Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started (100% Official)

by Justin Bieber

  Paris is a city that holds a lot of special memories for me throughout my career. One of my most unforgettable was an early performance Dan and I did for 50 winners of a radio contest at the Universal music offices. We were in a board room singing a couple of acoustic songs when everyone started to notice a loud, almost thunderous noise coming from outside. Thousands of fans had somehow figured out where we were and had randomly showed up. Back in the early days, it wasn’t unusual for me to throw a tweet out there to say I would be at a particular radio station promoting my song, knowing that would get the local fans to show up wherever I was. I figured that when the station manager could see all of these kids gathered outside their station, he’d have to play my records. But for this particular appearance in Paris, I hadn’t said a word to anyone about where we’d be that day, so it came as a huge surprise to me that they showed up to my label’s offices to show their support for my music. I was totally blown away.

  There was a beautiful stone balcony outside one of the offices that looked like it was straight out of Romeo and Juliet. I thought it would be cool if Dan and I would just go out on the balcony and play for everyone—so we did. It was reminiscent of what I can only imagine Beatles fans saw when they famously played on top of the Apple Records building in London back in 1969. It’s one of the few times I have ever done anything like that. It was a real treat for everyone, but most especially for my fans who helped get me to where I am today. It was just a small gesture, but it was my way of saying thank you and showing my absolute appreciation.

  I was super honored when my team came to me to say we were invited to the ceremony immortalizing Michael Jackson at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They explained the family personally wanted me there because I was the only artist of the new generation they felt shared similar traits with Michael. It was such a privilege to be included in this very intimate and emotional event, especially to be acknowledged by my hero’s family in such a way. I was really looking forward to meeting his kids, his mother, and his brothers too.

  I was a little nervous when Michael’s daughter Paris introduced me, as this was such a big day for everyone there. As I spoke, I explained that Michael was more than an entertainer to me—he was also an inspiration. Most people will remember him for his dancing and singing, but I want to remember him for the man he was and the contributions he made to the lives of so many. His actions inspire me to be the best I can be—because that’s what Michael did. He was always dancing and practicing and tapping into his creativity. I remind myself of that every chance I get.

  After the ceremony, Mrs. Jackson told me that her son would have enjoyed seeing me as a performer and would have wanted to pass his legacy on to someone like me. I was left speechless by her words. And then Paris came over and said that her father would have wanted to be a mentor to someone like me. Hearing her say that was, well ... it was completely surreal.

  As if I hadn’t already been humbled by the family’s kindness, Michael’s brothers came up to me and said, “We have a present for you.” They gave me a replica of Michael’s famous red leather jacket he wore in Thriller. It was the exact same size as Michael’s. They asked me to put it on and take pictures with them. When I did, we all laughed because it fit me perfectly. I guess we are the same size. Best of all, the jacket was actually signed by Michael and all of the brothers. CRAZY!

  Being a part of this celebration was a moment that, as a kid, I never dreamt would ever happen. But it did, and it was the kind of day I didn’t want to end. I was surrounded by people who loved Michael Jackson, and his family embraced me like I was one of them. It meant the world to me. It is by far one of the favorite things I have ever done, and it was one of those days I will never forget.

  A lot of people compare Justin growing up in front of us all to Michael Jackson—saying they grew up the same. But they didn’t. Michael grew up in a group, and as a kid he didn’t grow up in a time where there were camera phones, Twitter, Facebook, and paparazzi. Michael knew nothing of this kind of technology early in his career because it didn’t exist. He knew what it was like to grow up famous, but he never knew what it was like to be exposed 24/7. Until he went on to pursue his solo career, he also had no idea what it was like not to have anyone else in a group to rely on. If Michael didn’t feel like doing an interview, Tito, Jermaine, or Marlon could always fill in. If Michael wanted to do something like go to the park, he could. Whatever fans saw, only they saw. Nothing could go viral. There were no cell phones with cameras and no internet back then. That memory of seeing their favorite pop star stayed with those fans that were lucky enough to be in the park at the same time.

  Justin can’t rely on anyone to do an interview but him. When he goes to the park and the fans have an experience, they tweet, post it on Facebook, and take photos the entire world can see in an instant. It is a lot of pressure for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for a kid who just wants to be a kid. Sometimes he likes it and sometimes he doesn’t. This kind of exposure is all he has known since he was 14. His entire adolescence has been owned by the world.

  I love performing because of the rush of it and being able to see the smiles on my fans’ faces. Knowing that I can bring them happiness brings me happiness. That is what makes it amazing. Performing enables me to release whatever I am feeling and it takes me away. I just can’t describe the feeling. A typical concert lasts about 90 minutes or so, but sometimes I may go longer, especially when the crowd is on their feet asking for more. I am so pumped up after a show that I can’t really go to sleep for a couple hours after, so I’ll head back to my hotel and play video games or watch a movie until I can finally fall asleep.

