Usher Remembers 'War' With Justin Timberlake To Contract Justin Bieber

Usher (Instagram @usher)

JAKARTA - The appearance of a teenager named Justin Bieber in the late 2000s has become a phenomenon that has changed many things in the world music industry.

Found through song cover content on YouTube by Scooter Braun, Bieber who in 2008 was still 13 years old contracted by RBMG Records founded by Usher with Braun.

Remembering what happened 16 years ago, Usher called himself and Justin Timberlake involved in what was described as a "war of bidding" to sign Bieber.

"When you are at the top of your game, some of the greatest things will be presented to you, and in my opinion, right after my Confessions (album) was introduced to Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun," Usher said, launching PEOPLE, Wednesday, February 21.

"We are building a friendship, but this will obviously create a partnership that will last forever, and this is a kind of bidding war between me and Justin Timberlake," he continued.

"I'm not sure if I can understand any producers who can benefit this artist, but what I can tell you is I will give you my passion, and I will go to give you every part of what I offer."

Then, Usher revealed the reasons that made him so interested in signing Bieber.

"Only one," said Usher.

Talking about his career as a singer and producer, Usher realized that he was not only competing with other people, but also himself.

"I've always tried to beat my own record, beat my own expectations, and tried to get better," Usher said.

"And if anything, I'm motivated by people like Justin (Timberlake). I think he's amazing, and I think he has a legacy that must be respected and not compared to other people. He must be recognized as he is."