Usher performs duet with Blake Shelton for charity

Usher

Usher paid tribute to Oklahoma’s tornado victims at a charity concert last night (29.05.13).

The 34-year-old singer closed the ‘Healing in the Heartland’ show on a high by performing Michael Buble’s track ‘Home’ with his ‘The Voice’ co-star Blake Shelton to raise funds for the people affected by the tornado, which decimated homes in the state on May 20.

Blake – who is a native of Ada, Oklahoma – arranged the live one-off gig to help rebuild the town of Moore after the twister, which was ranked the most powerful classification for tornadoes, claimed the lives of 24 individuals, including seven children.

Speaking to the crowd at the show, Blake said: “People have given so much to us over the years and it’s times like this when you can give back. You have to. It’s not a question of, will you? You have to step up.

“I’m here tonight with some of my closest friends from Oklahoma and beyond to join in and help with the rebuilding and recovery of this land that means so much to me.”

The concert – which was held at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City – also featured performances by Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts and state-born Reba McEntire.

There was also a heart-wrenching performance from Blake’s wife, Miranda Lambert, who broke down in tears during her song ‘House That Built Me’, which she sang in tribute of tornado displaced animals in shelters.

The 29-year-old singer found herself choking on the words and turned the microphone to the audience so they could help her out with the ballad as the live band continued to play.

Once the song came to an end, Miranda apologised to the audience, mouthing “Sorry. I love you Oklahoma.”