Usher Shares How $365 Million Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Warned Him About Serenading Married Fans: “Leave the Cherries at Home!”

Usher’s playful on-stage act of serenading women at his concerts has become a signature move, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed by some protective husbands and boyfriends. The Grammy-winning singer recently revealed that one professional athlete, in particular, cautioned him against flirting with his wife during performances.

“No Cherries”: The Warning to Usher from Los Angeles Dodgers Star Mookie Betts

Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on September 11, 2025, Usher recounted a warning he received from Mookie Betts, the star outfielder for the L.A. Dodgers. Betts, who is married to Brianna Hammonds, approached Usher directly and made his feelings clear.“He comes over to me, he’s like, ‘No serenade. Leave the cherries at home. No cherries,’” Usher shared, referencing the infamous cherry-feeding part of his act.

When Colbert joked, “Have you ever heard from any angry husbands or boyfriends? Because you are not feeding my wife cherries,” Usher confirmed that a few others had expressed similar disapproval.Colbert added humorously, “That’s a man that uses a bat professionally. I would listen.”

How the Cherry Moment Became an Iconic Act

Usher explained that the cherry bit was meant to give women “the freedom to have fun at a concert.” He described the gesture as playful, lighthearted, and a way to engage fans.

The tradition began during his Las Vegas residency in 2022, and it’s been a fan-favorite ever since. In May 2025, he performed at the Met Gala in New York City, where he playfully fed a cherry to fellow artist Sabrina Carpenter in the audience. The moment sparked reactions, especially from Carpenter’s father, David, who humorously shared a screenshot of the moment on Instagram with the caption, “? Weird.”Usher later responded in the comments, apologizing directly: “Apologies Mr Carpenter 😅🍒.”

The Evolution of the Cherry Gesture: From Strawberries to Cherries

In a February 2025 interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Usher revealed how the cherry feeding segment came to be. “It started with strawberries in Vegas,” he said, explaining that he experimented with different fruits before finding the perfect one.“So, you know, I just figured we try all the fruits until we figured out which one works the best,” Usher continued. “But cherries were something that I felt was fun and just kind of active.

It was a bit erotic.”Also read: "I Wake Up With Pain Every Day!": Pittsburgh Pirates Fan Kavan Markwood Shares Harrowing Story After Falling from Wall at PNC Park

Why Fans Love the Cherry Segment

Despite the occasional disapproval from partners, the cherry moment has become a highlight of Usher’s concerts. Fans appreciate the playful interaction and the sense of liberation it brings to the live experience. Usher’s willingness to engage with his audience and create memorable moments has contributed to the charm and excitement of his performances.