When five-time Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. made her way to USC’s campus on Thursday, she was prepared to answer questions from fans. She didn’t know that these fans had a surprise in store for H.E.R.
While H.E.R. typically is known for selling out iconic arenas such as the Hollywood Bowl, this time, H.E.R. managed to completely fill up every seat in USC’s Bovard Auditorium. USC students Lionna Romans, Rachel Barton, Joshua Grossman, Eyen Paredes and Jaden Lehman performed H.E.R.’s hit songs “Best Part” and “The Journey” for the artist and the audience.
As the academic journey of these seniors at USC Thornton School of Music comes to an end, they are excited to add one more impressive performance to their repertoires. “Thornton does an exceptional job at giving us the tools to succeed,” Romans said in an interview. But for her, performing is more than just an addition to a resume.
“Performing for me feels like a really out-of-body experience,” Romans said, “It’s like a spark, and then just like that, it’s over, and it was the best thing ever. And then I’m just chasing that high every time that I do it.”
H.E.R. smiled from ear to ear and mouthed the word “wow” as she watched her songs being performed. When the performance was over, she ran up and hugged every performer.
“I have looked up to H.E.R. for a really long time,” said Grossman, “I think she has one of the most beautiful, unique voices out there, so the opportunity to be able to be a part of this and be on stage at the same time as her is so surreal.”
Meanwhile, USC students buzzed with excitement to see H.E.R. Many were excited to ask questions about her musical journey and creative development process.
“I’m really excited to see H.E.R. She’s a really good singer, and her come-up story is something I would like to learn more about. It’d be really cool to talk to her and ask a few questions,” said sophomore Joseph Edwards, a business of innovation major.
“I’m super excited. I’m looking forward to the Q&A section to find out more about the music-making process,” said student Sahara McPoland, a human biology major.
Thornton posted about the live Q&A with H.E.R. — hosted by Dean Jason King — on their website and opened it up to all students, faculty, staff and guests to attend without charge. Some students expressed that they were not aware of the event taking place.
“We didn’t know she was coming. We were on our way to a meeting [when we heard] about the event, we hopped in line,” said senior Neena Harris, a legal studies student.
H.E.R. took the stage to discuss her musical journey from childhood, with King moderating the event. She described navigating her teenage years, being inspired by rock and roll when her father took her to a Buddy Guy concert when she was seven years old. H.E.R. credited that moment as instrumental in her musical journey.
“H.E.R. is a model for students of what is possible at a young age if you’ve got ambition, but if you also have skills and technique and discipline and you are willing to commit yourself to your craft, the sky is the limit,” King told Annenberg Media in an interview.
During the Q&A, students asked H.E.R. about navigating creative blocks, taking risks and using music to empower others. H.E.R. remained candid as she encouraged students to use their voice to advocate for and empower others.
“There will never not be an opportunity to use your voice. There will always be an opportunity where there is a struggle, where there is human suffering, and that’s not going to end. Some of us are vessels, so we just have to be obedient to,” said H.E.R.
When asked about exploring rock and roll and Black artists, such as Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, H.E.R. was open with audience members.
“Music can mean different things to different people….It’s more about the presentation of it than the sound to me,” said H.E.R. “I’m not an R&B artist because I’m Black. I’m an R&B artist and I’m Black,”
The Q&A session concluded with H.E.R. teasing her upcoming album and expressing her excitement about using music to free herself.
“I think that I will feel free when this record is out. I think the purpose of this album is to free myself,” said H.E.R.