Usher, Jenn Goicoechea and his sons Cinco and Naviyd in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024. Bellamy Brewster Not pictured is the singer's mom Jonetta Patton , who served as the couple's witness.

Usher told Emory’s Class of 2025 a story about himself that he has rarely shared. Here is how late-night brainstorming, careful editing and last-minute riffing led to that moment.

Usher saw that clearly. “The offer to be a part of the curating and hosting committee was how it really started for me,” he says, reflecting on his involvement.