In the world of R&B and hip-hop, few couples captured the attention of fans quite like Usher and Chilli. Their romance was passionate and intense, but ultimately, it was not meant to last. In a recent cover story with PEOPLE magazine, Usher, now 45, reflects on his past and the deep love he once shared with fellow music star Chilli.
Usher's journey to stardom began when he moved from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta. At the age of 15, he released his debut LP, and by 18, his first hit album, My Way, was making waves. It wasn't just his talent that attracted attention; Usher exuded charm, especially with older women. Little did he know that one day, he would meet the woman who had adorned his childhood walls – Chilli.
'When I met Chilli, I was her No. 1 fan, and she was my superstar,' Usher confesses. He had put her poster on his wall at the age of 8, dreaming of the day they would meet. And meet they did, in 2001. However, despite their intense connection and the adoration they received from fans, their relationship encountered significant hurdles. In late 2004, Usher and Chilli decided to go their separate ways.
Reflecting on their breakup, Usher explains, 'I was a young man, and she had very specific rules that didn't work for me.' He wanted a different kind of relationship, one where they could be together, but it was not in the cards for them. Usher even proposed to Chilli, hoping to solidify their bond, but she turned him down, leading to immense pain and a loss of trust in relationships for him. He recognizes his own wrongdoing, acknowledging, 'I hurt her too,' but ultimately, their differences tore them apart.
Chilli, too, has shared her perspective on their relationship, stating, 'It looked great, but in real life, he knew he had to be a certain way with me and he couldn't.' Yet, their connection remained strong, with occasional rekindlings whenever they weren't involved with other people.
Now, both Usher and Chilli have found happiness in their respective relationships. Chilli is currently dating actor Matthew Lawrence, and Usher surprised everyone by recently marrying his longtime girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, shortly after his sensational Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas.
Despite the heartbreak they experienced, Usher insists that he is no longer hurt by their failed relationship. They have reached a place of mutual respect and friendship. 'We've since become cool with each other, celebrate each other, and it's always light when we see each other,' he affirms.
Love stories don't always result in happily ever afters, and Usher and Chilli's relationship is a prime example. However, their journey has served as a valuable lesson in growing, healing, and finding new love. As they embark on separate paths, they carry with them the memories of a fierce and passionate love, forever etched in the annals of R&B history.
For more details about Usher's rise to fame, his past relationships, and his current joyous life, be sure to grab a copy of this week's issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands everywhere this Friday.
