Justin Bieber is one of the most popular young singers in the world. He is also an actor, entrepreneur, model and social activist who promotes mental health awareness through his organization. He has sold millions of albums and is a global pop culture icon, a trendsetter for many. He has been a target of tabloid media coverage, especially over his romantic relationships and skirmishes with the law.
Bieber was born and raised in Stratford, Ontario. His mother, Pattie Mallette, worked several jobs to support the family. Her son was a scrappy athlete and chess player, but he had a passion for music as well. At 12 he entered a local talent contest and won second place. He began posting homemade videos of himself singing on YouTube for family and friends, and he gained fans. Then, in 2007, a music manager named Scooter Braun came across the videos and signed him to his label.
From the beginning, Bieber infused his music with the sensibilities of his teenage fan base. He quickly built a massive following and began touring regularly. He was known for his energetic performances and acrobatic dance routines. In his songs, he often harkened back musically to his boyhood and sang about grownup relationship complexities.
Then, in 2015, he released Purpose, an album that found him appealing to audiences well beyond his core fan base. Top 10 hits like “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry” showed him maturing in his sound while addressing the angst of being a teen idol. He also collaborated with 2010s heavy-hitters like EDM wizard Skrillex and electro-pop architect BloodPop.
In 2022, he released the pop-folk album, Thinking Out Loud. It featured a mix of ballads, love songs and more upbeat fare. The record was a critical and commercial success, but Bieber’s public life became a tumultuous mess. He was involved in multiple controversies, including a DUI arrest and a scuffle with a photographer. He was also accused of stalking a fan and sending lewd messages to her.
The video for this hit song features skateboarders Ryan Sheckler and Chelsea Castro as they perform their skating tricks while the lyrics are displayed on screen. The clip has been seen by more than 200 million people.
Bieber collaborated with New Zealand’s ReQuest Dance Crew and Royal Family Dance Crew for this colorful, fun and upbeat dance video. The film was directed by New Zealander Parris Goebel and choreographed by New Zealander Parris Goebel, featuring a cast of more than 50 dancers and models.
In this documentary, Bieber mentors younger artists and tries to be the stable person for them that he wishes he had had as a kid. He does this in addition to his regular touring, releasing more than 150 million records and founding the Drew House clothing line (which is named after his middle name). He’s also an active philanthropist, highlighting social injustice around the world. Among other things, he visits hospitalized children and troops in the field.