Usher thinks Justin Bieber is just being a normal teenager.
The 'Scream' hitmaker -- who mentored the 19-year-old singer to success, alongside his manager Scooter Braun, in 2007 -- believes the criticism directed at his young protege is unfair as the teenager is living his life the best he can amidst a barrage of media attention, and is maturing every day.
Speaking on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', Usher said: "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 have helped him be who he is, that he'll continue to just mature.
"I am hoping for the best. I don't look at as a negative though, I look at it as a teenager -- he's a teenager having to live his life in front of a camera. Imagine if you had to do that as a teenager."
While the R&B singer -- who duetted with Bieber on the remix of hit song 'Somebody To Love' -- doesn't necessarily agree with Bieber's recent antics, including keeping his fans waiting for hours before his gigs, getting into a scrap with the paparazzi and constant partying. But he says he is hopeful Bieber won't succumb to the pressure in the same way as other former child stars.
Usher mused: "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 product of it and some come out bad and some come out good."
The 34-year-old superstar insists he is just a phone call away and is at hand to offer advice whenever Bieber needs it.
He said: "We talk as much as possible. I mean, me Scooter (Braun), we stay in contact. Obviously, when I can be of help, I do so. (I) reach out and stay connected."
