As the Super Bowl ended with the Kansas City Chiefs as the winner, fans are now expressing discontent with Justin Bieber for turning down the opportunity to sing with Usher during the Super Bowl Halftime show.

The two artists have a history that makes the idea especially appealing. Usher was instrumental in Bieber’s rise to fame, serving as a mentor during the Canadian singer’s early career and helping secure the record deal that catapulted him into global stardom. Their collaborations, including the remix of Bieber’s breakout hit “Somebody to Love,” remain fan favorites. A reunion on the Super Bowl stage would have been both a nostalgic nod to Bieber’s beginnings and a celebration of Usher’s influence as a cultural force.

When the halftime show unfolded without Bieber, speculation immediately erupted online. Some fans held out hope that he would make a surprise appearance mid-performance, only to be left disappointed. As reports emerged confirming that Bieber had indeed turned down the opportunity, reactions became heated. Many argued that the singer had snubbed not only Usher but also millions of fans who would have relished the chance to see them share the stage again. Social media platforms quickly filled with pointed comments, ranging from playful jabs to outright criticism.

Supporters of Bieber offered more sympathetic interpretations. They pointed to his ongoing health concerns, including his diagnosis with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which affected his ability to perform live for stretches of his career. Others suggested that Bieber, who has spoken openly about the pressures of fame and his struggles with mental health, may simply have prioritized his well-being over the high-stakes demands of a Super Bowl appearance. For these fans, his decision was not selfish but self-protective, a boundary set by an artist who has been through years of public scrutiny.

Justin BeiberJustin Bieber (image via his Instagram)
Seems like it’s time for Justin Bieber to face some criticism and mocking from fans, as they expected the Baby hitmaker to be duetting with renowned pop star Usher.

The Hey Daddy singer transformed the stage into a gala with surprise guests like Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Lil Jon, Ludacris, Will.i.am, and Jermaine Dupri. But Bieber’s absence has been widely discussed among fans due to their awareness of Usher’s contributions to Bieber’s career.

Fans Express Unhappiness With Justin Bieber For Refusing to Perform With Usher

Usher‘s significance in Justin Bieber is not only acknowledged by the pop star but also by their fans. The duo is known for their long-standing friendship and how the My Boo singer helped Bieber transform into a globally renowned singer. Not only is Usher a mentor to the Love Yourself singer but also a decade-long pal.
UsherUsher (Image via his Instagram)
Throughout the years, they have been highly supportive of each other, and when it was out that Justin Bieber refused to share the stage with Usher during the Super Bowl Halftime show, fans found it hard to swallow. Following this news seems like the Never Say Never singer is becoming a public enemy.

 

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/takecarehours/status/1757156525473198428

While many fans are frustrated with Justin Bieber, others believe that he lost an incredible opportunity to bring the craze back since the singer hasn’t been so active with stage performances lately. Usher and Bieber collaborated for Somebody To Love, a song that came years back.

 
Justin Bieber and UsherJustin Bieber and Usher
The outlet also revealed that everything is going well with Bieber and Usher and added:

“There’s no bad blood between Usher and Justin. Justin just wasn’t up for it — he just wasn’t feeling it.”

After the Halftime show concluded, fans lauded Usher for lighting up the stage with other artists and making it even more memorable by honoring the legacy of iconic singer Michael Jackson by removing one of his gloves.

However, despite not performing with Usher, Justin Bieber and his wife were captured vibing on the singer’s song during his performance. The Never Let You Go singer then praised his pal and acknowledged his work through an Instagram post.

The Kansas City Chiefs may have walked away from the Super Bowl with another championship trophy, but the buzz after the final whistle has extended beyond football. Much of the chatter has centered not on the game itself, but on the halftime show—specifically, on Justin Bieber’s decision to turn down an invitation to perform alongside Usher. The revelation has left fans divided, with many expressing disappointment, frustration, and even anger at what they see as a missed opportunity for one of the biggest pop collaborations in recent history.

