Usher recently shared insights into why Justin Bieber wasn’t featured as a special guest during the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Speaking on The Breakfast Club, the R&B icon expressed understanding and support for Bieber’s decision, noting that the pop star may be pursuing a different narrative at this point in his career.
“It didn’t work out with Justin,” Usher revealed. “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.”
Despite Bieber’s absence from the halftime spectacle, Usher assured fans of future collaborations between the two artists. “We did have a brief conversation. We’re gonna do something else in the future. No love lost or anything like that,” Usher emphasized. He also acknowledged the immense pressure associated with performing at the Super Bowl, highlighting the magnitude of the event.
While Usher offered his perspective on Bieber’s absence, he’s not the only one addressing the matter. Lil Jon, speaking to TMZ, shed light on Bieber’s decision, explaining that the commitment required for such a high-profile performance may have been daunting for the “Baby” singer.
“That’s a lot of rehearsal, a lot of responsibility, a lot of time and a lot of eyeballs,” Lil Jon elaborated. He noted Bieber’s support for Usher, emphasizing their friendship, but suggested that Bieber may not have been prepared for the demands of the Super Bowl stage.
Reflecting on Bieber’s health challenges, Lil Jon mentioned Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that affects the facial nerve and can lead to facial paralysis and hearing loss. Considering the rigorous nature of Super Bowl performances, Lil Jon suggested that Bieber may have opted to prioritize his well-being over the intense pressure of the event.
Usher and Lil Jon’s comments shed light on Bieber’s absence from the Super Bowl Halftime Show, highlighting the complexities and considerations involved in such high-profile performances within the music industry. As fans await future collaborations between Usher and Bieber, it’s evident that the bond between artists transcends the grandeur of televised events.