Justin Bieber’s life started as a kid who took drum lessons and taught himself to play piano, guitar and trumpet. As a teen, he participated in a local talent show and placed second. His mother posted a video of him singing popular rhythm-and-blues songs on YouTube for friends and family who couldn’t attend, and the videos went viral. By the time he was 19, the star had sold more than 150 million records worldwide, released three documentary-style movies about his life and embarked on his Purpose World Tour. He also has an active social media presence and a clothing line.
He’s been featured on numerous magazine covers and has appeared as a musical guest on multiple television shows, including The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon and the 11th season premiere of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He’s also made several commercial appearances, including a spot for Proactiv and a music video for a Jamba Juice smoothie. In addition to starring in his own concert film, Never Say Never, he’s starred in TV episodes and been honored at a host of awards shows.
The singer has been able to maintain his popularity since the release of his debut album in 2012. The record was a huge hit across Europe and Canada and made him the youngest artist to top the charts in both countries. In 2013, Bieber became even more adored by fans when he starred in a holiday movie called Home, and by the end of his Purpose World Tour, he had sold out Madison Square Garden.
But there have been some missteps along the way. For example, in February 2013, he offended people by visiting the Anne Frank House and writing in the guest book that if Anne had survived, she would have been a Belieber. Later that year, he angered many more by spray-painting graffiti in Colombia and Brazil, and he was accused of using drugs during his tour in November 2013.
In 2015, Bieber topped the US charts with a remix of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s hit “Despacito.” He followed it up with the album Purpose, which was another smash success. In 2016, the album was supported by his highest-grossing world concert tour to date.
Bieber’s latest project is an EP titled Justice, and it was released in early October 2018. The project contains six new tracks, with the singer collaborating with a number of different artists. He’s also working on a sequel to Never Say Never.
Bieber seems to be happy with his life these days, and he wants to use his fame to help others. His latest music, his Instagram messages and the deliberate calm of his everyday manner all speak to his younger self, to the kid who was drowning in despair and felt like he’d never be saved. He’s trying to comfort that kid now, and to tell him that things can be better.