Usher Reveals His Fun Secret to Staying Young — and Says You Should Do It, Too (Exclusive)
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Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram
At 46, Usher is not only thriving in his career but also defying the years with a youthful energy that’s as magnetic as ever. The R&B icon, known for his smooth moves and powerhouse vocals, has just launched a new venture in Las Vegas: Flipper’s World Roller Boogie Palace. Located at The Venetian Hotel, this one-of-a-kind roller skating rink is a full-service residency that combines Usher’s love for skating with a vibrant, family-friendly experience.
Flipper’s grand opening on November 16 was a star-studded affair, with Usher skating through the Venetian as guests, including Dr. Dre and Dita Von Teese, cheered him on. The event marked the latest chapter in Usher’s dynamic Vegas journey, which began with his residency at The Colosseum and continues with his Past, Present, Future Tour. “This is kind of a victory lap for Las Vegas,” Usher told PEOPLE at the event. “It really all started with my residency, we had a second one, played the Super Bowl, went to Paris… Now I’m back with this tour, I’m in the flow, having a good time, enjoying and doing things I love.”
While Usher’s career is in full swing, it’s his passion for skating that he credits as the key to his vitality. “Skating has always kept me young,” he says. “It’s something I feel is a necessity for youth nowadays. Everybody spends so much time scrolling; we want you to roll, come out, get active, and have a good time.” For Usher, skating is more than just a hobby—it’s a vital part of his lifestyle that keeps him feeling youthful both physically and mentally. Whether on stage at the Super Bowl or during his tour performances, Usher has long incorporated skating into his shows, even making it part of his daily routine.
Usher’s connection to roller skating goes beyond the physical. He sees it as an important form of self-care and self-expression. “It’s a language when you get deeper into the cultures of skating, for rhythm, period,” he says. “It’s freedom and expression, and people need to understand how fun this really is.” For Usher, skating is an art form, a celebration of movement, and a way to connect with both his body and his audience.
In addition to offering a unique skating experience, Flipper’s World aims to be an inclusive space for everyone, whether they’re skating pros or complete beginners. “There’s no judgment here,” Usher says. “You fall, you get back up. We invite the entire family to come.” Usher hopes the rink will become a place where people of all ages can come together to embrace fun, fitness, and a little bit of nostalgia. “It’s always been the grounds for culture,” he adds, recalling how early hip-hop artists, including N.W.A., got their start by performing at roller rinks.
The new roller rink residency is personal for Usher, who has been skating since childhood. “I’ve been skating since I was a kid, so it’s something I’ve always loved,” he says. It’s clear that this new venture is not just about entertainment for Usher—it’s a way to connect to his roots, engage with fans, and bring people together through an activity he feels passionate about.
While Usher is clearly having a blast on the rink, he’s also enjoying the simple pleasures of life, though he admits he’s not much of a chef. “I wouldn’t bank on me for your Thanksgiving dinner,” he jokes. “No, no. I might be able to do some mac and cheese and a little banana pudding, but that’s about it.” Despite not being a Thanksgiving dinner expert, Usher’s sense of humor and easygoing nature shine through as he balances his many projects with his personal passions.
Looking ahead, Usher is hoping to convince some of his superstar friends to join him on the rink. “Dre, Snoop, and Pharrell getting out here would be crazy,” he says. “A lot of those early hip-hop bands could only get space to perform in the roller rinks. It’s always been a space for culture, creativity, and fun, and I want to bring that energy back.”
With his roller skating rink residency, a successful tour, and an infectious attitude toward staying young, Usher is proving that age is just a number. His enthusiasm for skating, staying active, and engaging with his fans is an inspiration for anyone looking to add a little more joy, freedom, and movement into their lives. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a newcomer, Usher invites everyone to roll into Flipper’s World, where the fun never stops.
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