The world is no stranger to Justin and the Bieber Fever that spread globally like wild fire, but many are quick to judge the young superstar and dismiss his achievements for manufactured luck. Rewind the clocks by 4 years and Justin Bieber was merely a low-key Youtube star that was using the internet as an outlet and a way to showcase his talent. Growing up in Stratford, Ontario, he taught himself to play a variety of instruments – the piano, drums, guitar and even trumpet – and it wasn’t long until he landed second prize in a local singing competition. Now, in theory, the Bieber has his mum to thank for getting his face out there for she was the one who uploaded the performance that was to become the turning point for the young teenager who became a internet sensation and subsequently a global sensation. Commenting on this in V Magazine Justin said, “It’s not a fluke that I am here. I am here for a reason, and I am here for a lifetime.”

 V Magazine Cover with Justin Bieber in Dolce&Gabbana 

So, what has Justin Bieber got to say for himself, treading on the cusp of turning 18 in March? First things first; yes, he is still very much in love with Selena Gomez but feels he has a lot of growing up to do when it comes to the big L word, he plans to stay around in the music industry for many years to come (swoon) and he plans on being as famous as Michael Jackson… now THAT is a statement right there. I’ve heard popstars throwing names around when discussing their ambitions and idols but to JB really has chosen a goal, and I have no doubt that he will do what it takes to get there. He said, “I want to be able to do what Michael (Jackson) did — he always sang clean lyrics… I don’t want to start singing about things like sex, drugs, and swearing.”

He made a point of stressing that he doesn’t want to include these subjects in his music and that it is love that drives him. “I’m into love, and maybe I’ll get more into making love when I’m older,” he said (a sentence which I am sure will cause many cheeks to blush).  With millions upon millions of Youtube hits combined with his record sales and having been noted as more influential in social media than Barack Obama, his presence is hard to match (and ignore) and he has already notched up a fair few achievements and awards in the process. The world literally loves Justin Bieber and, as he and his career grow in the glare of the media, he is gaining himself more followers… Beliebers, if you will.

What his interview in V Magazine gave us was confirmation that Justin is the real deal; a hard working, level-headed prince of pop, who is more than aware of his public image and one that he aims to maintain and grow as a respectful and respected artist. Oh… and another important point that he made, “I also want people to know that I write my stuff. No one writes my stuff for me.”

So, what do you think? Are you a Belieber? 

Credits:

V Magazine

Photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Written by Benjamin Taylor