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ATLANTA — Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson on Friday signaled his interest in leveraging state resources to keep Invest Fest, one of Atlanta’s major annual financial literacy and entrepreneurship events, rooted in Georgia, as part of a broader push to expand his appeal among Black voters.
In a post on social media site X late Friday, Jackson praised the event’s track record and economic impact after five years in the state.
Georgia GOP Candidate Rick Jackson Courts Invest Fest
“The world just witnessed what was possible in Georgia when the state works with its local partners to ensure important events are able to be held safely and to the benefit of our economy,” Jackson wrote. “Invest Fest has proven for five years to be of great benefit to not just those who attend and learn how to start or grow a business, but also to the local vendors who feed, house, and support our visitors from across the country. I would be very interested in learning how, as governor, the state would be able to work to help keep Invest Fest here in Georgia.”
Invest Fest is returning to Atlanta for a sixth year but that its long-term future in the city is uncertain.
Invest Fest, organized by the Earn Your Leisure platform founded by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, is scheduled for Aug. 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Read up on Invest Fest: What to know about the Atlanta event.
The three-day event blends investing education, entrepreneurship panels, a large vendor marketplace, performances and networking, drawing tens of thousands of attendees focused on wealth-building, real estate, crypto, AI, stocks and business growth. It has become a significant draw for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
Jackson’s comments come amid recent public friction between the event’s organizers and city leadership. In a recent interview, Bilal and Millings said Atlanta had not provided the level of support they expected over the years and acknowledged they had “flirted with the idea” of moving the conference, while emphasizing its grassroots roots and economic value.
Mayor Andre Dickens pushed back against the criticism, defending the city’s record of supporting Black businesses and announcing a $50,000 investment in organizations that mentor young creatives.
Jackson, a self-made healthcare staffing billionaire who rose from foster care and Atlanta public housing, won the GOP nomination in a June runoff after defeating Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He faces former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 general election.
The Invest Fest statement fits a pattern of deliberate outreach by Jackson’s campaign to Black voters, a traditionally Democratic-leaning bloc in Georgia. Shortly after securing the nomination, one of his early stops was at Barber’s Inc. on Old National Highway in College Park, a majority-Black city, where he met with dozens of residents.
Georgia Governor candidate Rick Jackson visits soul food spot on Old National Highway.
Attendees said Jackson discussed improving access to capital for Black business owners and expressed openness to grants and loans targeted at Black entrepreneurs. His campaign later clarified that he would “consider” such a program while emphasizing a broader commitment to resolving capital access barriers.
Campaign spokesperson Garrison Douglas has described the outreach as central rather than secondary: “His outreach is not an afterthought, but a significant part of the campaign’s efforts to ensure Georgia voters who have felt left behind and ignored by the status quo know that Rick Jackson is going to fight and win big for them, no matter their ZIP code.” The team includes several Black Republicans, among them former Kemp press secretary Douglas, who previously worked on Black outreach for the Republican National Committee.
Jackson has also visited other Black-owned businesses, drawing both support and criticism. Some Black Republicans have praised his personal story of overcoming hardship as resonant, while others have cautioned that close alignment with President Trump’s agenda could limit gains among Black voters, particularly women.
Invest Fest’s organizers have not publicly responded to Jackson’s post. The event remains scheduled for Atlanta this year, and tickets are on sale. Whether state-level engagement under a potential Jackson administration would materialize—or prove decisive in retaining the conference long-term—remains to be seen. With early voting months away, both campaigns are expected to intensify efforts in metro Atlanta’s diverse communities.
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Atlanta’s long-running ONE Musicfest is sitting out 2026. The 16-year-old event, known for mixing established stars with rising talent, announced it is pausing this year’s edition to rethink its approach and develop a refreshed version.
Organizers said the break will allow them to move beyond repeating the same format and instead create “the next iteration” with new experiences, energy, and ideas.
ONE Musicfest Cancels 2026 Festival
In their statement, they noted that the festival has always aimed to push culture forward and bring generations together rather than simply stage another music event.
