(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Usher says Michael Jackson showed him the importance of mentoring young artists.

The R&B artist spent a lot of time with the King of Pop before his untimely death aged 50 in 2009. He will never forget some of the kind words and advice Michael gave him, and says its part of the reason he tries to encourage young artists.

Usher discovered 16-year-old Justin Bieber, and hopes the teenager looks up to him in the same way. Michael Jackson told me to be the best I can be and know that as people, we are always making history in everything we do. Ill never forget that, he explained.

James Brown is a massive influence on who I am. He once said to me, If you stay ready, you aint gotta get ready. People like him and Michael Jackson mentored me, now I hope to mentor the up and coming.

Usher knew Justin was set for stardom as soon as he heard him sing. The young musician has gone on to achieve worldwide fame, winning hordes of young female fans in the process. Usher was blown away by how strong the teenagers voice was, and how confident he was as a performer.

Im a very proud man, he told Company magazine. (C) Cover Media