Celebrity Mound

The ‘OMG’ hitmaker has sold more than 65 million albums and has been nominated at numerous award ceremonies including the BRITS, MTV Video and Europe Music Awards, Billboard and the Grammys but says what spurs him on more than anything is motivating others.

He explained: “I tend to do things that are motivating for others and continue to be creative, open-minded and believe in my dreams. At this stage, doing something for the good of others is bigger than an award, bigger than a new album or new bling.”

However, while he loves making music, Usher’s favorite way of relaxing and getting new inspiration is going to art museums all over the world.

He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine:” I love to travel and see the world, taking in art museums. I really enjoyed the Louvre when I was there not so long ago. I just love to talk to people as much as I can, talking about what’s going on in their life and what they’re experiencing.”

The divo’s been all over the city’s art, film, fashion and foodie scenes. He took in Gus Van Sant and James Franco’s PS1 exhibition, “My Own Private River,” with designer Adam Kimmel (husband of Leelee Sobieski) over the weekend. He then hit Brooklyn locavore haunt Colonie, known more for parked strollers than high rollers.

To round things off, Usher and Lil Jon gave a performance at Avenue on Monday night.

The 43-year-old former Def Jam executive who acts as the hip-hop artist’s co-manager and stylist is urging her beau to clear out his staff including stylists, choreographers and tour managers and replace them with her people, an insider says.

Usher’s longtime agent, Mark Cheatham of CAA, is the first victim of his much older girlfriend. Usher, 32, started his career with Cheatham and introduced him to teen sensation Justin Bieber, whom he currently represents.

Cheatham was tight-lipped when we contacted him. “I don’t know anything about it. I’ve been with Usher for a long time,” he told us. “I’ve been on great terms with Usher. Talk to my publicist.”

A CAA publicist never got back to us, but Usher is no longer listed on their client list.

A source close to Cheatham tells us, “Mark is really upset. He’s been with him from the beginning. He thinks Usher will come back, He’s just waiting.”

Usher has a history of mixing business with pleasure. In 2007, he married his stylist, Tameka Foster, with whom he has two children. He filed for a divorce in 2009. When Foster was at odds with his mother and manager Jonetta Patton, Usher showed his mom the door.

Usher explained to Vibe: “[I paid her] the ultimate compliment — to retire her to be a full-time grandmother.”
Now it’s Miguel who’s apparently got his ear. A source told us, “Usher will do whatever she wants him do right now.”

Representatives for Usher and Miguel didn’t get back to us after multiple requests for comment.

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