Usher made history as the first music curator for the Macy's 4th of July fireworks in New York City, but his slanted choice of songs left a number of viewers irritated.
"Me curating, it's far more than me just showing up and allowing my name to be on a bill. I wanted to represent America. I wanted people to understand something more about me artistically," Usher said before the show. "It's not just me being a dancer on a stage, but being able to recognize other incredible people and what they've done. To highlight incredible things we've overcome as people in America. Making an investment and being able to empathize and understand and give credence to some of the things we've had to overcome."
Usher apparently considers himself a significant chunk of America, because his soundtrack featured him stealing the spotlight through his fours songs that played. The R&B star included his singles "Euphoria," "Yeah!" and "OMG," as well as David Guetta's "Without You" that features Usher on vocals. Viewers noticed.
"Usher your music choice was horrible last night," one user Tweeted. "You're selfish and self-centered. You ruined the fireworks."
Usher your music choice was horrible last night. You're selfish and self centered. You ruined the fireworks.
- Mike Delpome (@MikeDelps) July 5, 2013
Some also showed displeasure that the more urban Jay-Z and Alicia Keys closed the ceremonies in song, versus another classic title about New York City. "I take enough issue with the Fireworks Special ending with "Empire State of Mind" instead of Sinatra," wrote Kate Ward, editor at Bustle Magazine.
I take enough issue with the Fireworks Special ending with "Empire State of Mind" instead of Sinatra:https://t.co/B3nh4tltpK - Kate Ward (@KateWardBustle) July 5, 2013
Other artists included Rihanna, Kanye West, Jimi Hendrix, as well as Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. Shelton's inclusion is a buddy-buddy move from Usher, who judges alongside the country star on "The Voice."
