Usher has confirmed the rumors that he did in fact reach out to Justin Bieber to perform alongside him during the Super Bowl Halftime Show — though the artist did respectfully decline.
In a teaser video for an upcoming interview with The Breakfast Club, Usher spoke about his recent explosive performance during Super Bowl LVIII, where he played a medley of his hit songs and brought out surprise guests including Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, H.E.R., will.i.am, and Jermaine Dupri.
Fans had been speculating ahead of the performance that among any special guests would be Usher's former mentee, Justin Bieber. While the musician didn't grace the Super Bowl stage, Usher confirmed that he did offer the opportunity to him.
“It didn’t work out with Justin. I honor and recognize that, my brother,” Usher told the radio show. “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.”
Usher went on to explain that there was “no love lost” between the two and that the Super Bowl is “a lot of pressure.” He did reassure fans that the two were planning to collaborate in the future. Usher also noted that Bieber might one day headline the show himself.
“He has a career that deserves it. It didn't happen, but that doesn't mean it's not going to,” he continued.
Bieber did praise his mentor and friend Usher for his outstanding performance, posting a photo of the singer on the Super Bowl stage with the caption, “LOVE YOU MY BROTHER. NOONE CAN SING AND DANCE THE WAY YOU DO. LOVE YOU FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART. BROUGHT THE ‘A’ TO THE WORLD, ONLY YOU BABYYYYYY.”
While he may not have joined Usher. onstage, Justin Bieber was in attendance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl alongside his wife Hailey Bieber. The musician went full chest out in a silky, ‘70s-inspired collared shirt unbuttoned practically down to his waist. Rumors that he would perform during the halftime show grew in the days leading up to the game after Bieber surprised audience members with a performance during an NHL All-Star party in Toronto, Canada. While he might not have performed during the Super Bowl, it doesn’t mean we won't see Bieber back on stage soon.
