Usher candidly discusses his past romance with Chilli, revealing heartache and valuable lessons learned.
Once touted as the perfect match in the entertainment industry, Usher and Rozonda Chilli Thomas, known as Chilli, couldn’t make their love story withstand the test of time.
Who is Rozonda Chilli Thomas??
Rozonda Chilli Thomas, a 52-year-old American singer, dancer, and actress, gained fame as a member of the TLC group, which globally sold 65 million records, establishing them as one of the best-selling girl groups of the century.
What insights did Usher share about his former girlfriend Rozonda Chilli Thomas?
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, 45-year-old Usher opened up about his relationship with Chilli, spanning from 2001 to 2004. Usher’s journey to stardom began with a bold move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Atlanta at a young age. His debut album at 15 and mainstream success at 18 with “My Way” marked the beginning of his rise. Usher’s natural charm attracted older women, and when he encountered Chilli in 2001, seven years his senior, he instantly became enamoured, confessing, “I was always charming the older ladies.”
Despite their initial connection and mutual admiration, Usher and Chilli faced significant challenges. Usher expressed, “I was a young man, and she had very specific rules that didn’t work for me.” Reflecting on their dynamic, he admitted, “We were missing each other. I really did want to have a different type of relationship where she was there with me, and she couldn’t be.”
Insights from Chilli regarding her connection with Usher.
Usher revealed that he wanted to marry Chilli, proposing to her, but faced rejection. The experience left him in great pain, impacting his trust in women and reluctance to open up. Chilli also shared insights into their relationship, acknowledging the disparity between their public image and reality.
Despite the breakup, Usher and Chilli’s relationship lingered on and off for years, especially during periods of being unattached to other partners. Both have moved on, finding happiness in new relationships—Chilli with actor Matthew Lawrence and Usher recently surprising everyone with a wedding to his longtime girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea.
Despite the ups and downs, Usher and Chilli maintain a friendship, supporting each other’s endeavors and sharing lighthearted moments whenever they cross paths. Their story highlights the complexities of love and the growth that comes from navigating heartbreak.