THE MARKET: Will Usher’s upcoming album “Here I Stand” debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 ? If it does, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, shares are worth $0. The album will be released on May 27. Trading closes at 11:59 p.m. June 1. The market will be cleared when Billboard releases new charts on June 5.
THE LOWDOWN: Apparently even now Usher is hoping to make a few late additions to his new album – such as collaborations with Michael Buble and John Mayer. His last release, “Confessions,” sold more than a million copies in its first week and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. Can Usher replicate his success on “Here I Stand”?
THE PR: “Here I Stand” was originally slated for a June release but was moved up to take advantage of the success of its first single, “Love in This Club.” Producer Polow Da Don leaked the single early and put Young Jeezy on the track without Usher’s permission. But that all worked out well – only two songs in history have had quicker rises to the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100.

LEARN MORE:
Visit Usher’s MySpace page.
See Usher’s Billboard chart history page.

USHER CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: