Justin Bieber is one of the most influential pop stars of the 21st century. Here‘s an in-depth look at his monumental career.
| Full Name | Justin Drew Bieber |
|---|---|
| Age | 29 |
| Birthday | March 1, 1994 |
| Birth Sign | Pisces |
| Born | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Height | 5′ 9′′ |
| Net Worth | $285 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
Humble Beginnings
Justin Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Pattie Mallette, raised him as a single working-class mother in Stratford. Bieber taught himself to play drums, guitar, piano, and trumpet as a child.
In 2007, a young Bieber sang Ne-Yo‘s "So Sick" in a local talent competition. His mother posted videos of the performance on YouTube to share with family. Scooter Braun, a talent manager, discovered these viral videos and was blown away by Bieber‘s natural talent and musicality at just 13 years old.
Braun convinced Bieber‘s mother to bring him to Atlanta to start recording demos. After singing for Usher, Bieber was signed to Raymond Braun Media Group and moved to Atlanta with his mother to build his music career. These early years shaped Bieber‘s persona as a wholesome teen heartthrob.
Shooting to Stardom
Bieber‘s debut single "One Time" released in 2009, going platinum in Canada and charting globally. His first EP My World sold over 1 million copies.
At just 15, Bieber rose to astronomical fame in 2010 with his smash hit "Baby" featuring Ludacris. His signature shaggy haircut and youthful energy appealed hugely to teenagers worldwide. But behind Bieber‘s clean-cut image was immense drive and musical talent.
His 2010 studio album My World 2.0 topped charts internationally. Bieber made history as the only artist to have seven songs from a debut record chart on the Billboard Hot 100. He became the youngest solo male artist to release a #1 album in 47 years.
A Global Phenomenon
Bieber‘s 2012 album Believe showed his maturation as an artist both vocally and lyrically. The accompanying Believe Tour cemented his status as a global phenomenon, becoming the highest-grossing tour of the year. He performed for over 3 million fans in sold-out stadiums worldwide.
His fanbase of "Beliebers" became an army of devoted followers who propelled Bieber‘s cultural dominance through the mid 2010s. Bieber himself was stunned by the intensity of his fame, struggling to find balance as a teenager under constant public scrutiny.
Navigating Controversy
With explosive fame came some turbulent years for Bieber. Numerous scandals highlighted the perils of young stardom – vandalism accusations, DUI arrests, public meltdowns. His party-boy antics and high-profile relationships played out dramatically in the media.
During this rocky period, Bieber released introspective songs reflecting on the complexities of fame. He shared candidly about losing his sense of self beneath his celebrity image and making mistakes along the way.
Bieber took personal accountability and worked to pivot the public narrative. He rebuilt his career by focusing on his musical gifts and connecting more authentically with fans.
The Redemptive Era
Bieber found stability by surrounding himself with more positively influencing friends like Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz. His public persona transformed as he embraced religion and philanthropy more fully.
His 2015 album Purpose presented a much more vulnerable Bieber singing redemption-themed songs like "Sorry." The album won him his first Grammy and regained critics‘ respect.
In the following years, Bieber continued displaying tremendous maturity in hits like "Love Yourself", "Friends" and "What Do You Mean?" centering on love and relationships. He rebuilt his reputation through humility and consistency.
Power Couple
One major positive influence was his on-again, off-again girlfriend, model Hailey Baldwin. After years of dating, Bieber proposed to Baldwin in July 2018. The two had a private civil ceremony that September, followed by a large religious wedding celebration a year later.
Bieber often states his marriage to Hailey saved him and gave his life stability. The young couple exemplifies devotion and growth together in the limelight. Their wedding was dubbed "celebrity event of the year" with star-studded receptions.
Record-Shattering Artistry
Justin Bieber holds an array of records that quantify his massive success. He is the youngest solo artist to achieve five number-one albums in the US. Bieber‘s "Baby" remains the most-watched video on YouTube with over 2.3 billion views.
He is the most subscribed artist on YouTube with over 60 million subscribers and the most Twitter followers with over 114 million. Bieber was named by Forbes as 2016‘s highest-paid entertainer in the world, earning $170 million that year.
His 2020 album Changes debuted at #1 in the US and topped charts worldwide, extending his record as the youngest artist to score 8 consecutive #1 albums. Bieber cemented his place among the greatest pop stars of all time.
Believing in Philanthropy
Bieber has donated millions to charity over the years, supporting causes related to food security, education, animal rights, and more. The non-profit organization Pencils of Promise, which builds schools in developing countries, named Bieber their "Global Ambassador."
His Believe Charity Drive campaign attached to the Purpose World Tour raised over $2 million from ticket proceeds alone. Bieber performs frequently at charity concerts like One Love Manchester supporting victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.
For his 27th birthday, Bieber donated $27,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His generous spirit and concern for social issues continues making an impact beyond his music.
The Final Word
Justin Bieber is a once-in-a-generation pop talent. His stratospheric rise from Canadian teen to worldwide star is an unprecedented phenomenon. Now approaching 30, Bieber has grown into an accomplished musician, devoted husband, and philanthropist role model for youth.
While no stranger to controversy, Bieber demonstrated resilience and humility in reviving both his career and public image. His continuing evolution as an artist and eagerness to improve is admirable. There‘s no doubt Bieber will remain at the apex of pop culture influencing future generations.