What started with about 1,500 attendees has grown into an annual gathering of more than 100,000 people. Founder Jason “J” Carter has previously highlighted the festival’s focus on uniting legends and emerging artists—an approach reflected in the 2025 lineup that featured Future, the Dungeon Family, Jazmine Sullivan, Kehlani, Ludacris, Leon Thomas, Clipse, Doechii, Chief Keef, Mary J. Blige, and others.
The festival’s full statement reads:
“For 16 years, ONE Musicfest has never been content to just throw another music festival. We’ve pushed culture forward, brought generations together, and built something that didn’t exist before we created it. That same commitment to innovation is why we’re pausing ONE Musicfest in 2026.
Rather than produce the same festival we’ve done in the past, we’re taking this year to build the next iteration of ONE Musicfest with the same bold vision and a commitment to giving you the very best.
What began with 1,500 music lovers at our very first festival has grown into a homecoming for more than 100,000 people each year. That’s because of you. We never take that for granted.
We’re spending this year reimagining what’s next. New experiences, new energy, new ideas worthy of what this community has built together.
To every artist, fan, and supporter who made ONE Musicfest what it is: thank you.”
No return date has been announced yet, but the organizers made clear they plan to come back with a reimagined version of the Atlanta homecoming.
Check out our Atlanta Festival Guide.
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Seven years after Marvel Studios surprised fans at San Diego Comic-Con by announcing Mahershala Ali as the new Blade, the two-time Oscar winner has made it clear the project is no longer happening with him. In a candid GQ interview published today, Ali delivered a pointed message to the studio behind the long-delayed reboot of the vampire-hunting antihero that was going to be partly filmed in Atlanta.
Mahershala Ali Moves On From Marvel’s Blade
“I’ve been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not. For whatever reason, that project is not for me. If they wanted to do it, we would’ve done it. So I have to move on, and I have moved on,” Ali said. He continued: “Again, you had me under contract, they have billions of dollars, if they wanted to do the movie, we would’ve done the movie. So we’re not doing the movie.”
The comments mark a definitive end to Ali’s involvement in what became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most troubled productions. Announced with fanfare in 2019, the film cycled through directors (including Bassam Tariq and later Yann Demange), scripts, and release dates without ever starting principal photography. Ali’s only on-screen connection to the character remains a brief voice cameo in the post-credits scene of 2021’s Eternals.
Ali’s remarks come shortly after Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige publicly expressed regret over the project’s collapse. On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Feige called himself “a gigantic loser and failure” for not getting the film off the ground with Ali, citing the need for an “insanely great” script that never fully materialized and a reluctance to rush production.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Ali framed the outcome as a creative redirect. He has re-teamed with original Blade director Bassam Tariq for the upcoming Amazon MGM action film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, which is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Ali noted that the year-plus of intensive training he undertook for Blade—particularly sword work and stunts—proved useful for the new project. “When I look at this and Blade, I couldn’t have done both, and the reason this even exists is because that project fell apart,” he explained. He added that the new film aligns better with the original work he wants to be known for, rather than remakes.
Ali also signaled he’s finished fielding questions about the unmade movie. “I feel ready to move on from the Blade questions. Those questions are for them. They didn’t want to do it, so they should answer that question.”
The saga underscores broader challenges Marvel has faced in recent years with certain Phase projects, as the studio has shifted priorities amid changing box-office realities and a focus on quality control. For fans who waited years for Ali’s take on the Daywalker—previously brought to life by Wesley Snipes—the latest update closes a chapter that began with high expectations in Hall H and ended in quiet development hell. Ali, for his part, appears content with the path that opened instead.
With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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A Chick-fil-A location in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood (at 3280 Peachtree Rd. in the Terminus 100 building) is closing after nearly 18–20 years.
Key Details:
- Last day of service: Friday, July 31, 2026.
- Signs posted at the restaurant thank customers: “Thank you for all your love and support over the years. We have enjoyed our time in the Terminus community with great food and smiles.”
- No specific reason for the closure was given in the reports.
- Chick-fil-A still operates nearly three dozen other locations across Atlanta, so the area isn’t losing the chain.
