CANNES LIONS 'His natural charisma stood out to me': Usher reveals why he became a mentor to Justin Bieber and helped launch him to superstardom

By REBECCA DAVISON FOR BE INFORMED

PUBLISHED: 13:38 GMT, 21 June 2016 | UPDATED: 13:53 GMT, 21 June 2016

Pop sensation Usher took part in an intimate conversation with Ryan Seacrest for iHeartRadio at Cannes Lions on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old revealed why he decided to mentor Justin Bieber, 22, with Ryan asking what stood out about the floppy haired crooner. 

'It was his natural charisma,' he said. 'He has such a bright personality.'

A global sensation: Pop sensation Usher took part in an intimate conversation with Ryan Seacrest for iHeartRadio at Cannes Lions on Tuesday in which he talked about mentoring Justin Bieber 

Usher said of Bieber: 'It was his natural charisma,' he said. 'He has such a bright personality' - His current manager Scooter Braun introduced him to the singer (right) 

'Success has many fathers. There wasn't just one thing I saw in Justin. There were people around his talent. His manager, Scooter Braun introduced me to him.

'He wanted to develop him with someone who he knew would be able to help him.

He said: 'I made sure I didn't rush the process with him. I took my time. One thing I have learned is to be patient. I met him a few times' [before he was signed.]

It's fair to say that Usher was the right man for the job, too. An eight-time Grammy winner, he is currently gearing up for the release of his eighth hotly-anticipated album.

The global superstar is also playing boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in an upcoming biopic and he credits his upbringing for making him the highly motivated man he is today.

'We are all searching for a mentor,' he said. 'Something to create your measure of success. Mine was Michael Jackson.

Adding: 'Success has many fathers. There wasn't just one thing I saw in Justin. There were people around his talent. His manager, Scooter Braun introduced me to him but he wanted my help to develop his talent'

'I was born in Dallas, moved to Tennessee and I found myself in Georgia, Atlanta. Growing up in the South, there aren't as many options. I had to make the most of what I had.

'In major cities, there are always things to do. I was raised without a father figure so I felt a sense of responsibility to make something of myself. My mother gave me the drive.'

While Usher helped to give Bieber a shot at success, he says that his meeting with LA Reid when he was aged just 14, signified the start of his career.

Right man for the job: An eight-time Grammy winner, Usher is currently gearing up for the release of his eighth hotly-anticipated album and is playing boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in an upcoming biopic

Making it to the top: While Usher helped to give Bieber a shot at success, he says that his meeting with LA Reid when he was aged just 14, signified the start of his career

'Knowing he had developed a record for Bobby Brown, who I looked up to, I couldn't believe he was even looking at me.'

'You have to defy the ideas set for you but be respectful of people who have helped you. You have to enjoy being gifted.

'You have to be prepared to invest in yourself these days because you can be famous for one second, then it's gone.'

Catching a glimpse: Usher's talk was well-received with hundreds of people turning up to see him

 The star also said that he remains nervous when playing his new records to people for the first time.

'In one way, it's like Christmas and you are giving out your gift. But on the other hand, you leave you can feel vulnerable.

'You are leaving yourself open to being scrutinized but I don't focus on that because I've been doing it for so long.'

Double trouble: Ryan seemed rather taken with his pal Usher... and those snazzy trousers he was wearing 

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