Usher recently reaffirmed his claim that he once babysat Beyoncé in the early ’90s, but he’s hesitant to refer to himself as a “manny.” The singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show, discussed this on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast released on Wednesday.
Key Takeaway
Usher reaffirmed his experience babysitting Beyoncé in the early ’90s but rejected the “nanny” label, emphasizing his role as more of a chaperone. He also recognized Beyoncé’s talent and expressed pride in her achievements.
Usher’s Babysitting Duties
Usher disclosed in August that he looked after Beyoncé when she was around 11 or 12 years old. During the podcast, he clarified that Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child visited Atlanta before they rose to fame, and he was asked to watch over them while they were at musician Daryl Simmons’ house. His role was more of a chaperone, ensuring the kids didn’t break anything, rather than a full-time caretaker.
Rejecting the ‘Nanny’ Label
When asked about being “Beyoncé’s nanny,” Usher humorously suggested the term “manny” but ultimately expressed discomfort with the title. He emphasized that his responsibilities were more akin to a chaperone on a school field trip rather than a traditional nanny.
Recognizing Beyoncé’s Talent
Usher also acknowledged his early recognition of Beyoncé’s talent, noting the “brilliance and brightness” he saw in her and the rest of Destiny’s Child. He expressed pride in Beyoncé’s subsequent success and growth as an artist.