AAMU Junior One of 19 Selected Nationwide for Paid Wardrobe Internship

From the classrooms of Alabama A&M University to backstage at The R&B Tour – Starring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown, junior Madisyn Wilson is turning her passion for fashion into a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity.

Wilson, an apparel merchandising and design major from Canton, Michigan, was one of just 10 applicants selected nationwide from a pool of more than 1,000 for a paid wardrobe internship with the tour, co-headlined by the Grammy Award-winning entertainers.

What began as a summer internship quickly became something bigger. Wilson was offered a full-time position as a wardrobe assistant, prompting her to take the fall 2026 semester off from AAMU to continue traveling with the tour.

Since joining the production in June, Wilson has worked 38 shows and traveled to 23 cities so far, experiencing the excitement of life on the road while gaining hands-on experience in the entertainment industry.

“Some of my favorites have been Denver, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco,” Wilson said. “One of my favorite parts of this experience has been the opportunity to explore new cities, experience different environments, and make memories along the way.”

The R&B Tour launched June 26 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, and is scheduled to conclude Dec. 12 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The opportunity came through a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and Usher’s New Look, organizations Wilson had previously participated in. She began working June 2, completing public relations, media and Occupational Safety and Health Administration training before joining the tour.

As the only Alabama A&M student selected, Wilson has spent months gaining firsthand experience in one of the entertainment industry’s most demanding environments.

Her responsibilities include assisting with fittings, costume alterations, wardrobe organization and preparing female dancers for performances. During shows, she helps execute rapid costume changes, sometimes with as little as 30 seconds to complete them.

“This experience has allowed me to develop my skills, work under pressure, and gain hands-on insight into the fast-paced world of wardrobe and live entertainment,” Wilson said.

Beyond the excitement of traveling, Wilson says the relationships she has developed with experienced entertainment professionals have been among the most rewarding aspects of the opportunity.

She has worked alongside wardrobe professionals whose credits include artists such as Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Megan Thee Stallion. The experience has provided opportunities to learn industry techniques, build professional connections and better understand the demands of live entertainment production.

One particularly unforgettable moment came when Wilson encountered a piece of music history: a sash worn and signed by Michael Jackson.

“Being able to interact with such a meaningful piece of music history was such a surreal and exciting experience,” she said.

Wilson has also had opportunities to speak with Usher, whom she describes as supportive and genuinely invested in the young professionals working on the tour.

“He makes a point to check in on us, ensuring that we’re doing well and having a positive experience,” Wilson said. “I truly appreciate him for providing me with such an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and grow within the entertainment industry.”

Wilson’s interest in fashion began long before the tour. She chose apparel merchandising and design at AAMU because of her passion for creativity, personal expression and the business side of fashion.

Her experiences creating beauty and fashion content, combined with her work on the tour, have strengthened her interest in wardrobe, styling and entertainment production.

“Working behind the scenes and helping ensure the dancers are show-ready has given me a greater appreciation for the thought, preparation, and creativity that go into wardrobe and styling,” she said.

At Alabama A&M, Wilson is involved in several campus organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Trendsetters, the Pre-Alumni Association, Women of Worth, the Collegiate Midnight Golf Program (CMGP) and the Michigan Club.

She credits AAMU’s welcoming environment and supportive faculty with helping her build confidence and prepare for professional opportunities.

Wilson plans to return to Alabama A&M for the spring 2027 semester and is working toward graduating in spring 2028. Her long-term goals include working on concert tours, music videos and other entertainment productions, eventually taking on larger roles in wardrobe, styling and production.

For now, she is embracing the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals while building a career that combines her creativity and passion for fashion.

“I want to turn my passion for fashion into a career that allows me to be creative, continue learning, and work on exciting projects,” Wilson said.