Buckhead Chick-fil-A Closing
A newer, freestanding Chick-fil-A opened nearby at Peachtree & Piedmont (about a block or half a mile away) in May 2025. That location is more accessible (with a drive-thru option) compared to the inline/Terminus spot, which likely contributed to the decision.
This seems like a consolidation move rather than a broader pullback from Buckhead. If you need more details, a full summary, or info on nearby alternatives, let me know!
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Known for its rich ZIP Codes, Buckhead is where many upscale restaurants reside with sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and meticulously crafted menus.In other words, Buckhead has some of Atlanta’s best eateries from seafood to brunch to Italian and more. Now with Buckhead Restaurant Week upon us, it’s time to try some of those spots.
When Is Buckhead Restaurant Week?
Buckhead Restaurant Week 2026 in Atlanta is scheduled for July 27–August 1, 2026. New additions include Chops Lobster Bar, Atlanta Fish Market, Trade Route, Gyu-Kaku, St. Cecilia, Clark’s Steakhouse and more, joining returning favorites such as Fogo de Chão, Kyma, The Capital Grille and True Food Kitchen.
If you know me, you know that I love me some Buckhead restaurants. For Buckhead Restaurant Week, here are a few that you must-eats:
The Southern Gentleman
Located at 3035 Peachtree (A208), this spot mixes New American cuisine with old fashion Southern favorites. I get the chicken each time I visit.
South City Kitchen
South City Kitchen is another one of my favorites from the food, ambience and customer service. What do I order? The fried chicken breast with greens. You also have the option to get mashed potatoes and gravy, which I seldom do.
North Italia
Photo credit North Italia If I want pasta, my spot in Buckhead is North Italia, which has some of the best bartenders in the city, in my opinion. Their cocktail menu is an ever evolving cellar of seasonal greatness.
Those are just a few of my faves.
The following is a list of participating restaurants for Buckhead Restaurant Week 2025:
Participating Restaurants
- Alma Cocina
- Alon’s Bakery + Market
- Bene Korean Steakhouse
- Benihana
- Bistro Niko
- Boqueria
- Brush Sushi
- The Capital Grille
- Carmel
- Chido & Padre’s
- Davio’s
- The Fabled
- Fado
- Gypsy Kitchen
- Kyma
- Le Colonial
- Mad Dads Philly’s
- Nan Thai Buckhead
- North Italia
- The Palm
- Pendolino
- Pricci
- Southern Gentleman Gastropub
- St. Cecilia
- The Americano
- Aria
- Betos Tacos (Phipps Plaza)
- The Betty
- The Big Ketch
- Boone’s
- Citizens Market
- Dantanna’s
- Ecco
- Fresh to Order
- Le Bilboquet
- Louisiana Bistreaux Buckhead
- Mission + Market
- NaanStop
- Osha Thai Sushi Gallerie
- Pachengo’s
- PLANTA Queen
- Polanco Taqueria
- Postino
- The Preserve at JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
- Seven Lamps
- Snap Thai
- South City Kitchen
- Southern Baked Pie Company
- Taverna
- Tomo Japanese Restaurant
- Yeppa & Co.
- Zakia
Reservations are recommended to secure a spot at these establishments.
Final Word
Buckhead offers a wide range of culinary options, from upscale Southern dishes at South City Kitchen to Middle Eastern at Delbar, Japanese at Tomo, and Spanish tapas at The Iberian Pig.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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A newly built Scandinavian-style estate at 3603 Knollwood Drive in Buckhead’s exclusive Tuxedo Park neighborhood sold for $13.8 million on July 27, 2026—the highest residential sale price recorded in metro Atlanta so far this year.
Buckhead Mansion Sold for Top Price in 2026
The roughly 16,225-square-foot home sits on 1.58 private hilltop acres. It features six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms (including half-baths), an oversized pool with a flat lawn, a private elevator, four-car garage, covered outdoor living spaces, a fitness room, media lounge, and substantial unfinished flex space in the walkout lower level. Architecture was by Castro Design Studio, site planning by Land Plus, and construction by Siegel Construction, known for its Scandinavian modern aesthetic that has driven strong prices in recent years. The property was listed around $14.5 million.
