Oh, Justin. You’re never out of hot water for long, are ya? And while we’re still trying to adhere to our New Year’s resolution to not derive joy from the misfortunes of those we loathe, we have to admit that a smile came across our faces when we read about this item. (It was only a half-smile. That’s progress, no?)
Justin Bieber and his Dr. Frankenstein, Usher, were sued in 2013 by two Virginia songwriters who claim three versions of the stars’ 2010 hit “Somebody to Love” sounded awfully similar to a song they created in 2008. They said Usher and Bieber lifted the beat pattern, time signature, and similar chords and lyrics.
In 2013, U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen didn’t agree with Devin “the Dude” Copeland (aka De Rico) and his writing partner Mareio Overton. But the suit was just brought back from the dead by the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. Fourth Circuit Judge Pamela Harris had this to say:
“After listening to the Copeland song and the Bieber and Usher songs as wholes, we conclude that their choruses are similar enough and also significant enough that a reasonable jury could find the songs intrinsically similar.”
Here’s the crappy Bieber/Usher version.
And here’s part of the crappy De Rico version.
What do you think?
Plaintiffs are seeking $10 million, which would make a slight dent in Bieber’s Ferarri fund.
The case has been sent back to Allen for further proceedings.
All we can say is: Blame Robin!
For everything.