Introduction
Usher, the renowned Super Bowl 2024 Halftime Show performer, has had his fair share of high-profile relationships. One of the most notable ones was with his ex-girlfriend, Chilli, from the iconic 90s group TLC. Their on-off relationship spanned several years and even led to a marriage proposal. However, Chilli ultimately turned down Usher’s offer, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind her decision. In this article, we delve into the untold story of Usher and Chilli’s relationship, exploring their journey, the proposal, and the eventual breakup.
Who is Chilli?
Chilli, whose real name is Rozonda Thomas, gained fame as a member of TLC alongside Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins and the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. With hits like “No Scrubs,” “Waterfalls,” and “Creep,” TLC took the music industry by storm in the 90s. After Lisa’s untimely death in 2002, Chilli and T-Boz continued as a duo, cementing their legacy. Beyond her music career, Chilli has also dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows such as “The Parkers,” “That 70s Show,” and “Living Single.” She is also a proud mother to her son, Tron Austin, whom she shares with her ex, Dallas Austin.
The Beginning of Usher and Chilli’s Relationship
Usher and Chilli first crossed paths in 1993 when he signed with LaFace Records, the same label as TLC. However, their romantic journey didn’t commence until 2001. Chilli reminisced about their chemistry, stating, “We definitely had some chemistry.” Their relationship blossomed, and Chilli appeared in several of Usher’s music videos, including “U Got It Bad,” “U Remind Me,” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” Despite their undeniable connection, Usher and Chilli officially split in 2004, marking the end of their initial phase as a couple.
The Proposal and Heartbreak
During their time together, Usher felt a deep love for Chilli and was determined to spend the rest of his life with her. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had proposed to her before their 2004 breakup. Unfortunately, Chilli turned down Usher’s proposal, a decision that broke his heart. The pain of rejection led Usher to struggle with trust and vulnerability in subsequent relationships. He admitted, “I went through a great deal of pain after that, not trusting women or wanting to open up.”
The Reasons Behind the Split
Following their breakup, Chilli hinted at infidelity as one of the reasons for their separation. In an interview on Atlanta’s Q100, she spoke about the “ultimate no-no” that Usher committed, suggesting that he had been unfaithful. Chilli further elaborated on Usher’s alleged infidelity during a VH1 episode of “Behind the Music” in 2010. She shared that she had heard rumors about his unfaithfulness and confronted him, resulting in his admission of guilt. The revelation left Chilli feeling foolish and blindsided, as she had been unaware of the extent of his actions.
Different Perspectives on the Breakup
Over the years, Chilli has provided various explanations for their split. In 2013, she opened up about the decision to end their relationship, stating, “We broke up because I guess it was that time or whatever…he was that real love for me.” Chilli acknowledged the need for personal growth and the importance of making difficult choices in relationships. She emphasized that not all connections are meant to last a lifetime, even if the desire is present.
In 2023, Chilli shed light on trust issues as a contributing factor to their breakup. She shared that while their working chemistry was exceptional, their personal lives clashed due to their differences. Chilli admitted, “It looked great, but in real life… he knew he had to be a certain way with me, and he couldn’t.” Despite their differences, Chilli expressed that she holds no hard feelings towards Usher, indicating that they have both moved on.
Usher’s Perspective on Chilli
Usher’s infatuation with Chilli began long before they officially became a couple. As a young boy, he idolized her, even placing her poster on his bedroom wall. Usher described himself as Chilli’s number one fan, and his dream of meeting her eventually came true. However, Usher clarified that they were careful with their relationship, taking steps to avoid playing with each other’s emotions. Despite the love he had for Chilli, Usher acknowledged that his efforts were not enough to sustain their connection. He expressed, “I did everything that I thought you would’ve wanted me to do, but I guess my good wasn’t great enough.”
Chilli’s Current Relationship
While Usher has moved on and is now happily married to his long-time girlfriend, Jenn Goicoechea, Chilli has also found love after their breakup. She is currently in a serious relationship with actor Matthew Lawrence, known for his role in “Boy Meets World.” Chilli and Matthew made their relationship official in November 2022, and Chilli has expressed her happiness and gratitude for their connection. She revealed that Matthew strives to be the best version of himself, aligning with her own values. Chilli even hinted at the possibility of marriage, stating, “God willing, one day we’ll get married.”
