Usher responds to ‘clone’ rumours after fans accuse singer of sending lookalike during performance

Usher has responded to renewed online speculation after fans questioned whether the singer himself appeared during a recent performance.

Videos circulating on social media prompted viewers to debate whether the performer looked different from Usher.

Some users suggested a lookalike or “clone” had appeared onstage instead.

Usher Fans Are Demanding A Refund After He Allegedly Had A Look-Alike Perform A Few Songs Last Night 😳🎤 pic.twitter.com/aP5PjwkOzu

— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) August 8, 2026

They on TikTok talking about this wasn’t Usher it was Varnell Hill 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/lVaViYEfUV

— The_Squeeks (@SqueekDaGem) August 8, 2026

Usher appeared to address the speculation directly in the comments of an Instagram post discussing the viral footage. He wrote, “Ya’ll are funny...clone? They can’t clone this??”

He followed up with another comment, saying, “How ya’ll come up with this? (laughing emoji) AI ain’t that advanced.”

Photo: Instagram

The singer also shared Instagram Stories showing himself performing onstage as the discussion continued online.

While some fans remained convinced that the person in the footage looked different, others suggested factors such as lighting, sound quality or the conditions of a live performance could explain the perceived differences.

This is not the first time Usher has faced similar claims.

During his 2024 Past Present Future tour, footage of the singer performing “Yeah!” led some social media users to question his appearance and vocals, with some even suggesting a stand-in had been used. Those claims were not substantiated.

Usher did face a confirmed health issue during the same tour. He postponed his first three shows after suffering a neck injury during rehearsals.

“My hope was that with physical therapy and medical treatment, I would be able to overcome the injury and be ready for opening night,” Usher said at the time.

“Unfortunately, the injury has not healed yet, and my doctors have instructed me not to perform any shows this week.”

Usher later returned to the stage, while the latest “clone” discussion continues to circulate online.