Usher’s Vogue Cover Alongside Model Carolyn Murphy Faces Scrutiny As Public Questions Why Singer Wasn’t Given Solo Feature: ‘So They Called In A Random White Lady To Accompany Him?’

Usher’s Vogue Cover Alongside Model Carolyn Murphy Faces Scrutiny As Public Questions Why Singer Wasn’t Given Solo Feature: ‘So They Called In A Random White Lady To Accompany Him?’

Vogue is in the hot seat for its latest cover.

Today (Jan. 17) the famed publication revealed its Winter 2024 digital cover, which stars Usher, model Carolyn Murphy, and young boys from the Jr Gaels 6U football team. The now-viral image is accompanied by a profile piece on Usher, who opens up about his highly-anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance, upcoming new album, personal life, and more.

Usher

Unfortunately, it seems all the things the “Climax” artist talks about during his interview are overshadowed by the fact that others are present in the cover photo. Even though the image is seemingly a nod at his NFL concert and Carolyn Murphy gives Usher his praises in the piece, many have called Vogue out for not crafting a cover that centers solely around the multi-Grammy Award winner.

Critics of the image note Usher’s career longevity and numerous accolades as reasons why the fashion magazine didn’t need to include a model in the photoshoot.

One person wrote on X,

“So… lemme get this right.. Vogue didn’t think Usher was a big enough star for HIS OWN SOLO cover … so they called in a random white lady to accompany him???”

Reportedly, Usher is the third Black male celeb to grace the cover of American Vogue, following LeBron James in 2008 and Kanye West in 2014. However, just like Usher, LeBron James was paired with a model for his cover, and Kanye West was photographed with his then-wife, Kim Kardashian. To date, Harry Styles is the only man to appear on the publication’s cover by himself.

Another person noted Vogue’s controversial history, writing,

“If you all can’t see the glaring issues I can’t help you — Vogue has long been problematic — Beyonce had to FIGHT for a BlkPhotographer — There has not, to my knowledge, been another since –Y’all don’t recall that Lebron cover? The model is LITERALLY elbow-leaning on a brownchild”

Someone else added,

“Yeah I wouldn’t have minded the kids is it was just Usher and he was more Center in his own vogue cover. Carolyn didn’t need to be there. That is the trend though with black men and vogue covers though, a WW is always there”

Internet users have also taken to the official Instagram page of American Vogue to express their issues with the cover. See what they had to say below.

What are your thoughts on the cover? Tell us in the comments below.