What started as a little boy posting cover songs to YouTube is now one of the biggest pop stars in history. A former teen heartthrob, Bieber has sold over 150 million records worldwide and is the youngest artist to have seven albums reach number one on the Billboard 200. He has also starred in three documentary style movies about his life, is married to model Hailey Baldwin and has his own line of clothing.
Bieber, who was born in Stratford, Ontario in 1994, rose to prominence after his mother posted YouTube clips of him singing and performing at local talent competitions. He won a spot in a Canadian talent show at age 12, and soon after, his career began to take off as he became a global star. By 2008, the singer signed with manager Scooter Braun, who helped him secure a recording contract with Usher.
Despite his young age, Bieber’s first album, My World in 2009, was a success. It featured glossy R&B and pop music, a perfect mix to appeal to pre-teen girls. The album, which included the buoyant puppy-love song “One Time,” and the sexy, danceable title track, became a global smash hit.
In the years that followed, Bieber’s star continued to rise as he topped the charts with singles such as “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry.” But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; he was criticized for a variety of off-the-cuff behaviors and his previously squeaky clean image tarnished.
Then in 2017, he was embroiled in an on-and-off romance with singer Selena Gomez and suffered from the effects of depression. After cancelling his remaining tour dates, he spent several months out of the spotlight, and eventually returned to recording. In January 2020, he debuted his 10-part YouTube docuseries, Justin Bieber: Seasons, which documented his return to the spotlight as well as his battles with mental illness and other health issues.
In the series, we see Bieber re-enter the public eye as he tours in support of his 2021 album, Changes. We also get a glimpse into his relationship with Hailey, which he calls the love of his life. The couple, who married in a private ceremony at a New York City courthouse last September, reunites on the tour for a touching and intimate performance of the single “Peaches.” In a rare moment of candor, Hailey admits to the camera that she wasn’t ready for her big wedding day. This is an amazing and uplifting video that truly shows how in love they are. You can watch it here.