Justin Bieber's longtime mentor Usher isn't oblivious to the 19-year-old's recent press-grabbing antics.
But on Wednesday's Ellen DeGeneres Show, Usher explained why he's concerned—yet optimistic—about the Biebs' future.
Ellen first broached the topic of Justin with The Voice coach by saying, "He seems to be, um…He's young."
And Usher immediately got what she meant. "Key word, you started with young," the 34-year-old father of two said. "And I think all of us in some way have humble beginnings that pan out to be incredible, and we hope that in his transition, as friends and family who has helped him be who he is, that he'll continue to just mature.
"But you know, in this day and age of social media, there is no privacy, and that kind of trial and elimination period is kind of done in front of a camera...Many other celebrities are products of it, and some come out bad and some come out good."
"I am hoping for the best," he continued. "I don't look at as a negative, though. I look at it as a teenager—a teenager having to live his life in front of a camera."
And fortunately for young J.B., Usher's always got his back. "We talk as much as possible," he said. "I mean, me and Scooter [Braun], we stay in contact. Obviously when I can be of help I do so—reach out and stay connected."
Aw. It's a good thing Justin has role models like Scooter and Usher who want nothing more than to see him succeed.