Justin Bieber
Pop β’ London, Ontario, Canada
Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian singer and pop icon who rose to prominence through YouTube and became one of the most successful recording artists of all time. Discovered by manager Scooter Braun in 2008 after posting cover videos online, Bieber released his debut EP My World in 2009 at age 15, establishing himself as a teen idol. His debut album My World 2.0 (2010) made him the youngest solo male to top the Billboard 200 in 47 years, with the hit single "Baby" becoming one of the best-selling singles ever. Over the following decade, Bieber dominated global charts with multiple number-one albums and singles, earning particular acclaim for his EDM-influenced fourth album Purpose (2015), which spawned three consecutive number-one singlesβ"What Do You Mean?", "Sorry", and "Love Yourself." His 2017 collaboration "Despacito" with Luis Fonsi became a cultural phenomenon, spending 56 weeks at number one and earning him a Latin Grammy.
Bieber's artistry evolved from teen pop toward sophisticated pop and R&B, blending genres including dance-pop, EDM, and hip-hop. His subsequent albums Changes (2020) and Justice (2021) continued his chart dominance, with Justice breaking Elvis Presley's 1965 record for the youngest solo artist to achieve eight number-one albums. As of 2024, Bieber has sold over 150 million records worldwide, holds 35 Guinness World Records, and has won two Grammy Awards alongside numerous other accolades including 26 Billboard Music Awards and 22 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Beyond his commercial success, Bieber is credited with revolutionizing artist discovery and career development through social media, pioneering a path from YouTube sensation to global superstar. His influence on pop culture and the music industry spans over fifteen years, earning him designations as the "Prince of Pop" and an Internet icon. He maintains global cultural significance as a symbol of the social media era's transformative impact on entertainment, while his collaborations with artists across multiple genres have cemented his status as one of the most versatile and commercially successful pop stars of the 21st century.
Quotes
βI want to do it at my own pace. I don't want to start singing about things like sex, drugs and swearing. I'm into love, and maybe I'll get more into making love when I'm older. But I want to be someone who is respected by everybody.β
βIt cracks. Like every teenage boy, I'm dealing with it and I have the best vocal coach in the world ... Some of the notes I hit on 'Baby' I can't hit any more. We have to lower the key when I sing live.β
βGod, I gave him to you. You could send me a Christian man, a Christian label!β
βI was very influenced by black culture. But I neither thought of it as black or white and tried to act or pose in a certain way. To me, it was a lifestyle - like a suaveness or a swag.β
βI would laugh at his past self.β
Career Timeline
Elvis Presley Record Broken
Became the youngest solo artist to attain eight US number-one albums at age 27, breaking Elvis Presley's 56-year-old record and the first male act to have his first six studio albums debut at number one.
Stay Reaches 100 Chart Entries
Collaboration 'Stay' with The Kid Laroi reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his 100th career entry on the chart and him the then-youngest solo artist to achieve this milestone.
Despacito Collaboration Success
The 'Despacito' remix with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee became a global phenomenon, winning a Latin Grammy Award and spending 56 weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart.
UK Chart History Record
Became the first artist to occupy the entire top three of the UK Singles Chart simultaneously with 'Love Yourself,' 'Sorry,' and 'What Do You Mean?' charting at positions 1, 2, and 3.
Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording
Won his first Grammy Award for the single 'Where Are Γ Now' with Jack Γ at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his first major Grammy recognition.
Time 100 Most Influential People
At age 17, Bieber was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, recognizing his cultural impact and global influence.
My World 2.0 Debut at Number One
My World 2.0 debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making Bieber the youngest solo male to top the chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963. This breakthrough achievement launched him to mainstream fame.
Discovery by Scooter Braun
Scooter Braun accidentally discovered Bieber's YouTube video covering Ne-Yo's 'So Sick' and tracked him down, leading to his professional music career launch. This marked the beginning of Bieber's journey from YouTube sensation to global superstar.
My World EP Release
Release of his debut extended play 'My World' on November 17, 2009, which was met with international recognition and established him as a teen idol. Bieber became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
