Usher is letting the world in on his relationship with his “Superstar” ex-girlfriend, Chilli.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the “Confessions” artist reflected on their three-year-long relationship, sharing that because of his age, he found it challenging to meet the standards set by the TLC star.
“I was a young man, and she had very specific rules that didn’t work for me,” he told the publication.
Although he desired a long-term relationship with the singer, born Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, the two struggled to align.
"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,” he said. “She didn't believe that I was actually in love with her as much as I was.”
In fact, Usher saw a life with Chilli as his wife.
“I wanted to marry her,” he says. “I proposed and she told me no. I went through a great deal of pain after that, not trusting women or wanting to open up.”
Usher admits, “I hurt her too,” adding that the end of their relationship ultimately “broke my heart.”
Chilli (L) and Usher (R)Photo by KMazur/WireImage"I really did love that girl, and I was like, ‘I don't want to play with you.’ Like, 'I can't give you what I gave you,” he reflects. “I did everything that I thought you would've wanted me to do, but I guess my good wasn't great enough.'"
Fortunately, love made its way back to the R&B singer for a second time. On Feb. 11, the 45-year-old singer surprised fans after marrying his longtime girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, following his spectacular Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas. In a previous exclusive with PEOPLE, Usher shared about the spark he has found with his new flame, "I have an amazing partner, a support system."
Today, Usher reminisces on his Y2K-defining relationship with Chilli fondly noting, "I'm not hurt over that at all. We've since become cool with each other, celebrate each other and it's always light when we see each other."
Whether in this lifetime or the next, it’s clear that Chilli will always be his “boo.”
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Featured image by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
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Cleanser
Gabrielle starts with a cleanser from U Beauty and follows that up with witch hazel (toner). "I was really lucky because I never really had crazy, problem skin," she said.
"Not until my hormones changed and it was like, 'is this acne? How do you get acne as a fully-grown ass woman?' But I found a way and I just had to start experimenting."
Exfoliator
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Next, she uses PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment for exfoliation. "When I lived in Miami, I was like an oil slick, but in California where it's dry heat--I've also gotten a little dry in my older age," she said. "So I have to switch up my routine based on where I'm at."
The Being Mary Jane star also gave advice to those looking to improve their skincare routine. "If you see someone's skin that you like, 'what are you doing? What are the products? Tell me the routine,'" she shared. "I hope that it works for you, and if it doesn't, it's like dating. You just keep trying."
Retinol
"Some people have very strong opinions about retinol in the daytime, mainly because of the sun. For me it's kinda interchangeable, because I'm psycho about protection from the sun," she explained.
Facial Wands
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Gabrielle talked about her love for skincare devices. She uses Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand to help push down the swelling and inflammation around her eyes. She then follows that up with Shani Darden Skin Care Facial Sculpting Wand.
Moisturizer
For moisturizer, she returns to U Beauty. "I started using U Beauty in September. I've never gotten more compliments on my face," she said.
Serum
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Next is PCA Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum and U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate. "And with all the things I've used thus far, you have to commit to sunscreen because these products left without any protection from the sun will work against you," she said.
Lash Serums
"I don't know who else out there has a problem with TikTok Shop. I can't stop myself," she said. "The Babe Lash lash serum, the NuOrganic lash serum and I use one on one eye and the other on this one. And I just want to see which one is better."
Sunscreen
For sunscreen, she likes Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel. "It just disappears right on my face," she said. Shen then ends her skincare routine with Winnie Harlow's Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30.
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