Usher Recalls Winning Pitch In ‘Bidding War’ w/ Justin Timberlake To Sign Justin Bieber: ‘I’m Going To Give You Every Bit Of What I Have To Offer’

Usher, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber

Usher Recalls Winning Pitch In ‘Bidding War’ w/ Justin Timberlake To Sign Justin Bieber: ‘I’m Going To Give You Every Bit Of What I Have To Offer’

Can you imagine a world where Justin Timberlake is the man behind Justin Bieber’s career instead of Usher?

Most lovers of music know that Usher played a huge hand in Justin Bieber becoming the superstar that he is today. After initially being discovered by Scooter Braun thanks to a singing video the then-13-year-old posted to YouTube, Justin Bieber was brought to Atlanta to work with the famed manager and record demo tapes. It wasn’t long until the “Ghost” artist inked a deal with Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), which is a joint venture between Scooter Braun and Usher, full name Usher Raymond IV.

Scooter Braun

Justin Bieber’s trajectory into fame isn’t a secret, however, you may be shocked to learn that he almost had a different music vet oversee his career. During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Usher dished on the “bidding war” he found himself in with Justin Timberlake over the Canadian singer. He said,

“When you are at the top of your game, some of the greatest things will be presented to you, and it was, I think, right after [my album] Confessions that I was introduced to Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun.”

Usher continued,

“I presented Scooter an offer that I felt like he couldn’t resist. We built a friendship, but this would obviously create a partnership that would span us forever, and it was a bit of a bidding war between me and Justin Timberlake.”

Justin Timberlake

Sharing how he ultimately came out on top in the fight for Bieber, Usher expressed,

“… I was like, I’m not certain that I could understand each and every producer that this artist could benefit from, but what I can tell you is I’m going to give you my passion, and I’m going to give you every bit of what I have to offer.”

He continued, noting that a benefit that came with working with him over Timberlake was that Bieber wouldn’t have to compete with another Justin.

“So if you want to go with Justin, that’s Justin and Justin. Me, it’s only one Justin. So that obviously created a relationship and [there was] that support of him as an entrepreneur, because I think that he was trying to find himself as well.”

Usher also revealed that he gave his friend Scooter Braun the pep talk needed to know he would thrive as a full-time manager.

“I believe in you, and if we can have a partnership, I’ll give you every bit of wisdom that I have and grow you and support you in whatever you’re trying to accomplish as a businessman.”

He added,

“You are a manager. You’re not just a guy who can discover artists. You are someone who just needs someone to believe in, and I believe in, and I’ll support you.”

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us in the comments below!

[VIA