  I was super excited to do our show in Mexico City because it was my first stadium show as the headlining act. I had done a couple of stadium shows back in June 2010. The first time was with Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, and then at Wembley Arena in England for the Capital FM Radio Summertime Ball. I had actually played Wembley one time before those shows—a performance I will never forget because I broke my foot dancing on stage while singing “Baby.” I was able to finish the song, but the moment I got off the stage, I broke down because I couldn’t walk. I did my next 14 shows in a cast, which made dancing a little clumsy, but I somehow powered through with the help of my fans.

  I really love playing stadiums because the massive crowds fire me up even more than usual, especially when everyone gets crazy! It is fantastic when I look out and see that many people are enjoying the music I made in a studio with only a couple of people. And it’s satisfying to know that you are positively affecting people all around the world with that music. There is a joy that comes in realizing that moment on the stage. When you have that many people in front of you and just know they have been waiting for this moment too, it’s the most incredible feeling in the world. All I want to do is deliver on that moment, have that interaction with the crowd and never get off stage.

  Mexico City was our second stop on our South American Tour—we’d just played Monterrey a couple of days before, where the crowds were amazing. We checked into our hotel really late at night. Sometimes we stay at very fancy hotels that are pretty traditional with old-school furniture, and other times we stay at cooler-styled hotels. The W Hotel in Mexico City was definitely in the cool category. When I walked into my room that first night, I was stunned to see the hotel had set up a basketball court in the dead center of the room. Yeah, the room was like one large loft space that was actually big enough to house an indoor basketball court. I have no idea how the hotel knew all of my favorite candy, but they had bowls of Watermelon Sour Patch candies, sour Skittles and Sour Patch kids all around the room and Michael Jackson DVDs by the large-screen TV. Fredo and I stayed up and played basketball for most of the night. Since I had a show the next day I made myself go to bed, but believe me, I didn’t want to—it was like the room had been custom made just for me.

  Ryan Good rocking a sombrero in Mexico.

  When we came
back to the hotel after my concert on the second night, I noticed a fog rolling out from under the door to my room. I had no idea what was happening, but when I opened the door I heard the theme music from Rocky playing and saw blinking white lights all around the suite. I was utterly blown away by the large boxing ring in the middle of the room. I was psyched because boxing has become a real passion of mine. I actually text Floyd Mayweather all the time for tips. He would have loved what was going on in that room and had he been there, we could have sparred. Oh well.

  I hopped into the ring, put on some gloves and started punching the boxing mannequin they had placed in the ring instead. In fact, they had those dummies all over the room. Fredo, Ryan, and I spent the night goofing off, sparring, and having a great time.

  The hotel had already gone above and beyond my wildest expectations, but when we came back to the room for the third night, they had created a mini-beach, complete with palm trees, sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, and Hawaiian music! I totally love the beach. In fact, it is one of my favorite places to chill out. And even though we were in Mexico, there is no beach in Mexico City, so the good people at the W Hotel brought the beach to me. I have no idea how they got all of these different attractions set up, but I am very grateful they did.

  By the time we hit the South American leg of the world tour, we had been on the road for ten straight months. When we got to Buenos Aires, I couldn’t wait to explore the city. The first day at our hotel was surprisingly calm. By the time I arrive someplace, my fans have usually found out where I am staying. They will camp out at the hotel for days hoping for a chance to say hello. I love seeing everyone, but it can sometimes get overwhelming. So it was a good surprise to see just a handful of people when we hit the streets that first day. I took a few minutes to say hello and sign some autographs before heading out.

  First stop? We were in search of some sushi for lunch.

  Alfredo and I came across a spot called Planet Sushi that reminded us of our favorite sushi restaurant back in LA. It was really good and super fresh. Afterward, I had a taste for ice cream so we asked around to see where we should go—we were told to head to a place called Freddo’s. I had to laugh because I call Alfredo “Fredo” all of the time, so it only seemed right that we hit that spot for dessert.

  When we got there, I discovered the best ice cream I’ve ever had, called Dulce con leche con brownie—basically a sweet creamy ice cream with brownie chunks. To this day I sometimes crave a scoop of that amazing combination.

  Fredo and I had a great day exploring all of the beautiful sites in Buenos Aires. It’s such a cool city. It’s especially interesting to photograph, so Fredo and I decided to have an Instagram battle to see who could take the best pictures. We went all around the city shooting the local parks, museums, and other famous sites along the way. We posted our shots on Twitter and decided to let the fans decide whose pictures were better.

  It was sort of a slam dunk because I have, like, 20 million followers on Twitter and Fredo has, like, six. So yeah, I won the battle even though Fredo still believes he took the better shots—which he didn’t. Mine were like great works of art.

