When Usher was announced as the Super Bowl LVII’s halftime show performer, the rumor mill started buzzing. Many speculated that the "Yeah!" singer would bring Justin Bieber along for the ride as a guest performer. Usher was one of his mentors in his early career. According to Page Six, Usher did approach Justin about performing with him, but the "Baby" singer declined.
Justin attended the big game and watched proudly as his mentor rocked the halftime show. He just wasn’t “feeling it” in terms of joining him. Justin’s wife Hailey Bieber was by his side for the game.
A source close to the situation spoke to Page Six. “There’s no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn’t up for it — he just wasn’t feeling it,” they explained.
Justin has been battling health issues lately. In 2020 he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Before he publicly announced this, many people speculated he was on drugs.
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Justin took to Instagram to clear his name. “While a lot of people kept saying justin Bieber looks like s***, on meth etc. they failed to realize I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease,” he clapped back. “Not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my, skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.”
In January 2022, Justin announced that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused him to cancel many of his scheduled shows. “Obviously as you can probably see with my face. I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome and it is from this virus that attacks the nerves in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis,” he explained on Instagram.
Despite Justin’s health issues, Usher tried his best to persuade Justin. Their 2010 hit song “Somebody to Love” could have been a great addition to Usher’s set. Justin did not give in to his friend’s wishes.
Justin did attend the game to support Usher with wife Hailey. He watched from Fanatics co-owner Michael Rubin’s $2.5 million suite. He even posted on Instagram about how proud he was of his mentor.
Even though Justin declined, Usher had some amazing guests during his 13-minute set. Alicia Keys and Usher sang their duet, "My Boo." H.E.R. rocked an electric guitar solo. Will.i.am joined Usher for "OMG." Rounding out his supporting cast was Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Ludacris.
Usher’s gameday wins didn’t stop there. He got married to longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea after the big game. Super Bowl VIII was a big night for the performer, for sure.
