In a heartwarming Instagram post, Justin Bieber expressed his pride and admiration for his longtime mentor, Usher, following the R&B superstar's career-spanning halftime show at the 2024 Super Bowl. The pop star, now 29, shared a photo of Usher's headlining performance on the field of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and penned a thoughtful caption congratulating the Grammy winner.
In his heartfelt message, Bieber began by expressing his love for Usher, calling him his brother. He then went on to commend the 45-year-old singer's 13-minute performance, which showcased impressive choreography and included a setlist consisting of hits like 'Caught Up,' 'Love in This Club,' 'OMG,' and 'Yeah!,' among others. Bieber emphasized that no one can sing and dance like Usher does, and that he loves him wholeheartedly.
Referring to Usher's Atlanta hometown, Bieber added, 'BROUGHT THE 'A' TO THE WORLD,' referring to a line Usher repeated at the end of his performance. In closing, Bieber unequivocally stated that Usher is the only one for him, accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji.
Usher's halftime show at the Super Bowl was a resounding success, captivating both the stadium audience and viewers watching from home. The performance began with Usher's early hits and seamlessly transitioned into the energetic vibe of his acclaimed residency in Las Vegas, called May Way, featuring Sin City-themed showgirls and standout choreography, even incorporating roller skates.
The R&B icon didn't disappoint with his choice of special guests, bringing out a star-studded lineup that included Alicia Keys, will.i.am, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Ludacris. Fans had speculated that Bieber might make a surprise appearance given his longstanding friendship and collaborative relationship with Usher, but it didn't come to fruition.
Usher played a pivotal role in launching Bieber's career after Justin's manager, Scooter Braun, discovered him on YouTube. At just 13 years old, Bieber flew to Atlanta to record demos with Usher and eventually signed with his and Braun's imprint, Raymond Braun Media Group. The two artists collaborated on several songs, such as 'First Dance' in 2009 and 'Somebody to Love' in 2010, and Usher has continued to be a guiding mentor throughout Bieber's journey.
Although Bieber didn't perform at the Super Bowl, he attended the game with his wife, Hailey Bieber, cheering from the stands as the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Justin ended his performing hiatus by headlining his first live show in over a year. The special event took place at History Club in Toronto, owned by rapper Drake, as part of the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend.
This marked Bieber's first full concert since canceling the remaining dates of his Justice World Tour in September 2022, following his diagnosis with Ramsay Hunt syndrome earlier that year. While he has made brief appearances on stage, such as joining Don Toliver at his Rolling Loud set in March 2023, Bieber's headlining show in Toronto was a significant step in his return to the spotlight.
Justin Bieber's heartfelt message to Usher serves as a testament to the deep bond they share and the immense respect Bieber holds for his mentor. Both artists have come a long way since their collaboration in the early stages of Bieber's career, and it's evident that their connection remains strong. As Usher's Super Bowl halftime show continues to garner praise, it's clear that his impact in the music industry, both as an artist and a mentor, is undeniably powerful.