According to the listing brokerage, the price ranks as the sixth-highest ever paid for a home in Buckhead.
Context in Buckhead’s luxury market
This transaction breaks a stretch without sales above $10 million in the first half of 2026. Earlier in the year, the top Buckhead single-family sales (through June) included:
- $9.75 million — 1165 Garmon Road (June 2026), a 2023 Castro Design Studio estate on 2.3 acres that had previously sold for about $7.15 million in 2024.
- $9.29 million — 4725 Northside Drive (June 2026), a large gated compound on nearly 6.6 acres with a private lake.
- $8.295 million — 41 Blackland Road in Tuxedo Park (February 2026), new English-manor-style construction.
- Other notable deals in the $7–8 million range, including several off-market transactions in Tuxedo Park and nearby areas (such as properties on Tuxedo Road and Valley Road).
Tuxedo Park continues to command premium prices due to its privacy, proximity to top private schools (Pace, Westminster, Lovett), Chastain Park, and Buckhead Village amenities, while maintaining a secluded, estate-like character.
The Knollwood Drive sale underscores ongoing demand for high-end new construction in Buckhead’s premier neighborhoods, even as broader luxury inventory has increased and buyer leverage has grown in higher price tiers later in the spring.
Looking for eats? The city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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As the shopping season approaches, you might be wondering which Atlanta stores offer curbside pickup. In addition to grocery stores, different types of retailers are offering the service. These retailers make it easy to get the products you’ve ordered online. All you have to do is pull up.
This article is going to show you the Atlanta retailers that offer curbside pickup this shopping season. But first, let’s start with a fundamental question…
What Is Curbside Pickup?
Curbside pickup refers to the concierge approach to retail in which the customer picks up their products and goods outside the store rather than inside.
In most cases, curbside pickup refers to a designated area outside the store where your items can be brought to you. Curbside pickup has exploded in popularity due to the necessity of COVID-19 precautions.
How Does Curbside Pickup Work?
Curbside pickup works with the cooperation of the customer and retail associate. Customers have the opportunity to pull up “to the curb” or in the front of the store and have their items brought to their car by a staff member.
The idea behind curbside pickup is that it cuts down on the number of people inside the store as well as eliminates the need for the shopper to get out of their vehicle.
The curbside pickup process works like this:
- You go to the store’s website or app
- You shop for items and checkout digitally
- You get a notification on when your order is ready or you select a time range to come pick it up
If you choose curbside pickup, typically you will receive a text, email or app notification of when your item is ready. When you pull up outside the store, you will either show them your phone or tell them your name.
Is There A Fee For Curbside Pickup?
Most retailers provide curbside pickup for free. If you order an item online, take a moment to analyze your receipt to see if a charg3 has been levied for curbside pickup.
Stores typically don’t charge for curbside pickup, but such fees are up to the individual retailer.
Which Stores Have Curbside Pickup In Atlanta?
If you’re looking to do some shopping in Atlanta, these are the stores that offer curbside pickup.
- Adidas
- Ann Taylor
- Bloomingdales
- Dillards
- Macy’s
- Old Navy
- The Vitamin Shoppe
- Office Depot
- Banana Republic
- Bocado
At Lenox Square, there are 31 stores with contact-free curbside pickup.
EFORE YOU GO, take a look at all the top deals happening on our Retail Page. Don’t pay full price for things when you can get GREAT VALUE on items for low prices. Don’t want to miss a deal? Sign up for our #ATLHaps list HERE🙂
Looking to shop? Check Out The Best Malls In Atlanta
NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, take a look at all the top deals on our Retail Page, there are PLENTY of good deals that you don’t want to miss! Subscribe to our #ATLHaps Newsletter HERE and get the deals delivered to your inbox 🙂Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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National Chicken Wing Day falls on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and metro Atlanta spots are serving up solid deals on traditional, boneless, and specialty wings.
Here’s a roundup of notable offers available in the Atlanta area (or at local outposts of national chains). Always confirm details, hours, and participation with the specific location, as deals can vary by franchise and many exclude third-party delivery. Some require dine-in, minimum orders, loyalty accounts, or promo codes.
