Justin Beiber – An American Teen Frenzy

Justin Beiber, a Canadian pop and R&B singer is a 16 year old teenager. He rose to fame through YouTube; he posted his videos covering popular music hits in local singing competitions. Scooter Braun, who later became his manager, was the first one who noticed Justin’s talent via his performances on YouTube. Braun arranged for Justin to fly out to Atlanta and check out the studio. He met Usher there and wanted to sing one of his songs to him. The singing did not happen that day but later that year, Justin got a call from Scooter saying that Usher wanted to hear him sing. Justin wasted no time, flew to Atlanta, sang “You got it bad” to Usher, got signed on the spot and the rest, as they say, is history. Beiber signed to Raymond Braun Media group which is a joint venture between Braun and Usher. He also got into a recording contract with Island Records offered by L.A. Reid.

Justin’s debut single called “One Time” was released worldwide in 2009. It got into the top 30 in more than 10 countries. His debut release, My World, followed shortly and it became a certified platinum in the US. It made Justin the highest debut by a new artist and the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album to make it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Beiber was born to an 18 year old mother, Pattie Mallette. He was raised as an only child and his mother worked low paying office jobs. Justin taught himself to play the piano, drums, guitar and the trumpet. He was musically talented and participated in many singing competitions from an early age. Justin’s proud mother uploaded his performances on YouTube mainly for their friends and family to see the performances, but over the months Justin’s fame grew.

Scooter Braun was searching for videos of a different voice and a different singer when he chanced upon the videos of Justin’s performances. He tracked Justin down, found his school and contacted Pattie Mallette. Mallette was initially reluctant to have anything to do with Braun. But then she sought counsel with her church elders and finally permitted Justin to go to Atlanta to record some demo tapes. After Justin sang for Usher, the deal was done.

Justin’s story shows us how even small town people with talent and the right agent can make it to the top. Do a search on YouTube and you will find thousands of singers who spread across the entire spectrum of talent. Sure, if you are incredibly talented, you will be noticed. But you need to be noticed by the right people, and that’s what happened with Justin.

Bieber has performed in several live shows and tours and he routinely promotes his albums. He also performed for the US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House for Christmas.

Beiber shot to fame after he proved himself by attracting millions of views on his YouTube videos. He still continues to upload his videos and regularly interact with his fans via Twitter. Though this serves marketing purposes as well, it is part of the appeal of Justin Beiber, the teenage singer/song writer.