thought I said all I could say
My chick on the side said she got one on the way