Whether you love him, hate him, or are somewhere in between, there’s no denying that Justin Bieber has become a major pop culture icon. The Canadian singer started out his career in music when he took second place in a local talent competition as a preteen. He was then scouted by entrepreneur Scooter Braun, who saw videos of him singing online. Braun signed Bieber to RBMG Records in 2008 at the age of 15, and his debut album, My World, was released in 2009.
As the years went on, however, Bieber’s celebrity overshadowed his musical career. His romantic relationships with other celebrities and his occasional skirmishes with the law brought him tabloid attention. But with the release of Purpose in 2015 and Changes in 2020, Bieber found his footing again. The albums topped the charts, and his Purpose World Tour was the highest-grossing concert tour of its time.
Bieber’s latest video for “Love Yourself” was directed by Jake Udell, who is also behind the viral hits “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Where Are You Now?” The cinematic clip features the singer in a stark desert setting, where he sings about his past struggles with depression. It’s a moving and honest look at how the fame of a pop star can affect mental health.
While most of the songs on Bieber’s latest album revolve around his relationship with Hailey Baldwin, there are also a few introspective tracks as well. On “Children,” he calls on his fans to make a difference in the world, backed by crisp synths and an urgent beat. Meanwhile, “My Prayer” is a heartfelt piano-accompanied ballad in which he asks God for forgiveness.
The most popular Justin Bieber videos on YouTube
These are some of the most popular Justin Bieber videos on YouTube, including his iconic “Baby” video, which has racked up over 500 million views. Other fan favorites include the “What Do You Mean?” and “Boyfriend” videos, which showcase his charming, sweet personality.
Bieber has a newfound appreciation for the things that have always kept him going, including his marriage and faith. He talks often about the importance of having a value system that doesn’t depend on performing in exchange for money, and he cites his wife and his connection with God as two of those things that have pulled him back from the brink. “I was in a dark place and I had a lot of people telling me what I should do, but when it came down to it, I just wanted to be happy,” he says. “And now that’s my purpose.”