Usher

It seems Usher can’t stay out of the news. Many people are now wondering if he is pulling a PR stun to support the release of his upcoming disc.

The Grammy winner confirmed today (May 7) that his mother, Jonnetta Patton, who has been his manager since the beginning of his career, is out. Usher says he wants his mother to just be “mom” and denied the change was due to any drama.

"She and I are on great terms and support each other in our life's endeavors. We are both very happy but are now working in different areas of the business," he said in a statement to The Associated Press. "This is great for me because it means I now get to have my mother strictly as my mother with no added pressure."

Usher also stated that by ending his professional relationship with his mother, it would bring them closer.

"At this time in my life, I am simply more interested in building the strength of my family. And in order to do that, I feel it's best to separate my business life from my personal life," he said.

This is the second major change this year for Usher. In March, he announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, stylist Tameka Foster.

Rumors have stirred that Foster would replace Usher's mom as manager, but the singer said: "She has no aspirations of becoming my manager or any other artist's manager."

Usher’s new LP is set for release later this year.