Usher and John Legend's Silky, Sexy Duet Is R&B Greatness

Two R&B superstars, Usher and John Legend, joined forces in 2020 for an acoustic rendition of Usher's hit ''Bad Habits.'' 

During their version, Legend played the piano, while the two switched back and forth, harmonizing perfectly. The duet begins at the 7:30 mark of Legend's "Trailer Talk" video below.

While Usher and Legend have a connection through The Voice (Usher was a Coach on Season 4 and 6, and returned as Team Legend's Celeb Advisor in 2019, and as his Team's Mega Mentor in 2020), their bond actually goes way back. The two first met in 2004 when Legend was playing piano for Kanye West, who was opening for Usher's tour at the time. In the clip, Legend told the story about how they both inspired each other artistically right off the bat.

''The first time we spent time together was on your tour,'' Legend said to Usher. ''You were on top of the world with Confessions, at the height of your power. It was amazing to watch every night, the level of hard work and professionalism that you used to support this amazing gift that you've already had.''

He continued: ''The combination of having a gift, having the ability to sing and dance like you do, but also knowing that every day [you've] got to go in and work on it, study the tape, go into rehearsal with my dancers and make sure everybody's getting every moment to a T, doing all the things [you] need to do, I saw that every night while we were opening for you, and it was just a blessing and a gift to see that as I was launching my own career.''

Usher returned the admiration, saying that he knew that ''there was something really special'' about Legend as a musician, and that he wanted to do all he could to make sure Legend could thrive during his performances. ''Every night it was a treat for the audience, and really an incredible beginning,'' he said.

''You didn't have to make someone less for you to be great,'' Legend responded with a nod. 

In a 2019 interview with Access Hollywood, Usher gave more details about their friendship.

“So the first night (John) came out and he blew us away. Like my entire crew was like, ‘Yo, John’s voice is amazing,'” he told the outlet. ''My first impression was professional. He was uniquely on his own path. He was not like anything you have ever seen before.”

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What to know about ''Bad Habits'' by Usher

''Bad Habits'' is a single by Usher released in 2020, which reached the number one position on the US Billboard adult R&B songs chart that year. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is struggling to stay committed to their partner. 

Usher Raymond and John Legend on The Voice Season 17. Photo: Trae Patton/NBC

The music video accompanying the single was also praised by critics. ''We see [Usher] bust a few smooth moves directed toward his fictional lady friend, ambient lighting and a simple smokiness setting the mood and paving a build to a dramatic climax,'' NME wrote of the music video. 

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The lyrics to ''Bad Habits'' by Usher

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

Every time I think that I found the one
I turn around and then another one come
On God, I be tryin' baby
At least you know the truth, I ain't lyin' baby

Every time I say my new girl is the best
Then I get anothеr text from my ex
On God, it's like clockwork
Shе come through, I take her down and buy a new purse

So, now you gotta pray just a little
Make a way, just a little
'Til the day I finally figure it out
Don't know what all these emotions about
Baby

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life
If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life

You take me back and then I lie to you again
I slipped into the DM of your bestfriend
Oh God, I didn't mean it
Truth is I only messed up because you seen it

When I say I love you, girl, I swear I really do
I did some things to you, I knew it wasn't cool
On God, can you forgive me?
I mean, look past of all my- and forgive me

Well, now you gotta pray just a little (would you pray for me?)
Make a way, just a little (oh)
'Til the day I finally figure it out
Don't know what all these emotions about
Baby

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

I love, love, I'm just bad at it
I just can't escape all of these bad habits
I had way too many one nights, yeah
I keep messin' up my love life, yeah

If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life
If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life

I can't get it right, I try and I try
But I end up right back where I started
Don't take my advice
If I didn't know any better, I would think that I was heartless
I told you a million lies, sorry a million times
Never wanted you to cry, baby
Got a way too good at makin' you hurt
'Cause in love I was the worst, baby

I love, love, I admit I'm bad at it
Try to get over all of these bad habits
Way, way too many one nights, yeah
Messin' up my love life, yeah

I love, love, I admit I'm bad at it
Backed to my life up with all these bad habits
I had way too many one nights
Messin' up my love life

If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life
If you knew how bad I wish that I could love you, baby
I keep messin' up my love life