Usher’s heartfelt ode to fatherhood during the 2024 BET Awards had us in tears.

Usher thanked fathers for inspiring the “future Black leaders” after receiving the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award.

During his acceptance speech at the 2024 BET Awards on June 30, the 45-year-old expressed his gratitude to fathers across after winning the Best Male R&B/Pop artist title.

Usher said on stage at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, “It’s important to understand that fatherhood is so important.” “I would like all the fathers here tonight, whether they are at home or in the audience, to stand up for me for just two seconds. When we reach this point, far too frequently, we tell our mothers, “Look Ma, I made it.” Too rarely do we get to say, “Dad, I did it.” This is therefore dedicated to all the men who are generals to their sons and provide as inspiration for the young men who will be our Black leaders in the future.

And throughout part of his address, Usher—who is father to three children, Sovereign, three, and Sire, two, with wife Jennifer Goicoechea, as well as sixteen-year-old Cinco and fifteen-year-old Naviyd, with ex Tameka Foster—discussed his career before being honoured with the 2024 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

He said, “I’m really happy to be in the fight still.” “Inspiration for all the new kids, and motivation from my past, for all the artists of my past.”

Naturally, the rapper of “Yeah!” couldn’t resist adding a joke as well.

“It’s true that I sound as old as f——k?” Usher chuckled. “However, I’m not.”

Usher has previously talked about how his desire to be a hands-on father to his four children was moulded by his own experience growing up without a father, even if his quick shoutout was directed towards other fathers in the room and those watching the event at home.

Soon after becoming a father for the first time in 2008, he told Essence, “You should never abandon that responsibility, which is to be there, reading with your child, being supportive of your child’s growth.” That’s what’s meant by communication. That is choosing to prioritise your child’s needs over your own conceit.