Usher Brushes Aside Past Comparisons With Justin Timberlake, Says He Would Love to Collab

Usher and Justin Timberlake emerged as prominent figures in the music industry during the early 2000s, captivating audiences with their smooth vocals and youthful charisma. Despite their similar trajectories, which include headlining performances at the Super Bowl, the notion of them as direct competitors fails to capture the complexity of their relationship.

Usher, reflects on the persistent comparisons between himself and Timberlake, shedding light on the true nature of their connection over the years. Dispelling the notion of rivalry, Usher emphasises the uniqueness of each artist’s creative expression. 

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While acknowledging the inevitable comparisons drawn by fans and critics alike, Usher underscores the mutual respect and admiration shared between him and Timberlake. He points to their collaborative efforts, noting his appreciation for the producers Timberlake has worked with and vice versa, illustrating a symbiotic relationship rooted in shared artistic appreciation.

Usher’s journey into the music industry was fueled by a deep-seated passion for R&B and hip-hop, inspired by iconic artists such as Bobby Brown, New Edition and Boyz II Men. Recalling his early endeavours to break into the industry as a preteen, Usher reminisces about serenading club-goers with renditions of Boyz II Men’s ‘End of the Road’ in the wee hours of the morning. 

Despite his early experiences, which included performing on Star Search at age 13, Usher humourously acknowledges his divergence from the typical trajectory of Disney-affiliated child stars, recognizing the mature themes present in his music that may not have aligned with the family-friendly image of Disney.

However, Usher’s admiration for Timberlake and his group NSYNC remained unwavering. He fondly recalls attending their foundation events as a child, eager to support and connect with the group, fueled by his respect for their manager, Johnny Wright and his visionary leadership.

-Sushmita Sarkar