Fans Applaud Keke Palmer's Cameo in New Usher Music Video After Boyfriend's Criticism
Keke Palmer and Usher are turning controversy into collaboration.
The actress and R&B crooner were recently the subjects of an explosive "pop [culture] moment" after an outfit Palmer wore to a concert prompted a full-on internet debate when her now-estranged beau, Darius Jackson, called her out in a Twitter rant.
Now, the pair have found a way to make that moment last even longer, as the Key TV creator is the star of the "Love in This Club" singer's newest hit.
Palmer teased the project on social media earlier this week, simply sharing a slowed-down snippet from the music video featuring the two artists. "Somebody said that your boyfriend's looking for me," Usher can be heard singing in the preview clip.
Reactions had already begun to pour in at the time, with excitement brewing about the song-to-come and how Palmer has managed to turn this whole situation around in her favor.
"I HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND MY STAN CARD FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS. THANK U & GOODNIGHT ??," one fan scream-wrote, as another confirmed, "Ms. Lauren Palmer. YOU ARE THE GIRL."
"the lesson here is to stop playing with keke!" another suggested, with a fourth joking, "Oh you’re def winning the IDGAF war lol."
The newly-released track, entitled "Boyfriend," officially dropped on Wednesday, August 16, and fans have since been raving over the collab.
"Love it!!!! The song, the lyrics...just everything about this video made the right statement!!!" someone gushed.
On Instagram, Keke debuted the tune for herself, captioning the post: "Usher! I remember when I was 12 and auditioned for 'In The Mix' ?? You have been killing it all my life. As a true lover of the arts, your talent and craftsmanship are a rare combination that I aspire to achieve as a performer. You are a living legend who is worthy of awe! Thank you for encouraging me and seeing me as the entertainer I am. I know I’m a gUrL but when I watched your videos, I never wanted to be the girl in them, I wanted to be YOU. Thank you for making a dream come true."
Related: Keke Palmer Fans Defend Her After Boyfriend Darius Jackson's Public Criticism
The "My Boo" singer replied to the sweet note in the comment section, writing, "@keke my goal in life as an artist is to make things that people feel...things that make the next generation feel inspired to chase their dreams. Thank you for inspiring me and being inspiring."
An additional social media user chimed in wrapping up our sentiments with one simple comment: "Lemonade > Lemons."
As for Jackson, the aspiring actor—who shares infant son Leodis with the Nope star—apparently wants to put the drama behind him, with a source telling People that the former couple is currently co-parenting. "You don't have to be in the same household to be good parents."
Next: Keke Palmer Defends 'Powerful' Post-Baby Body After Being Shamed by Partner