Often described as a ‘teen heartthrob,’ Justin Bieber rose from obscurity to global fame in the short span of five years. His chart-topping albums and singles, and his multi-billion dollar touring business have made him one of the highest-earning entertainers in the world. While Bieber is a professed Christian who started his career with a clean, boyish image, his recent run-ins with the law have tarnished that wholesome persona.
Bieber, who has over 100 million followers on social media, was born in London, Ontario, Canada, but raised in Stratford, Ontario by his mother Pattie Mallette and her stepfather Bruce Braun, who worked a series of low-paying office jobs to support the family. He is a Canadian citizen with ancestry that includes French-Canadian, Irish, Scottish, and English.
He was discovered by a talent agent at a Toronto recording studio while recording a Christmas album, and signed to Usher’s record label in 2008. Usher and Bieber co-wrote several of his first singles including “One Time” which reached number 12 on the Canadian Hot 100, and peaked at number 17 in the United States. It became the highest-charting Canadian song to debut on the Billboard Hot 100. The single’s video received millions of views on YouTube, and Bieber appeared on a series of high-profile shows such as mtvU’s VMA 09 Tour, YTV’s The Dome, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Lopez Tonight, Good Morning America, Chelsea Lately, and the American version of The Next Star.
In 2012, he released his first major-label album Believe, and the following year his single “Boyfriend” reached number one in both the United States and Canada. The song’s video, filmed in a bowling alley and featuring Bieber in a flower stand, was a breakout hit. It featured a cameo by Bieber’s mentor Usher and a dance-scene performance by America’s Best Dance Crew season-five winner the Poreotics and season-three runner-up Beat Freaks.
With the release of his 2015 album Purpose, and its chart-busting singles like “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry,” Bieber established himself as a mature artist beyond a teen heartthrob. He continued to expand his musical repertoire with collaborations with artists such as Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Diplo.
Despite his success as an international superstar, Bieber remains grounded in his family and fans. He is a philanthropist who supports children’s charities and has donated over $1 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has also been involved in charity work and humanitarian efforts in developing countries. The rise of Justin Bieber from small-town teen to internationally recognized artist has been nothing short of remarkable, and his commitment to his craft and personal growth ensures that he will remain at the forefront of popular culture for decades to come. His case proves that hard work and talent can take anyone from the bottom to the top of the social ladder. The world is a better place because of Justin Bieber.