Usher is widely regarded as a sex symbol from a young age, predominantly for his stage persona. Fusion states ?Usher?one of the greatest R&B sex symbols in the past 20 years, paving the way for Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Justin Bieber?used sex as a major part of his image?,[176] while VH1 considers him to be ?the sexiest male performer ever to walk a stage?.[177] People magazine named Usher the "Sexiest R&B Star" in 1998, quoting singer Monica who said on stage, the sexiness was manifest in "his movements, his gestures, the way he expresses his lyrics." Actress Adrienne Frantz who played with Usher in The Bold and the Beautiful also said "Usher definitely has a way with women. His smile is sweet and sexy at the same time", adding "he's a great kisser." [178] Usher made the cut for People magazine?s "Sexiest Men Alive" in 2004,[179] as he did 4 years later again in 2008.[180] In 2005, Madame Tussauds New York unveiled a wax figure of Usher during a competition to launch The Usher Interactive Experience.[181] Another wax figure was unveiled alongside other singers for the opening of a ?VIP room? in 2007.[182] Rihanna told MTV in 2006 "I was in love with Usher when he first came out. I was just like he's so fine![...]I thought he was the hottest thing. I think he was my first crush definitely."[183] After his marriage, the sexual nature of his music was expected to mature as The New Yorker writer Sasha Frere-Jones writes ?The challenge here is to convince us that he is a married and responsible man?grown and sexy, without sacrificing the louche, frictionless sense of play that made him famous.?[184] VH1 have listed Usher at number 9 of its 100 Sexiest Artists List.[185] According to Glamour magazine, Usher was one of the ?50 Sexiest Men of 2010?.[186] In 2012, Billboard reviewed his fashion evolution stating ?The singer came onto the scene in the '90s rocking baggy jeans and suits that made us question his celebrity status, but over the years this R&B star has developed his own signature look, rendering him a modern day fashion icon?.[187] In 2013, Complex magazine placed Usher in its ?Most Stylish R&B Singers of the 90?s" list.[188] InStyle magazine rate him both for sex appeal and style as he was included their ?Hottest Celebrity Abs? collection [189] before coming under ?37 of the Most Stylish Dads?.
