Usher recently shared an interesting tidbit about a past encounter with Justin Bieber, revealing that he outbid Justin Timberlake to sign the young talent onto his record label. This revelation sheds light on the competitive nature of the music industry and the lengths to which artists and labels go to secure promising talent.
Key Takeaway
Usher revealed that he won a bidding war against Justin Timberlake to sign Justin Bieber onto his record label, shedding light on the competitive nature of the music industry. Despite the competition, Usher and Timberlake maintain mutual respect, with Usher even expressing interest in collaborating with Timberlake on an album.
The Bidding War
Back in 2008, Usher found himself in a bidding war with Justin Timberlake over none other than Justin Bieber. Usher disclosed that he had to pull out a thicker wad of cash than Timberlake to bring Bieber onto his record label. He even used Timberlake’s name to his advantage, emphasizing that if Bieber chose to sign with him, he would be the only “Justin” around.
Respectful Competition
Despite the competitive nature of the bidding war, Usher made it clear that there was no ill will between him and Timberlake. In fact, he complimented Timberlake and expressed admiration for the unique artistry of both himself and Timberlake. Usher even expressed interest in collaborating on an album with the former *NSYNC star, highlighting the mutual respect between the two artists.
Recognition and Super Bowl Halftime Show
Usher’s recognition for his contributions to music was further solidified when he headlined the Super Bowl Halftime show. Interestingly, his protege, Justin Bieber, chose not to join him on stage despite Usher’s direct outreach. However, Usher expressed understanding, acknowledging that Bieber is “wanting to tell a different story right now.”
