Usher Reflects on Past Speculation Surrounding His Relationship with TLC's Chilli: 'People Had Theories' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Usheris reminiscing about his past relationship withRozonda “Chilli” Thomas."

In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE fromAudible’s new Words + Music series, Usher’sThe Last Showman, the singer delves into the media speculation that surrounded him and Chilli, 53. He reflects on how they connected and their relationship would make news — for better or for worse.

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Usher says he always admired her and her band TLC. “I asked her to be the lead in my video and that kind of sparked the flame,” he continues. Chilli wound wind up starring in his music videos for “U Remind Me,” “U Got It Bad” and “U Don’t Have to Call.”

“We spent time together, got to know each other, at some point I wanted to share with the public what I had found. This new feeling, it was something I appreciated. I was very proud of us and wanted the world to see the love blossoming between us.”

Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Usher in 2003.Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

However, Usher knew that going public with their relationship “opened up the conversation” and if they broke up, there would be “questions and speculations.”

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News clips then play the announcements made on the airwaves about his new romantic relationship, “Guess which music stars are now dating?” one says. “R&B artist Usher Raymond is now being photographed with his new girlfriend,” another adds.

“People had theories. Rumors were running fast and furiously,” Usher adds.

Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas and Usher in 2003.Gregory Pace/FilmMagic

Gregory Pace/FilmMagic

“Everyone was in search of answers,” Usher concludes in the clip, “and we were right at the cusp of seeing celebrity culture shift into something more invasive, more sinister.”

The “DJ Got Us Falling In Love” singer and TLC member dated from 2001 to 2004. Fans had long speculated that his albumConfessionswas about their relationship.

Though Chilli denied the songs were about their relationship, Usher says thestoryline ofConfessionsdid happen to him. “There is a great deal of truth in that album,” he told PEOPLE in 2024.

In the upcoming Audible seriesThe Last Showman, the eight-time Grammy winner will open up about “inspirations, heartache, and growth that fueled the creation of his record-breaking magnum opus,Confessions, while revisiting some of its most iconic tracks.”

“With the recent 20th anniversary ofConfessions, creatingThe Last Showmanhas been an incredible opportunity to reflect on the most pivotal moments of my career with fresh eyes and deep appreciation,” Usher said in a press release.

Usher in Atlanta in July 2023.Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA

Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ABA

“This project isn’t just about telling my story; it’s about sharing the raw, unfiltered truth behind the music that’s connected with generations of listeners, as well as the power of vulnerability in art.”

Other musicians featured onAudible’s Words + Musicslate are John Legend, Beck, Pete Townshend, Snoop Dogg, Eddie Vedder, Yo-Yo Ma, Mariah Carey, Alice Cooper, Elvis Costello, Tom Morello, Billie Joe Armstrong, Carlos Santana, T Bone Burnett, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Liz Phair, Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, Sting, Brandy, and more.

The Last Showmanis available to stream on Audible.

source: people.com