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Usher is a Doctor! This Prestigious College Gave the Former Coach an Honorary Degree
A soulful voice and a doctorate degree all rolled up in one!
An ultra smooth voice? Check. An extensive discography of classic R&B hits? Check. An acclaimed Vegas residency. Check. A PhD? Also check.
Yes, you read that right, the former The Voice Coach, Usher, is now officially a doctor. On May 13, the Confessions singer proudly accepted an honorary doctorate degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In a series of snapshots posted on his official Instagram page, we got a glimpse of Usher proudly posing to accept the award during a graduation ceremony, complete with a cap and gown.
According to KSNV News, the award was granted to the singer on account of "his invaluable contributions to the worlds of music and philanthropy."
Usher himself was more than honored to accept. "Networking is what brought me here today. It wasn't teachers or credited experts. But that doesn't discredit what this environment is or what the environment is that I grew up in. It just means that I managed to do something significant based on my passion. That makes me not only a student, but a master of my trade. Be bold. Be brave. And I hope your spark never goes away," he said during his speech, accepting the degree before the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"They call me D-o-c-t-o-r R-a-y-m-o-n-d 🎓😏🙏🏾 Thank you @berkleecollege for honoring me and presenting me with a Doctor of Music degree. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share a message to the next generation of artists, producers, vocalists, arrangers, dancers and more. “Be brave and I hope your spark never goes away,” he captioned the inspirational post.
"Thank you, Doctor! It was an honor. 🔥" Berklee College of Music responded.
Congrats, Usher!
In a 2021 interview with Billboard, he opened up about what his highly successful music career means to him today.
“No. 1 is always going to mean a lot to everybody. But it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, change your passion,” he told the outlet. “It hasn’t changed mine, whether I put out a record that hit No. 1 instantly or took time to get there. I have a record company that’s willing to fight for it and get it heard, to connect with my audience and prospective new fans. I’ve tried a lot of stuff. There’s a way to play in R&B where you can be as creative as you want. Don’t cut yourself off — don’t feel you need to be tied so authentically to one thing.”
