Once "The Voice" wraps later this Spring, Usher will begin rigorous training for an anticipated role, portraying Boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard in the big screen feature "Hands of Stone."
With production set to begin in Panama this Fall, the role will be Usher's first major feature film leading role to date. It is also one that he considers a challenge.
"You couldn't find a more stylized boxer than Sugar Ray Leonard [...] He was an incredible motion guy, the way he moved around the ring, and I think my dancing will make it easier for me to pick up his moves. I've been working on familiarizing myself with the ring, sparring and just understanding how to move in the ring," Usher shared with the Associated Press recently. "I'm up for the challenge, and I'm looking forward to it [...] I think my overall feeling is one of anticipation. It seems like this is a real passion project. It's a film that everybody is so invested in, and I have the good fortune of having the character I'm playing still around."
While Usher is looking forward to the role, he does have a task that will affect his routine in the coming months. That is losing around 25 pounds.
Hoping to lose the weight through training, Usher appears not to be concerned or worried about being in shape when production begins.
"I think my dancing will make it easier for me to pick up his moves. I've been working on familiarizing myself with the ring, sparring and just understanding how to move in the ring," he shared.
In related news, Usher has been tapped to curate songs for Macy's Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
"As an artist, it's important that I expand creatively into new areas. Working on the score and fireworks design has been a great experience that's allowed me to share my voice in a new way," Usher said in a statement, confirming the opportunity.
In addition to placement of his own songs, Usher will sift through and select a mixture of pop, soul, electronic, dance music and country.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular airs on NBC, July 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
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