How Usher Transformed Justin Bieber’s Music Career

Justin Bieber is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop stars in the world today. However, his journey to superstardom did not happen overnight – it was the result of careful guidance and mentorship from music icon Usher.

While Justin first gained attention uploading cover songs to YouTube in 2008, it was Usher who played a pivotal role in launching his professional music career and setting him on the path to global success. Through signing him to a record deal and acting as a mentor, Usher transformed a young YouTube talent into one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

In early 2008, Justin Bieber was just a 13-year old living in Stratford, Ontario with dreams of becoming a singer. Like many aspiring artists, he began uploading cover songs to YouTube in hopes of gaining exposure. One of his videos caught the eye of talent manager Scooter Braun, who was impressed by Justin’s raw vocal talent and charisma. Braun reached out to negotiate managing Justin, seeing his potential to break out as a star. However, Braun knew that to truly succeed, Justin would need the support and resources that came with a major record deal.

This is where Usher came in. Braun showed Usher some of Justin’s YouTube videos, hoping the R&B superstar could help get the young singer signed. Usher, already an established star with a string of multi-platinum albums, was blown away by Justin’s vocal skills and star quality at such a young age. He saw in Justin the potential to become “the next big thing” in the pop world. With Usher’s influence as one of the most successful artists in the industry, he knew he could help open doors for Justin.

In late 2008, Usher brought Justin, Braun, and his mother Pattie to a meeting with L.A. Reid, then the CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group. Impressed by Justin’s raw talent, Reid offered him then and there a record deal worth over $2 million. This deal, facilitated by Usher’s endorsement, marked the beginning of Justin’s transition from YouTube amateur to professional recording artist. Now signed to a major label, Justin had the financial backing and industry resources to record his debut album and launch his career on a global scale.

But Usher’s role in Justin’s development did not end there. Beyond just helping him land a record deal, Usher took the young singer under his wing and served as a mentor guiding him through the early stages of his burgeoning career. With over a decade of experience in the music industry himself by that point, Usher was able to impart invaluable wisdom to Justin about songwriting, performing, navigating the pressures of fame as a teen idol, and more.

One way Usher mentored Justin was by collaborating with him on music. In 2009, they released the single “Somebody To Love (Remix),” which gave Justin exposure to Usher’s massive fanbase and helped establish him as a rising new star. The song was a success, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further cementing Justin’s popularity. Working closely with Usher in the studio also helped Justin grow as an artist and songwriter.

Beyond collaborating, Usher took on more of a “big brother” role in Justin’s life and career. He invited Justin to join him on tour, where the young singer gained experience performing live in front of large crowds. On the road, Usher imparted advice about everything from stage presence to handling fame. He helped Justin navigate the pressures of exploding success at such a young age with grace and poise. Usher also introduced Justin to other industry veterans who could continue guiding his development, like record executive L.A. Reid and producer Tricky Stewart.

The fruits of Usher’s mentorship were evident when Justin released his debut studio album “My World 2.0” in 2010. Powered by the smash hit singles “Baby” and “Somebody,” the album was a commercial juggernaut, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It sold over 137,000 copies in its first week, establishing Justin as a bonafide pop phenomenon at only 16 years old. His debut proved Usher’s belief in Justin’s talent had been well-founded, as the young singer’s star power skyrocketed worldwide.

In the years since, Justin has gone on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His discography includes six #1 albums on the Billboard 200 and global sales of over 150 million records. He’s broken numerous chart records and won dozens of awards, cementing his status as not just a pop star but a global pop culture icon. Through it all, Justin has credited Usher as being hugely influential in helping launch his career and shape him as both an artist and a young man.

While Justin’s raw talent and work ethic undoubtedly played a major role in his success, it’s hard to imagine it happening so quickly without Usher’s guidance. By signing Justin to his record label, Usher gave the young singer the industry support structure needed to record and release music professionally. But perhaps more importantly, Usher’s mentorship was invaluable in navigating the treacherous waters of early fame and shaping Justin both personally and artistically. From collaborating in the studio to touring together and imparting wisdom, Usher played a father-figure role that allowed Justin’s talent to blossom.

A decade after Usher first discovered Justin on YouTube, the “Baby” singer has grown into a global superstar in his own right. But he has never forgotten those early moments when Usher took a chance on him and helped launch his career. Justin has said Usher is “like a brother” to him and credits the R&B legend with teaching him “how to carry [himself]” in the industry. Through signing him to his record label and providing mentorship, guidance and collaboration opportunities, Usher truly transformed an unknown YouTube talent into the global pop phenomenon Justin Bieber is today. His role in Justin’s journey shows how important industry support and guidance can be for young artists, and cemented Usher’s legacy as not just a hitmaker but a leader who helps develop new talent.

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