Forget molding himself after Michael Jackson. Usher's latest career move is more in line with Richard Gere.
Less litigious that way.
The five-time Grammy winner will make his Broadway debut as slickster lawyer Billy Flynn in the long-running musical Chicago for a six-week run beginning Aug. 22.
"This is a very exciting time in my career," the Confessions singer said. "I have always admired Broadway actors for their showmanship, dedication and focus that goes into performing live on stage every night.
"Being on Broadway allows you to connect to audiences in a whole new way that's different from music and movies. When they asked me to play Billy Flynn in Chicago, I jumped at the chance to be a part of such an amazing production."
Barry and Fran Weissler, the show's producers, made the casting announcement Friday.
"We could not be happier to have such a major star of the music world bring his talent to our show," Barry Weissler said, adding that he expected the R&B superstar to be a "major force" on the Great White Way. "Everyone connected with Chicago is looking forward to Usher's engagement and we welcome him to his new Broadway family."
At the very least, the 27-year-old's turn in the musical will bring new energy, and perhaps a younger audience, to the show, which has maintained its popularity over the years thanks in large part to its celeb-friendly casting.
Usher is just the latest Hollywood export to star in the six-time Tony-winning show, currently celebrating its 10th year on Broadway.
Productions in both New York and in London's West End have attracted star-studded casts, with Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Teri Hatcher, Debbie Gibson, former Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson, Wayne Brady and Huey Lewis all taking turns in lead roles. Rita Wilson is currently starring as the murderous showgirl Roxie Hart.
In 2002, the musical really hit the big time when it was adapted into an Oscar-winning blockbuster film, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Gere, whose role Usher reprises on stage.
Which means that come next year, the platinum-selling artist could be introduced to another singularly-monikered man: Tony.
Of course, this isn't the first time the acting bug has hit the "Yeah" singer.
Usher has a surprisingly long résumé when it comes to thespian gigs, with the song-and-dance man having had prominent roles in a slew of otherwise forgettable films, including The Faculty, Light It Up, and In the Mix. He also had a small part in the teen comedy She's All That, as well as guest starring roles in a handful of television shows, including Moesha, 7th Heaven and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
Even before his stint on Broadway was announced, Usher had a busy fall ahead of him.
Earlier this year, music producer and frequent collaborator Jermaine Dupri said he expected to be back in the studio recording with Usher by the end of the year.
Usher's Chicago run will go through Oct. 1.