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| Lou Stejskal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Justin and Hailey Bieber welcome a baby boy, Jack Blues. Today, we explore what made Justin Bieber the man he is today by discovering the lesser-known secret not many people know about him.
1. Early Start as a YouTube Sensation:
- Justin Bieber’s journey to stardom is a modern-day success story that began on YouTube. At just 12 years old, his mother, Pattie Mallette, started uploading videos of him singing covers of popular R&B songs on the platform in 2007. These performances, initially intended for family and friends, showcased his talent to a broader audience. What many people don’t know is that Justin’s early videos included covers of artists like Usher and Ne-Yo, which caught the attention of talent manager Scooter Braun. Braun was so impressed by Justin’s raw talent that he tracked him down and flew him to Atlanta, where Justin’s life would change forever. These YouTube videos are still online, serving as a time capsule of his humble beginnings.
2. A Self-Taught Multi-Instrumentalist:
- Beyond his vocal talent, Justin Bieber is an accomplished musician who plays several instruments. By the age of 10, he had taught himself to play the piano, drums, guitar, and trumpet—remarkable for someone so young. His ability to play multiple instruments has greatly influenced his music, allowing him to experiment with different sounds and styles. During his live performances, Justin often surprises fans by playing the drums or an acoustic guitar, demonstrating his deep connection to music beyond singing.
3. His Tattoos Are Personal and Symbolic:
- Justin Bieber’s tattoo collection is extensive, with over 60 tattoos covering his body. While many celebrities have tattoos, Bieber’s ink tells a deeply personal story. Each tattoo holds significant meaning, representing different periods of his life, beliefs, and experiences. For example, he has a large cross tattoo on his chest, symbolizing his faith, and a small seagull on his hip, which was his first tattoo at age 16, matching a tattoo that many of his family members have. Another notable tattoo is the word “Purpose” on his stomach, referencing both his 2015 album and his spiritual journey. His tattoos are a visual narrative of his life’s ups and downs, growth, and spirituality.
4. Struggles with Mental Health and Addiction:
- Despite his public persona, Justin Bieber has faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with mental health and addiction. In 2019, he opened up about these struggles in a candid Instagram post, revealing that he had been battling depression, anxiety, and past drug abuse. He admitted that at one point, his addiction to substances became so severe that he was using them daily just to get through the day. Justin's openness about his mental health has been a source of inspiration for many, showing that even those who appear to have it all can face significant challenges.
5. Strong Christian Faith:
- Justin Bieber has undergone a spiritual transformation in recent years, finding solace and guidance in his Christian faith. He is a member of the Hillsong Church, a global megachurch known for its modern approach to worship. His faith has played a crucial role in his personal development and recovery from his past struggles. In 2020, Bieber released a gospel-inspired single called "Holy," featuring Chance the Rapper, which reflects his deepened spirituality. He often shares Bible verses and religious reflections on social media, using his platform to spread messages of hope and faith.
6. Acts of Kindness and Philanthropy:
- Justin Bieber is also known for his charitable efforts, though he tends to keep many of these acts out of the spotlight. He has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including his support for Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization that builds schools in developing countries. Bieber helped raise over $1.3 million for the charity, contributing a portion of ticket sales from his tours. Additionally, he has frequently visited children’s hospitals, often surprising young fans battling serious illnesses. These visits are usually unpublicized, reflecting his genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
7. A Record-Breaking Artist:
- Justin Bieber has set numerous records throughout his career, many of which are lesser-known. He was the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, his 2020 album "Changes" made him the youngest artist to achieve seven number-one albums in the U.S., breaking a record previously held by Elvis Presley. Bieber is also the first artist in history to reach 10 billion views on Vevo, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the music industry.
8. Loves Skateboarding and Hockey:
- Outside of music, Justin Bieber has a deep love for sports, particularly skateboarding and hockey. Growing up in Canada, hockey was a significant part of his childhood, and he played the sport competitively. Even after becoming a global superstar, he continues to play hockey in his free time and is often seen skating with friends. Skateboarding is another passion of his, and he’s been spotted practicing tricks on ramps and in skate parks around the world. These hobbies provide him with a sense of normalcy and escape from the pressures of fame.
9. A Close Relationship with His Mother:
- Justin Bieber shares a very close bond with his mother, Pattie Mallette, who raised him as a single parent. Pattie had Justin when she was just 18 years old and faced significant challenges as a young, single mother. Despite these difficulties, she supported Justin’s musical ambitions from an early age, even working several jobs to make ends meet. Their relationship has had its ups and downs, particularly as Justin navigated the challenges of fame, but they have always remained close. Pattie continues to be a strong influence in his life, and Justin often credits her for his success.
10. An Advocate for Social Justice:
- In recent years, Justin Bieber has become more vocal about social justice issues, using his platform to speak out against racism and inequality. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, Bieber publicly acknowledged his own past ignorance and pledged to use his influence to support marginalized communities. He has since donated to various causes, including organizations focused on criminal justice reform and racial equality. His willingness to reflect on his own privilege and take action has resonated with many fans and marks a significant evolution in his public persona.
These facts offer a deeper glimpse into Justin Bieber’s life beyond the headlines, revealing the complexities and growth of one of the world’s most famous pop stars.
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