Update 7 p.m.
Usher wasn’t even supposed to be in Woodbridge today. That’s the latest word from both the pop star’s reps in New York City and from Prince William County Public Schools.
Read the county school system’s statement below:
A school employee who was helping to organize the “School of Excellence” event at Woodbridge Middle School on May 6 was apparently working with someone who was not an authorized representative of Usher. While it was announced at the event that Usher would be in attendance, the artist was not aware of the event. Woodbridge Middle School is sorry for this miscommunication and apologizes for any negative publicity about Usher and for the disappointment to students.
Representatives for Prince Royce also say he was not scheduled to perform today at the school.
Update 4 p.m.
There was a celebration today at Woodbridge Middle School despite the fact pop senstation Usher and relative new comer Prince Royce didn’t show up to the party.
The two pop-singers were asked by the school’s publicity campaign, which is made of teachers who work at school, to appear during their School of Excellence celebration.
Former NFL players showed up, so did representatives from WPGC-FM –– which says it had no nothing to do with the two pop stars’ scheduled appearances at the school –– along with locally elected leaders who all spoke about the importance of education.
The buzz about Usher’s appearance began building about noon, but it became clear by 2 p.m. neither Usher nor Prince Royce was going to show.
A school official blamed the no show on a record label scheduling mistake.
While there were disappointed faces in the crowd today, school principal Skyles Calhoun says their overall celebration went off without a hitch.
“The most important thing is that we had a celebration and rewarded the kids for all of their hard work. Sometimes you hear someone is going to show up and you turn around and they’re not there, you just pick up and move on. I wouldn’t say we had confusion, I would say he had a good time today,” said Calhoun.
It was not only pop stars that were going to be there, Calhoun said it was also rumored Virginia Senator Mark Warner would make an appearance. At least he sent and aide from his office, Calhoun added.
The School of Excellence celebration this afternoon was to mark the school’s progress in the year’s Virginia Standards of Learning exams.
The school achieved high marks in its yearly academic performance review, and students and faculty spent the day outside of the classroom having fun.
Update 3 p.m.
A source says WPGC radio never scheduled Usher to appear at Woodbridge Middle School today.
The radio station’s street team was at the school for a student achievement celebration, and to speak about the importance of education.
It’s unclear where rumors originated the pop star was going to appear today at the school.
Update 2:45 p.m.
Woodbridge, Va. –– Children at Woodbridge Middle School got excited Friday afternoon when they learned Usher would perform for them at noon.
Two hours later, that excitement and smiles on their faces dimmed after they learned the renowned pop star wasn’t coming.
School officials blamed the performer’s record label for making a scheduling mistake.
The performance was supposed to be a part of a celebration that marks the school as a center for excellence.
Teachers there were quick to point out that this celebration was more than having the popular singer at their school.
Students had gathered on the school’s football field in anticipation of the big show, which was also to include Prince Royce, who released his debut album last year, we’re told.
Original Post 1:20 p.m.
Woodbridge, Va. –– They’re waiting or Usher to show up at Woodbridge Middle School.
The renowned pop-star was scheduled to show at noon today after the school was recognized as a center for excellence, according to Prince William schools spokesman Ken Blackstone.
Blackstone said as of 12:30 p.m. the singer had yet to show at the school.
The appearance was being organized by WPGC radio in Washington.
More as we get it.