For weeks leading up to the game, anticipation for Usher’s halftime performance ran high. The R&B superstar, known for his high-energy choreography and catalog of hits stretching back to the 1990s, was touted as a natural choice for the NFL’s biggest stage. Rumors swirled that he might bring out special guests to elevate the spectacle, following in the footsteps of past halftime headliners who’ve shared the spotlight with equally iconic performers. When whispers circulated that Justin Bieber had been approached, fans began to dream of a duet that would bridge generations of pop and R&B.

a. on X: "justin bieber just unfollowed usher. the same kid who RAN up to him when he first got to LA at 12 years old, and told him he was his

Still, the disappointment lingers. For many, the idea of Usher and Bieber performing together was not just about nostalgia but about creating a viral cultural moment. The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most-watched musical performances in the world, drawing hundreds of millions of viewers. In recent years, surprise guest appearances have been among the highlights—think of Beyoncé joining Coldplay, or 50 Cent appearing during Dr. Dre’s headlining set. Fans argue that Bieber’s absence denied this year’s show its potential “wow” factor, leaving what some described as an otherwise impressive performance feeling incomplete.

The controversy has also reignited debates about Bieber’s current place in the music industry. Once seen as a dominant global pop star, his output has slowed in recent years as he has taken breaks to focus on his personal life. His decision to skip the Super Bowl has been interpreted by some as a sign that he is stepping further away from the spotlight, perhaps signaling a new phase in his career where he no longer feels compelled to chase the biggest stages. Others counter that it was simply one decision and that Bieber may return in a major way when the timing and circumstances feel right to him.

For Usher, the absence of his protégé did not derail the show. His performance was widely praised for its energy, choreography, and seamless blend of old and new hits. He delivered on the promise of a high-powered halftime spectacle, proving that he could command the stage without needing a roster of guest stars. Still, the lingering conversation about Bieber has overshadowed some of that praise, ensuring that the narrative of the night extends beyond Usher’s success.

The fan backlash also reflects broader cultural dynamics. Audiences have come to expect the Super Bowl halftime show to be a site of surprise, nostalgia, and star power. In an era where viral moments drive much of popular culture, the absence of a Bieber-Usher reunion feels, to many, like a squandered chance to create something unforgettable. Critics argue that the halftime show should be about delivering joy and spectacle to fans, and Bieber’s refusal to participate feels out of step with that mission.

On the other hand, Bieber’s defenders argue that this line of thinking places unrealistic demands on celebrities. The Super Bowl is not simply another concert—it is a global stage with immense pressure. For an artist navigating health issues and personal priorities, declining such an opportunity can be seen as an act of agency rather than a betrayal. In this view, fans’ disappointment is understandable, but it should not translate into condemnation of someone making choices for their own well-being.

As the dust settles, the situation raises important questions about the relationship between artists and their audiences. Do performers owe their fans participation in every high-profile event, or are they entitled to step back when they feel it is in their best interest? Is disappointment from fans a natural reaction, or does it cross into entitlement when it manifests as backlash? These are not new debates, but the Bieber-Usher Super Bowl saga has brought them back into focus in a fresh and emotionally charged way.

For now, Justin Bieber remains a polarizing figure—beloved by millions, criticized by many, and constantly navigating the expectations placed upon him. His decision to turn down the halftime show may be remembered as a missed opportunity, but it also underscores the complexity of balancing personal priorities with public demand. Meanwhile, Usher has reminded the world why he continues to be one of music’s most enduring performers, capable of holding down the world’s biggest stage even without the star he once helped create.

In the end, the Kansas City Chiefs may have secured their place in Super Bowl history, but the halftime show conversation belongs to Bieber and Usher. Whether fans view Bieber’s absence as a disappointment or a necessary choice, the debate proves once again how much weight the halftime show carries in shaping cultural moments. And while the game itself may fade from memory for casual viewers, the “what could have been” of a Bieber-Usher reunion will linger as one of the lasting storylines of this year’s Super Bowl.