Usher is responding to the rumors that he requested Justin Bieber to accompany him during the Super Bowl halftime show.
In an interview with The Breakfast Club on Friday, the singer confirmed that while he did reach out to Bieber about a potential appearance, the two were unable to collaborate onstage.
“It didn’t work out with Justin. 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,” he explained.
He further shared that although they had a brief conversation and the stars didn’t align for a halftime show collaboration, the pair would team up for something else in the future, adding that “The moment is maybe for later.”
Usher also predicted that Bieber will eventually headline a halftime show, stating, “I profess that over his life. He has a career that deserves it. It didn’t happen but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to.”
While planning his performance, Usher revealed that he also reached out to other artists. He noted, “I reached out to some hitters,” without disclosing names, only stating that he was curating what would be one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. However, he confirmed that he did not approach Chris Brown about joining him onstage.
During the halftime show, Usher performed a medley of his greatest hits with special guests including Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., Lil Jon, Ludacris, and will.i.am.
Despite not sharing the stage with Usher, Bieber praised the artist on social media following his performance, writing “LOVE YOU MY BROTHER.” He continued, “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.”
