Usher concert at Target Center raises so many questions

Usher: Two microphones and eight backup dancers/ Star Tribune photo by Marlin Levison

Questions after Usher's dazzling production Saturday at Target Center -- beyond those raised in my review:

Does Usher know his audience?

When was the last time you heard a star say "demographics" in concert?

What percentage of the 14,000 at Saturday's show witnessed Usher's last Twin Cities gig in 2004?

Why so many costume changes? 'Cause he's so sweaty?

Did you really think it was cool watching Usher do pull ups?

Why doesn't Usher sing more into a handheld microphone instead of using a headset mic?

Why was opening act, Akon, more consistently fun even though he relied on AutoTune and did so many truncated treatments of songs (something like 17 tunes in 40 minutes)?

Why doesn't Usher find a new director for his show?

A streamlined show with better pacing, less sexism and more singing could have been a real winner.

Here is Usher's set list: