Usher's hits include You Make Me Wanna and Yeah!

The singer, 27, will take on the role of devious lawyer Billy Flynn, which has previously been played by Richard Gere and David Hasselhoff.

"I have always admired Broadway actors for their showmanship, dedication and focus that goes into performing live on stage every night," he said.

Usher's last album, Confessions, sold more than 8 million copies in the US.

The performer, whose full name is Usher Raymond, was discovered at a talent competition at the age of 13.

Multi-media career

He has since released four studio albums, and scored UK hits with You Make Me Wanna, Yeah! and Burn.

Outside of his musical career, he has appeared on several TV shows and films such as The Faculty and She's All That.

The current Broadway production of Chicago has won six Tony awards, and featured a number of guest stars since it opened in 1996.

Among the actors to play Billy Flynn are George Hamilton, Taye Diggs and Billy Zane.