GOLDRUSHER; RADIO 1's BIG WEEKEND R&B star pockets EUR750 for a birthday bash gig.(Features)

Byline: ZOE

TALK about nice work if you can get it - I'm told R&B superstar Usher has trousered a whopping EUR750,000 for two hours of light labour.

The singer, who was the first act on the Radio 1 Big Weekend main stage in Maidstone, Kent, yesterday, was hired by a besotted businessman as a surprise for his girlfriend's birthday.

Birthday girl Katie Teague had invited pals including Pete Doherty, down to London nightclub Paper to celebrate her 26th.

But she had no idea that her internet entrepreneur boyfriend Andrew Williams had lined up Usher to perform.

Doherty was not impressed with the surprise turn - and left shortly after Usher brought out a yummy three-tiered chocolate cake at midnight.

Then he sang Happy Birthday to Katie before launching into his classic hit, Yeah. But what put a real smile on the party girl's face was when he jumped up on to a table in the VIP area and pulled her up for a dance.

Usher, who was later joined by his wife Tameka, stayed until 2am. Surely Williams will get brownie points for life now, as it was an expensive night. But he can afford it - he's No 10 on The Times' under-30 rich list after earning EUR90million from the sale of an internet design company.

And Williams told me he is now launching a new company called livedrive.com.

On top of Usher's massive fee, Williams also shelled out EUR15,000 for two private rooms.

Then it was magnums of Crystal costing EUR15,00 a pop and vodka all round.

An onlooker told me: "Andrew has previously hired Jamelia and The Darkness for private events. But Usher is Katie's idol."

What does a man have to do...?

BIG WEEKEND.. HOW THE STARS LINE UP

YESTERDAY

Madonna

Usher

The Fratellis

Scouting For Girls

Duffy

The Feeling

Editors

Fatboy Slim

TODAY

The Kooks

The Enemy

Nelly

Goldfrapp

The Raconteurs

The Zutons

Hot Chip

Zane Lowe

CAPTION(S):

Editors' Tom Smith; Usher: 2-hour turn at party