Justin Bieber: Why He Refused Usher’s Super Bowl Request
Justin Bieber reportedly refused Usher’s request to join him on the world’s biggest stage. The R&B legend asked if Bieber could join him for his epic Super Bowl performance on Sunday (Feb. 11). Bieber was at the Super Bowl and prior to him being shown on camera in the stands, fans assumed since he arrived in Vegas and was at the Allegiant Stadium, he would be joining his mentor on stage. However, that was not the case when Bieber was shown next to his wife Hailey Bieber as they relaxed in Kim Kardashian’s suite.
So are you performing with Usher at Halftime or…. @justinbieber #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/4VAw0Qoiy2
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 12, 2024
While it was a disappointment to fans to not see Bieber on stage — Usher and Bieber previously collabed most notably on “Somebody to Love” remix — there is no tension between the two artists.
“There’s no bad blood between Usher and Justin,” a source told Page Six. “Justin just wasn’t up for it — he just wasn’t feeling it.”
Usher and Bieber’s history goes back to 2007 when he signed with Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Scooter Braun and Usher. While Usher didn’t discover Bieber (Braun did on YouTube), the R&B singer has been a mentor to Bieber.
Usher Pulls Out All The Stops For Super Bowl Halftime Performance
The R&B legend performed a medley of his greatest hits for his Super Bowl LVIII Halftime performance. It included guest appearances from Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R, Lil Jon, Will.I.Am, and Ludacris.
Prior to the performance, in his latest interview with Vogue, in which he graces the cover alongside model Carolyn Murphy, Usher discussed his Super Bowl performance.
“This night was specifically curated in my mind to have R&B take the main stage,” Usher told the publication.
He also released his ninth studio album on Friday (Feb. 9), which features 20 tracks, including singles “Good Good” with Summer Walker and 21 Savage, “Risk It All” with H.E.R. (from 2023’s The Color Purple soundtrack), and “Standing Next To You (Remix)” with Jungkook.