NEW YORK (AP) - Usher's mother is back as his manager following
a much publicized split.

The 29-year-old superstar from Atlanta announced Thursday that he
has ended his partnership with celebrity manager Benny Medina,
whose clients include Mariah Carey, and has rehired Jonnetta
Patton.

Patton had managed her son's career since he was a teen star.
But the multi platinum performer broke with his mother in 2007,
saying he just wanted her to focus on being his mom.

While there were reports of friction between Patton and her son,
Usher had said the relationship was great and had improved since
their professional union ended.

``I have just chosen to take the reins of my career,'' he told
The Associated Press in an interview earlier this year. ``We have a
different view and mind-set. I'm doing it and I'm handling it and
very happy, very happy with it.''

A message left for Medina wasn't immediately returned today.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)