The Usher has Landed

Usher arrived in our fair city around 5:30 Saturday evening for the first time, ahead of his Sunday night show at Wukesong Arena. "This is the first time visiting many cities on this tour. It's an honor for me and I hope it will be a treat for fans that have supported me for a long time," the glassed-one said, keeping both his eyes and his famed muscles under wraps throughout a Saturday night press conference.

"The intention of my performance is to give moments that will never be forgotten, and to make a little history," Usher said. The Abbed One arrives in Beijing fewer than three months after the release of "Raymond v. Raymond" -- a rarity for a major U.S. artist, who usually swings through Asia two to three years after a new record drops. Fans can expect most or all of his set from NBA All-Star Weekend, and more, he said.

Usher will be joined on stage tomorrow night by pop star Wang Leehom, a native of upstate New York and graduate of Berklee School of Music who has made his fortune and fame here in Greater in China. The two met in person for the first time at Saturday night's press conference, exchanging gifts -- Usher gave Leehom a pair of his trademark specs, and Leehom returned the gesture with his "Music Man" DVD and matching hat. "I'm just [Usher's] special guest. I hope it will be a historic show," Leehom said.

Both expressed disappointment that they couldn't put a record together from scratch, but left the door open for such a collaboration in the future. The Beijinger can reveal exclusively that tonight's performance will include not just a duet between Usher and Wang Leehom, but a DUET of duets. However, neither would reveal the song choices.

Usher performs at Wukesong Stadium tonight. Tickets at 5914 8087 or (English) 400-610-3721.