The pop singer Justin Bieber is a global phenomenon. He first burst onto the scene in 2009, when he was just fifteen, with his debut album My World. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), meaning it sold a million copies. He has since released six more studio albums, all of which were certified platinum or multi-platinum. He has also recorded 33 singles that have achieved the same status. His most recent release, Changes, was his second consecutive number one album in the US. In addition to his music, Bieber is a philanthropist, having established the charity Pencils of Promise, which builds schools for children in need.
After a brief period of inactivity, the singer returned to the limelight in 2015 with Purpose, a record-breaking comeback album that earned him three Grammy Awards, including two for collaborations with electronic DJ-duo Jack U and with country duo Dan+Shay. He is the youngest artist to ever have a seven-week run at the top of the Billboard 200. Bieber’s 3D part-biopic concert movie, Never Say Never, grossed more than $30.3 million in theaters worldwide.
Bieber has made some major life changes over the past few years. He has married, adopted a dog, and started a charitable foundation with his mother. He is now a role model to young people around the world through his philanthropic work with Pencils of Promise. He has a strong social media presence and has been spotted in several high-profile advertising campaigns, most notably in Calvin Klein underwear ads with Dutch model Lara Stone.
Despite his enormous popularity, it has been difficult for Bieber to feel happy. In Seasons, a YouTube documentary series that debuted last year, it’s revealed that the star is constantly searching for happiness. He often feels like he’s “going through the motions” and standard levels of dopamine don’t get him excited anymore. He’s had to retrain his brain to find joy again.
Now, with his new album, Justice, in the works, the pop icon seems to be regaining control of his life. His Instagram posts are inspiring and purposeful. He’s putting his life back together, one deliberate step at a time. And he’s doing it all with the support of his wife, Hailey Baldwin, and his faith in God. Watch video of Bieber and Rolling Stone contributing editor Vanessa Grigoriadis taking a spin around Atlanta in his Range Rover below.