‘My Best Friend’ is how Usher praises his wife Jennifer Goicoechea during a date night benefit in New York

It was date night for Usher and his spouse Jennifer Goicoechea on Tuesday evening.

The duo was present at the Apollo Spring Benefit 2024 on June 11, where the 45-year-old iconic R&B performer received the icon award in a fitting tribute.

The couple, who got married in February, arrived at the event holding hands before posing for pictures on the red carpet.

Usher looked chic in a burgundy suit with flared slacks, while his 40-year-old wife carried a glittering black and silver pocketbook and wore a black minidress with a black and white striped blouse.

Usher and Goicoechea have a son named Sire Castrello, 2, and a daughter named Sovereign Bo, 3. Along with his ex-wife Tameka Foster, the musician is also father to two sons: Naviyd Ely, 15, and Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, 16.

After receiving the icon award, Usher thanked everyone who had helped him along the way and gave a particular mention to his wife in his acceptance speech.

Finally, and most definitely not least, without your enthusiasm, love, and support, Jennifer Raymond, my dearest friend, would not be here. “Baby, I love you,” he murmured. “My spouse is present in the audience this evening. I sincerely appreciate your help and am thrilled that we were able to complete this together. Mother’s Day is the best. I hope you guys would set me up for Father’s Day.”

Usher said in a news release that the Apollo is one of this year’s honorees: “It’s an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City – one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people.” The Apollo made the announcement in April. I’m honored to be the recipient this year, and I hope to meet everyone soon.

Apart from Usher, the musical Apollo celebration honored music icon and 12-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds with the first-ever legacy award. It also included special performances by Jordin Sparks, Johnny Gill, and other artists. The 65-year-old producer was admitted into The Apollo’s storied Walk of Fame the day before.

Just before he is scheduled to get the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, Usher is bestowed with the Icon Award. The esteemed title, which has already been bestowed upon music icons like Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, and Prince, is set to commemorate Usher’s “ever-growing musical legacy” during an already jam-packed year.

In the summer, the R&B artist will embark on his Past Present Future tour, which will begin in Atlanta on August 14, after releasing his Coming Home album and giving a stunning performance during the Super Bowl halftime show in February.

But first, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his diamond-certified Confessions album, the King of Las Vegas will play a magnificent one-night-only show at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, which returns to New Orleans from July 4–7.