Justin
Bieber

Justin Bieber is a once-in-a-generation superstar who charted a swift and stunning rise from precocious YouTube talent to global phenomenon. Arguably the first mega pop star to come of age entirely in the social-media era, Bieber has grown up — and lashed out — in the constant glare of the public eye, making him an Internet icon for both tabloid obsessives and millions of wide-eyed Beliebers.

Few celebrities today can command the same level of scrutiny as the 22-year-old erstwhile bad boy, whose high-profile missteps have served as both gossip fodder and fuel for a public apology tour and multiplatinum comeback album. His real-time reinvention continues to make Bieber one of the world’s most magnetic pop stars, with 100 million followers on Twitter and an unparalleled ability to grab headlines.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Bieber was just 12 when he was discovered on YouTube and signed to his first recording contract. His debut EP, “My World,” was certified platinum after its 2009 release, and he quickly became a global sensation. In 2015 he released “Purpose,” his best-selling album to date, which earned him four Grammy nominations. Bieber has had six No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2016, he became the first artist to pass 10 billion views on YouTube.

While Bieber cut short his “Purpose” world tour over the summer citing mental exhaustion, the concerts he did perform were enough to generate $250 million in sales.