Standout Local & Regional Deals
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: 99-cent wings (Classic Buffalo or Thai Chili) all day for dine-in. Minimum of 6 wings; limit of 18 per person.
- Bonchon (Smyrna, Alpharetta, Fayetteville): Five wings for $5 when ordering via Bonchon.com, the app, or at participating restaurants.
- Buffalo’s Cafe (locations including Woodstock, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Acworth, Canton, Cartersville and others): All-you-can-eat bone-in or boneless wings for $19.99, dine-in only.
- PONKO Chicken (Chamblee, Midtown, Duluth, Alpharetta, Marietta, Auburn): Buy 10 jumbo wings and get 5 free (limit one offer per guest). Sauces include Teriyaki, Spicy, BBQ, Extra Spicy, Miso Serrano, Lemon Pepper, Spicy Lemon Pepper, or Plain.
- Taco Mac: $1 wings on 6-packs and 10-packs (traditional, roasted, or boneless; 15+ sauces). Use code WINGIT2026 for online orders at Tacomac.com.
Popular Chain Specials with Atlanta Locations
- Buffalo Wild Wings (Peachtree Corners, Sandy Springs, Atlanta/Emory and Cumberland, Alpharetta, Marietta, Mall of Georgia, and more): Free order of boneless or traditional wings with any $15 dine-in purchase. Not valid with third-party delivery. (Note: They also run regular BOGO Wing Tuesdays for rewards members.)
- Dave & Buster’s (including Marietta and other participating spots): Traditional wings $1 each and boneless 50 cents each (ordered in batches of 10; includes one side of ranch or bleu cheese). Choice of sauce or rub; new limited-time flavors available (Cherry Bomb Sauce, Dill Pickle Rub, Buster’s Signature Sauce). Dine-in only.
- Hooters (participating locations): 10 wings (breaded, naked, or boneless; excludes Daytona-style) for $7.29. Often tied to a beverage purchase and primarily dine-in.
- Wingstop (Midtown, Decatur, Cascade Rd, Howell Mill, Vinings, Brookhaven, East Point, Doraville, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Stone Mountain, South Fulton, Tucker, Marietta, Norcross, Stockbridge, and more): Five free wings with a $10+ qualifying purchase. Use code FREEWINGS on the website or app. Club Wingstop members can redeem multiple times around the date (part of broader Wing Week promotions).
- Pizza Hut: Buy one any-sized menu-priced order of boneless or traditional wings, get another of equal or lesser value free. Order online or via the app with code BOGOWINGS (participating locations; part of ongoing Wing Wednesday).
- Whataburger (rewards members at participating restaurants): Buy-one-get-one-free on 9-piece WhataWings (Honey BBQ, Buffalo, Honey Butter, or Sweet & Spicy) via the app or website.55
- Sonny’s BBQ (rewards members): Free 6-count wings with the purchase of an entrée.
Other Options
- 7-Eleven / Raise the Roost / Speedy Café: Broader promotions include $1 single tenders or bone-in wings at participating Raise the Roost spots (around July 27–30), delivery deals via the 7NOW app, and rewards-member wing packs.
Atlanta has a strong wing culture (think lemon pepper wet classics and local favorites), so these specials pair well with checking neighborhood spots or social media for last-minute local promos. Prices and availability can change, and some deals are limited or while supplies last—call ahead or check apps/websites before heading out. Enjoy the wings!
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The Atlanta-filmed Netflix drama, created, written, directed, and executive produced by Tyler Perry, returns for an eight-episode third season that continues the high-stakes saga of the Bellarie family empire. Though the series is set in Chicago, it is primarily shot in and around Atlanta, including at Tyler Perry Studios.
Beauty in Black Season 3 Storyline
Official logline: “Kimmie finally has a seat at the Bellarie table, but when a deadly family feud erupts, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with Mallory. Together, they navigate a ruthless world of blackmail, revenge, and buried secrets as the family wages war against one of its own, threatening to bring the entire empire crashing down.”
