Did Usher Discover Justin Bieber? All About Their History
Justin Bieber is joined by Usher during his performance on NBC's "Today" in the at TODAY Plaza on Nov. 23, 2011, in New York City.
Usher got signed when he was just 13 years old, making him quite a kindred spirit for his mentee Justin Bieber.
The 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show performer has been close with Bieber for more than a decade, and they've collaborated on hits like "Somebody to Love."
In 2016, Usher revealed that Bieber was like a son to him, especially when he went through his tougher periods from 2014 to 2017.
"He's like a child to me, so I don't necessarily feel like it's business, you know what I'm saying? I feel like I'm talking to someone who has had hardships," Usher told Howard Stern. "If your child ever has difficulties, every person who's listening to this s—t right now understands that nobody's perfect. You're gonna have moments. And if he does, I can only show him the reality of what has happened … of course we've had stern talks."
Sounds like a good dad to us! Find out where Usher and Justin Bieber's relationship stands today and how it started.
Related: Justin Bieber's Net Worth and How Much He Got Paid When He Sold His Catalog
What is Usher's relationship to Justin Bieber?
Usher has served as a mentor to Bieber through the years, and they remain close friends today. In 2022 told Extra that he'd spent time with the singer amid his battle with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
"As an artist, I think we are all going to experience some things that people may not necessarily understand. I think [Justin] has obviously taken the world on a journey," Usher said at the time. "I am happy that I was at the beginning of and I am still a part of to this day, as a friend. Whatever he may be experiencing right now, it’s actually really great to see that he has the support from his fans and his family."
In 2014, Usher told The Hollywood Reporter that at the time, his relationship with the then-troubled Bieber was more of a "man-to-man" friendship than it had been when Bieber was younger.
"He's making his own decisions and it’s important to show support. I can say I'm not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I'm supportive of him," he said. "I try my hardest to give as muc'h positive reinforcement as I can. I'll punch him in the f—king chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It's more than just mentoring. I love the kid.”
Related: Everything to Know About Hailey and Justin Bieber's Relationship
Did Usher discover Justin Bieber?
No, but he did help to get him signed.
Scooter Braun found Bieber on YouTube and flew him out to Atlanta to meet Usher, Bieber told Good Morning America in 2009. Usher was wowed by the Canadian crooner's voice and signed him to his label.
"It was truly his talent—his ability to, on the spot, produce that magic. There was something really eager and something so poised to be something," Usher recalled. "I didn't know what he would be but I knew I wanted to be involved."
He added, "I knew that this was a kid that was going to go very far. I took him to L.A. Reid and I said, 'Man, you are not going to believe the talent that I have come across. This kid is really like one in a lifetime glimpse at a prodigy or something incredible.'"
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How old was Justin Bieber when Usher discovered him?
Bieber was 13 when he and Usher first met, but it was Braun who actually discovered the singer.
Related: Get to Know All of Usher's Kids
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.
Related: Justin Timberlake's Net Worth Revealed
Did Usher or Scooter Braun find Justin Bieber?
Braun was the first to find Bieber on YouTube. He then introduced Bieber to Usher.
Is Justin Bieber still owned by Usher?
Let's be clear: Usher never owned Bieber. Bieber was signed to Usher's former record label.
How much did Usher make off Justin?
While it isn't known how wealthy Usher became from signing Bieber as a whole, we do know that his stake in the RBMG record label sold for a cool $40 million in September 2022, according to Billboard.
How did Usher discover Justin Bieber?
Braun discovered Bieber, but Usher signed Bieber.
Related: Belieber Billie Eilish's Net Worth
Are Usher and Justin Bieber still friends?
Yes they are! Some reports even suggested that Bieber may be a surprise guest at Usher's Super Bowl Halftime Show, though that remains to be seen to be confirmed.
Did Usher go to Justin Bieber's wedding?
Usher attended Bieber's wedding to Hailey Bieber in 2019, per TMZ. He was captured in fun photo booth snaps with Dan + Shay and Braun from the reception.
How old was Justin Bieber when Usher discovered him?
Bieber and Usher first met when Bieber was 13.
How old was Justin Bieber when he signed with Usher?
Bieber signed with Usher at the ripe old age of 13.
