Usher‘s performance at the Super Bowl attracted widespread praise and critical acclaim for his energetic, dazzling halftime show. But there was disappointment surrounding the Justin Bieber‘s decision not to get involved after he was invited to join the R&B singer on the stage.
The 13-minute display saw the legendary artist bring out some of his most famous hits, from ‘Let It Burn’ to ‘OMG’. The highlight arrived when the 45-year-old effortlessly bopped around the circular platform on a pair of rollerskates with his backup dancers while pumping out his vocals.
He was joined by a number of his former collaborative artists, with Ludacris, Lil Jon and Alicia Keys stepping onto the stage in front of 65,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
But Bieber was conspicuous by his absence, with fans disappointed that he decided not to take part. The 29-year-old did attend the Super Bowl with his wife, Hailey, 27, but opted to take in the action from Fanatics co-owner Michael Rubin‘s $2.5 million suite.
Why did Justin Bieber decline Usher’s offer?
The pair became friends after working on the song ‘Somebody to Love’ when Bieber was a teenage popstar. Since then, he has released six studio albums, with ‘Justice’ his most recent release in 2021.
According to Page Six, sources say Usher did his best to try to persuade Bieber to take part as he wanted to pay tribute to their history together. But it is claimed Bieber, who looked worn out, politely declined due to fatigue.
A music industry was quoted telling the outlet: “There’s no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn’t up for it – he just wasn’t feeling it.”
As many would have seen from Usher’s high-intensity dance routine, it can be an exhausting process performing in the Super Bowl halftime show. Bieber settled for being a spectator with his other half and from the looks of their head-bopping in the crowd, they clearly rated what they saw from the ‘Yeah’ icon.