When Justin Drew Bieber was growing up in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, he and his mom would park outside a theater known for hosting Shakespeare festivals and let him perform with the crowds that gathered. His mother videotaped the performances and posted them on YouTube, where they quickly went viral. Bieber, then 14, sang popular rhythm-and-blues (R&B) songs accompanied by an acoustic guitar and attracted attention from fans around the world.
Soon he was touring the world, and his celebrity eclipsed his music. In his early 20s, he was a global icon for teenagers and young adults, with the highest social-media following of any entertainer in history. He had hit singles, movie roles, endorsement deals, and even a bestselling book. But he was also an erratic, troubled person who was frequently in the news for his controversial behavior, his on-again, off-again relationship with singer Selena Gomez, and his skirmishes with the law.
In 2008, Scooter Braun came across Bieber’s videos on YouTube and signed him to his management company Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG). The same year, he began working with producer Usher on his debut album, Believe, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album spawned two chart-topping singles, including the sexy love song “One Time.”
With his second album, Purpose (2015), Bieber expanded his musical scope. He worked with a number of 2010s heavy hitters, from EDM maestro Skrillex to electro-pop architect BloodPop, and collaborated with R&B songwriter Poo Bear on the Top 10 hits “Where Are U Now” and “Love Yourself.”
Bieber diversified again in 2016, with his pop-rap collaboration with DJ Khaled (“I’m the One”) and a remix to Luis Fonsi’s hit “Despacito.” That same year, he also released a country collaboration with Dan + Shay, which won the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
As he grew into his 30s, Bieber’s celebrity and public image became increasingly complicated. He began dating model Hailey Baldwin in 2015, and the couple married in 2019.
In recent years, he has tried to focus on his music and the positive aspects of his image. He mentors younger artists, and tries to be the solid person for them that he wishes someone had been for him. There is a touching scene in the documentary Billie (1921) in which the young Billie Eilish meets Bieber at Coachella and he is genuinely moved by her presence. He gives her a hug, which is an expression of true empathy and kindness. He donates his profits from his concerts, his Someday line of fragrances, and other merchandising to Pencils of Promise, a charity his manager’s brother founded to build schools in developing countries. He has also highlighted social injustices, visiting hospitalized children and soldiers in active duty. He is a spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. He has spoken out against homophobia, racism, and bullying. He has also supported causes related to mental illness. He and Baldwin have an adopted daughter, Jazmine.