Usher's performance at the Super Bowl attracted widespread praise and critical acclaim for his energetic, dazzling halftime show. But there was disappointment surrounding the Justin Bieber's decision not to get involved after he was invited to join the R&B singer on the stage.
The 13-minute display saw the legendary artist bring out some of his most famous hits, from 'Let It Burn' to 'OMG'. The highlight arrived when the 45-year-old effortlessly bopped around the circular platform on a pair of rollerskates with his backup dancers while pumping out his vocals.
He was joined by a number of his former collaborative artists, with Ludacris, Lil Jon and Alicia Keys stepping onto the stage in front of 65,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
But Bieber was conspicuous by his absence, with fans disappointed that he decided not to take part. The 29-year-old did attend the Super Bowl with his wife, Hailey, 27, but opted to take in the action from Fanatics co-owner Michael Rubin's $2.5 million suite.
Why did Justin Bieber decline Usher's offer?
The pair became friends after working on the song 'Somebody to Love' when Bieber was a teenage popstar. Since then, he has released six studio albums, with 'Justice' his most recent release in 2021.
According to Page Six, sources say Usher did his best to try to persuade Bieber to take part as he wanted to pay tribute to their history together. But it is claimed Bieber, who looked worn out, politely declined due to fatigue.
A music industry was quoted telling the outlet: "There's no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn't up for it - he just wasn't feeling it."
As many would have seen from Usher's high-intensity dance routine, it can be an exhausting process performing in the Super Bowl halftime show. Bieber settled for being a spectator with his other half and from the looks of their head-bopping in the crowd, they clearly rated what they saw from the 'Yeah' icon.
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But it is claimed Bieber, who looked worn out, politely declined due to fatigue. A music industry was quoted telling the outlet: "There's no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn't up for it - he just wasn't feeling it."
Why did Justin Bieber turn Usher down? ›
On Monday, a music industry source told Page Six that Bieber wasn't up to performing, explaining, “There's no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn't up for it—he just wasn't feeling it.” Although Bieber didn't perform, he and his wife, Hailey, were seen enjoying the game from the stands.
Why did Justin Bieber not do the Super Bowl with Usher? ›
“It didn't work out with Justin,” Usher told iHeartRadio's Breakfast Club on Friday (Feb. 16). “I honor and recognize that my brother, I think that it might've been the fact that he's just wanting to tell a different story right now. And I understand that.”
Is Justin Bieber still friends with Usher? ›
Usher and Bieber have a years-long friendship and professional relationship that sprouted at the beginning of Bieber's career. They also share the song “Somebody to Love,” which appeared on Bieber's debut album.
Did Justin Bieber get signed by Usher? ›
Usher ultimately won against Timberlake and signed Bieber, 29, to his and Scooter Braun's joint record label, Raymond Braun Media Group, in 2008.
Did Usher ask Justin to perform? ›
Usher Says He Did Ask Justin Bieber To Perform With Him At the Super Bowl. The mentor and friend of Bieber's said that there is “no love lost” and that they'll collaborate on something in the future.
Why did Justin Bieber make Sorry? ›
Lyrically, "Sorry" is a plea for a chance to apologize to a lover, with Bieber asking forgiveness and a second chance to redeem himself. Bieber has since said that the lover was Selena Gomez.
Why did Justin Bieber choose Usher? ›
Why did Justin Bieber choose Usher? Usher and Justin Timberlake were in a bidding war to be the first to sign Bieber. Usher won out with Braun's help, in part because each artists' teams thought there may be some confusion between the two pop stars with the same name working together.
How much did Usher make for the Super Bowl? ›
Yet for the Super Bowl gig on February 11, Usher won't be paid anything. As has been the custom for halftime headliners for many years, he will perform the 13-minute set for free.
Did Justin Bieber have a song with Usher? ›
Usher and Bieber have a song together, “Somebody to Love,” that they could've performed.
The relationship between the two continued to strengthen, and they even collaborated on the song Somebody To Love. Although the two drifted apart after Bieber got into trouble with the law, Usher was invited to Justin's wedding, and the pair also shared some time on vacation in each other's company.
Did Usher take Justin Bieber under his wing? ›
Usher and Justin Bieber go back a long way. The R&B star, 16 years his senior, took the Canadian singer under his wing when he was just a teenager starting out in the music business, becoming his mentor, producer, confidante and collaborating on all of his six studio albums to date.
How old was Justin Bieber when he signed with Usher? ›
Usher has been a pivotal figure in Justin Bieber's career. The “Confessions” singer helped jumpstart the Canadian singer's career when he was 13 as he signed him to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture alongside Scooter Braun.
How much is Usher worth? ›
R&B singer and songwriter Usher has a net worth of $180 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In 2023, Usher made $40 million from 34 shows at his residency at Las Vegas' Dolby Live stage.
Who almost signed Justin Bieber? ›
“It was a bit of a bidding war." According to Usher, his iconic collaboration with pop star Justin Bieber almost didn't happen.
Who discovered Usher? ›
Upon moving to Atlanta, Usher began participating in various local talent shows. It was at one such exhibition, in 1992, that he was spotted by Bryant Reid, brother of L.A. Reid, the famed R&B producer and co-president (with 'Kenneth Babyface' Edmonds') of LaFace Records.
How old was Justin Bieber when Usher? ›
And social media users speculated that Usher, who first discovered then-13-year-old Justin alongside Scooter Braun in 2007, might be able to get his protege back at the mic again as they've remained friends over the years. "Our relationship is more man-to-man now," Usher, 45, told The Hollywood Reporter in 2014.
Was Justin Bieber mentored by Usher? ›
Usher and Justin Bieber go back a long way. The R&B star, 16 years his senior, took the Canadian singer under his wing when he was just a teenager starting out in the music business, becoming his mentor, producer, confidante and collaborating on all of his six studio albums to date.
What is Usher's net worth? ›
R&B singer and songwriter Usher has a net worth of $180 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In 2023, Usher made $40 million from 34 shows at his residency at Las Vegas' Dolby Live stage.
