Usher knows exactly what it feels like to be a young star, which is why he wants to not only support Justin Bieber from the audience at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, but Usher also wants to celebrate with a special collaboration on stage.
Usher couldn’t be more proud of his young protege Justin Bieber. During this Sunday’s Grammy Awards, the artist who’s been through it all with the 16-year-old pop sensation will take the stage with Bieber for a very special performance that Usher promises will tell a story. Did we mention Justin Bieber’s also up for his own pair of Grammy Awards?
“Having been through (the Grammys) so many times, you couldn’t want for anything more than for your young protege to have the opportunity to have one, so, in support of him having his moment, I wanted to be here,” Usher revealed to MTV News at the RED launch party in Hollywood. “And also to be there to perform, to kind of tell the story of how we came together. This music business has definitely been good to both of us, and this year we have a lot to be happy for.”
Usher’s not giving away the goods on what the actual performance will entail but we do know it will include Jaden Smith.
“The performance will be fun. We want to get up there and just do what we do. Be comfortable, and have a great time. This is kind of a crossover for Justin. Having performed on so many different stages, this is the way that I wanted him to be seen and an opportunity to show the industry — a lot of the industry, that didn’t believe (in him) — some of his other talents. He’s going to play acoustically, and also, we’ll get down a bit.”
Usher is up for the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album at the February 13 Grammy Awards, but it sounds like he’s more focused on Justin Bieber. Perhaps it’s because of all the hype surrounding Justin’s new movie, Never Say Never.
“I’m very proud, man. I definitely saw it from the beginning, but thanks to the team that we have around us, it was made to happen. And that story has only just begun,” Usher assured. “The story of Justin Bieber doesn’t stop with screaming girls; we need screaming fans all around the world…a cultural experience that’s much more than just fanfare. And that’s what this is. That’s what the Grammys will be; that’s what my next phase for Justin is. This is the way I found him: I found him with a guitar in his hand, so I want him to be seen that way.”
Check out Usher, Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith on the Grammy Awards February 13.
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