He started the session by welcoming viewers and attendees to the “office party” and transitioned into a version of his 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna…”
Supporting the artist with backup vocals were Eric Bellinger and Vedo.
Bellinger kicked off the next song, “Superstar,” with a falsetto run that showed off his musical prowess. Usher explained that Bellinger fathered the Superstar Challenge, which saw stars and fans alike attempting the iconic run at the beginning of the song.
Later, he encouraged attendees to join in on the next track, “U Don’t Have to Call,” which featured accompanying horns from his band.
He also sang “Nice & Slow,” a song that went viral on TikTok in April.
Usher concluded his performance and let the audience know it was the 25th anniversary of My Way, his second studio album.
Fans were thrilled after watching the performance, reiterating the singer’s GOAT status.
usher’s tiny desk concert just solidifies what I’ve already known. 🐐
— whit. (@whitneyc__) June 30, 2022
I just heard a clip of Usher’s Tiny Desk.
He still has it. The new girls could never.
— Matthew . (@MathewNoKnowles) June 30, 2022
Idk how you can watch that Usher tiny desk and think that man has any male peers in r&b
— Kyle (@itskylesg) June 30, 2022
Usher + tiny desk = me hiding in the office😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Mnwvq92sUa
— Dime The Twin (@DimeTheTwin) June 30, 2022
Usher’s appearance was one of the show’s first in-person performances since NPR wrapped up concerts in its office due to the pandemic.
According to Pitchfork, the performance is part of NPR’s celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music Month. Other artists featured in the series include FKA twigs, Ravyn Lenae, Denzel Curry, Monica, Adekunle Gold and others.