The Hidden Talent That Shocked Usher: How Chris Martin Nearly Joined an R&B Supergroup

In a story that blurs the lines between R&B, pop, and rock, Usher once tried to recruit Coldplay’s Chris Martin for an unexpected musical experiment — a secret R&B supergroup that almost became a reality. The reason? Martin’s little-known but extraordinary talent for soulful, R&B-style vocals — a hidden strength that even surprised Usher himself.

The Unexpected Offer

The unlikely pairing emerged during an interview in which Usher revealed his admiration for Martin’s voice, describing it as “unreal” in tone and flexibility. Known globally for Coldplay’s atmospheric rock hits like “Yellow” and “Viva La Vida,” Martin might seem an odd choice for an R&B project. But Usher — who has spent three decades mastering the art of rhythm, melody, and emotion — saw something more.

“He’s a very unlikely candidate to hear do a rendition of an R&B song,” Usher said. “But he’s got it — the tone, the soul, everything.”

The Confessions singer, whose 2004 album became one of the best-selling R&B records of all time, revealed that he once tried to persuade Martin to lend his voice to a collaborative concept — a playful, powerhouse “R&B-meets-pop” group featuring Usher himself, producer Lil Jon, and other high-profile musicians.

The goal wasn’t a long-term band but a crossover moment — a “Boyz II Men of Hip-Hop and Pop,” as Usher jokingly described it.

To everyone’s surprise, Chris Martin “almost took the offer.”

Bridging Two Worlds

The idea might sound far-fetched — but musically, the connection makes sense.

The two stars sit at opposite ends of the sonic spectrum — Usher’s smooth R&B precision versus Martin’s emotive stadium rock — yet both share a deep focus on emotional connection.

By 2013, Martin had already proven his willingness to cross genres, working with artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna. His 2006 feature on Jay-Z’s “Lost One” showcased his soulful phrasing over hip-hop beats, earning praise for blending melancholy with rhythm. His later collaborations — co-writing for Rihanna and performing with Kanye West — reinforced his status as one of rock’s most genre-fluid frontmen.

Usher’s Faith — and Martin’s “Almost”

Usher’s pitch wasn’t just a joke; it reflected genuine admiration for Martin’s ability to connect emotionally through melody — something at the heart of R&B performance. “He understands the feeling,” Usher said, referring to Martin’s soulful depth beneath his rock background.

While the project never materialized, insiders suggest Martin was “intrigued” and came close to committing before Coldplay’s touring schedule and other obligations intervened.

In retrospect, the idea seems less improbable than it first appeared. Both artists share a similar creative drive — perfectionists with global reach, unafraid to experiment with sound, tone, and genre.

A Missed Collaboration — and a Testament to Musical Curiosity

The Monster Tour of 2014 showed how artists like Eminem and Rihanna could bridge cultural and stylistic divides. Usher’s dream project with Chris Martin could have offered a similar fusion — one built not on spectacle but on mutual respect and shared artistry.

While the collaboration never left the planning stage, the story reveals a fascinating truth about the modern music landscape: genre boundaries are thinner than ever. Behind Coldplay’s ethereal ballads lies a singer capable of deep R&B resonance, and behind Usher’s polished showmanship is a visionary eager to pull other artists into his orbit.

In the end, Chris Martin didn’t join Usher’s R&B supergroup — but he almost did. And in that “almost” lies a reminder of why both men endure as icons: they are restless, curious, and forever searching for new ways to connect.

As Usher put it best, half-joking but entirely serious:

“If Chris ever changes his mind, the spot’s still open.”