Taylor Polidore Williams (Kimmie) has teased that viewers will see her character “step fully into her power,” with the season exploring whether she can maintain it after the major power shifts of Season 2. Co-star Crystle Stewart (Mallory) has noted that the tension, drama, and power struggles will only deepen.
Beauty in Black Cast
Returning leads include Taylor Polidore Williams as Kimmie and Crystle Stewart as Mallory. The ensemble also features Amber Reign Smith, Xavier Smalls, Ricco Ross, Julian Horton, Steven G. Norfleet, Richard Lawson, Terrell Carter, Bryan Tanaka, Charles Malik Whitfield, and Debbi Morgan, among others.
Background and Production Notes
Beauty in Black debuted on Netflix in October 2024 (Season 1 released in two parts). Season 2 followed in September 2025 and March 2026. The series has been a strong global performer for Netflix.
Season 3 was initially positioned as the final season after a December 2025 announcement. In a surprise move earlier in July 2026, Netflix renewed the show for a fourth season, with Perry stating that the Bellarie family’s story “is far from finished” and expressing gratitude for the chance to continue exploring it.
True to Perry’s efficient production style at his Atlanta studios, Season 3 was reportedly filmed in an unusually short time frame (around six days).
Season 3 of Beauty in Black arrives globally on Netflix on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Fans can catch up on prior seasons, which remain available to stream, ahead of the new episodes.
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Usher has built a reputation for turning concerts into intimate, steamy experiences—especially during signature moments where he pulls a lucky (or carefully selected) fan onstage for a personal serenade. But at a stop on his co-headlining R&B Tour with Chris Brown, the R&B legend encountered something rare: rejection.
Usher Gets Rejected by a Fan at R&B Tour: ‘I Don’t Think She Wanna Be Onstage’
During the Nashville performance of “Can U Handle It?” at Nissan Stadium on July 25, 2026, a shirtless Usher invited a woman from the audience onto the stage. As is customary in this segment of the show, she was seated on a bed prop while the 47-year-old singer delivered his seductive performance up close. What usually unfolds as playful, charged chemistry quickly turned awkward.
Fan-captured video shows the woman, who appears online as Gabrielle Cheyenne, remaining stiff and visibly uncomfortable as Usher leaned in, attempted to touch her face and chin, and escalated the intimacy. Sensing the disconnect, he paused, looked toward the crowd with a mix of surprise and disbelief, and delivered the now-viral line: “I don’t think she wanna be onstage.”
He then waved her off, signaling for her to leave the stage as the audience reacted with a mix of laughter, cheers, and some boos.
The moment, often framed online as Usher getting rejected “for the first time” on the tour, spread rapidly across social media. Clips racked up millions of views, with reactions split down the middle. Some fans questioned why she accepted the invitation if she wasn’t into the bit—“Why would she go up there then?” was a common refrain—while others praised her for maintaining boundaries and Usher for reading the room and stopping rather than pushing through. A few joked that the encounter lightly bruised the superstar’s ego, noting he’s not used to that kind of energy from fans.
The woman at the center of it all, identified as Gabrielle Cheyenne, later addressed the backlash. In social media posts, she pushed back hard against critics. “First off NOBODY is declining to go on stage,” she wrote. “I looked good asf, you thought I wasn’t gonna let THOUSANDS of people see me?? On the big screen, where you b***hes will never be???” She explained that she and her mother originally had floor seats but were upgraded to VIP by Usher’s team before the show—attributing it to “pretty privileges”—and noted that fans aren’t told which artist they’ll join onstage. (Some reports indicated she may have preferred Chris Brown’s set.) Cheyenne also dismissed expectations that she should have gotten more physical, firing back at online trolls with characteristic directness.
The R&B Tour, which pairs two of the genre’s biggest names for a stadium run, has featured these interactive fan moments as a highlight of Usher’s sets. Most participants lean all the way into the fantasy. This Nashville stop proved the exception, turning a polished concert segment into an unscripted, human moment that the internet couldn’t look away from.
In the end, Usher handled it with a quick pivot and a memorable one-liner. Gabrielle stood her ground (literally and online). And fans got a reminder that even the smoothest R&B icons can occasionally meet someone who just… isn’t feeling it.
