The odd couple: Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne team up for futuristic Superbowl advertisement

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Nice to meet you: Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber greet each other on the set of their Superbowl advertisement


Last month, legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne delighted some and horrified millions of tween girls when he ever so eloquently queried: 'Who the f*** is Justin Bieber?' during an interview.

But Ozzy seems to have been brought up to speed, as he is now teaming up with the teen idol for a futuristic advertisement to be aired during the Superbowl.

The odd pairing is for electronics retailer Best Buy, who are understood to have shelled out over US$1 million to sign the 16-year-old.

Despite the slight, Bieber appeared excited to meet the Black Sabbath star - who the teen is perhaps even too young to be familiar with from reality show The Osbournes.

Both dressed in futuristic-style black jumpsuits, the duo shook hands as they were introduced on the set of the commercial at Universal Studios earlier this month.

Observant Bieber fans - of which there are many - will note that the shoot took place before the Baby singer's recent haircut, which he debuted at the Golden Globes Awards on January 16.

Sharon Osbourne, who is said to be making a short appearance as well, was on hand and eagerly greeted the star and posed for photographs.


Time warp: The 30-second advertisement is for electronic retailer Best Buy


What an honour: Despite not knowing who he was just last month, Ozzy (with wife Sharon) appeared thrilled to meet the pop star


Ozzy won applause from many music fans for his ignorance of the babe-faced singer during an appearance on Mark Hoppus' TV show A Different Spin.

The former Blink 182 musician asked what kind of music the 62-year-old listened to, jokingly guessing: 'Do you listen to much Justin Bieber?'

'Who?' Osbourne replied, to laughter from the audience. 'Who the f*** is Justin Bieber?'

Clearly not a fan of the pop phenomenon either, Hoppus remarked: 'I love that, perfect answer.'

Perhaps Best Buy bosses are hoping the pair's sparring will lead to bankable chemistry, given that last year the average Superbowl commercial cost advertisers a staggering US$3 million for a 30-second slot - not including the fees paid to the artists or crew.


Cougar town: Sharon Osbourne, who will make a cameo in the clip, eagerly greeted the 16-year-old


'We're delighted to have Justin and Ozzy helps us tell the Best Buy story,' the company's marketing executive Drew Panayiotou says.

'We know people have high expectations for these ads and Justin and Ozzy add a whole new dimension of fun.'

USA Today suggests that hiring the young and social networking-enthusiast Bieber is a strategic move by Best Buy, who are hoping to transform their image as primarily a TV retailer to sellers of mobile phones and new technology.

Best Buy have kept most details about the advertisement a closely guarded secret, but insiders have revealed it will air during the third quarter of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers on February 6.


Odd couple: Justin gets to grips with his hi-tech suit, while Ozzy enjoys an iPhone


Other big names set to appear in the highly coveted commercials (advertising air time for this year's Superbowl sold out in October) include Kim Kardashian and Faith Hill.

Reality star Kardashian will appear in an advertisement for Skechers Shape-Up shoes, for which she is a spokesperson, while country singer Faith Hill will star in a spot for flower delivery service TeleFlora.

Meanwhile Bieber fans - or Beliebers - are eagerly awaiting the release of a 3D documentary following Bieber, Never Say Never, days after the Superbowl on February 11.

His UK fans will have to wait an agonising three months for the thrill of seeing their hero in 3D on the big screen in April.


Hot ticket: Faith Hill (left) and Kim Kardashian are also set to appear in Superbowl ads, which cost an average US$3 million


JUSTIN BIEBER DOUGIE



source: dailymail