  As for his? Well, let’s just say they were ok.

  By the time we got back to the hotel, the word was definitely out that I was staying there because about a thousand or so fans were waiting for me out front. We found a way to go through the back of the hotel to avoid a stampede and spent the rest of the night playing my favorite video game, Mortal Kombat. It was getting kind of late, but I was hungry and was definitely bored of eating hotel food. (After a while, it all starts tasting the same!)

  When we had been out earlier, I noticed a TGI Friday’s not far from the hotel. When you’re on the road, especially in other countries, there’s nothing like a taste of some familiar food, and Friday’s is one of my favorite spots. I especially like their chicken sampler with fries and the strawberry lemonade slushies. When you’re traveling for extended periods of time, a familiar place like Friday’s just feels like a little piece of home, and at this point in the tour, I was ready for some good old-fashioned home-style comfort food.

  When I told Moshe that I wanted to hit Friday’s for dinner, he shook his head and said there was no way I could go. There were just too many fans and paparazzi outside and I’d never be able to get past them without creating a totally chaotic scene. Man, all I wanted was some chicken tenders—there had to be a way to make it happen.

  Now, for those of you who may not know this, I am claustrophobic—like, really claustrophobic. I can’t even handle more than a couple of people in an elevator without feeling sick. So when someone suggested I climb into the trunk of the car to make our getaway, I wasn’t sure I could do it. But I also didn’t want to stay at the hotel, so I took a deep breath and did it despite my fear of small places.

  As the car pulled out of the driveway, Fredo and Carin rolled down their windows so everyone could clearly see that I wasn’t in the car. Once they realized it was just Fredo and Carin, the hope was that no one would follow them so I could get out of the trunk and into the car when we were a few blocks away—or as we like to call it, out of the fan zone.

  A couple of minutes after we pulled away I asked, “Are we clear?” I was talking to them through a small passageway in the middle armrest from the trunk to the back seat.

  Unfortunately, my security team spotted two paparazzi following us, so there was no way we could pull over. I was beginning to feel closed in so I stuck my hand through the hole to hold onto Carin’s hand. I needed to be in contact with someone so I wouldn’t go into a full-blown panic.

  Friday’s was definitely out of the question because it was too close to the hotel and we knew the fans would quickly figure out I was there, so we had to go to plan B—back to Freddo’s for some ice cream. Since the paparazzi tailed us the entire time, I was stuck in the trunk while Alfredo went inside with one of the local security guys to get us all some ice cream. Carin stayed in the car to keep me company. When Fredo got back into the car, he handed me my ice cream through the tiny opening, and I ate my cone alone in the trunk.

  We drove around for another 20 minutes hoping the paparazzi would ease up, but they never did so we gave up on Friday’s and headed back to the hotel. Thankfully, it turned out that Friday’s delivers! It might have been good to know that before I got into the trunk!

  A lot of people have asked me what I think my future looks like. I really don’t know how to answer them. I am still so young and have a lot I still want to do. When I think about the future, I hope to someday win a Grammy (or two), and maybe do a little more acting. I enjoy the process of making great music, from writing to recording to performing, and hope to keep on doing that too. You never know where life will lead, but one thing I know for sure, thanks to all of you, is that it’s been one heck of a ride so far! I know we will have many more journeys and stories together, but as those begin I just need you to know that you all are the reason that I believe. You all are the reason that I am where I am, and even when times are tough, you all make every moment worthwhile. So to put it simply, I just have two words for you …

  If you’d like to know more about my charities of choice, check out the following:

  Pencils of Promise focuses on building schools and sustainable education programs. By forming long-lasting, collaborative relationships with communities, they increase access to quality education and positively impact students and parents in high-need communities throughout Laos, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. For more information on Pencils of Promise, check out

  www.pencilsofpromise.org

  One of my favorite organizations to be a part of is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every chance I get, I do my best to meet children through them in various cities around the world. I’ve met so many amazing and brave kids throughout the years—each one unforgettable in their spirit and passion. All of the kids were super happy, and it was great to see the smiles on all of their faces. A lot of times, meeting me is their last wi
sh, and that is so special. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It’s an organization that grants a child’s wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes. For more information go to

  www.wish.org

  Copyright

  Credits:

  Jacket layout design © HarperCollinsPublishers 2012

  Jacket photographs © Darren Tieste / CPi Syndication

  Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started

  © Bieber Time Books LLC, 2012

  All images are © Mike Lerner, with the following exceptions:

  p17, p47, p72, p106 and p159 (overlay) © Sergey Peterman; p19 and p66 (bottom left) © Carin Morris; p37, p63 (top left and right), p66 (top and middle), p71 (inset middle and inset right), p97, p101, p102 (top and middle left), p122, p170 (top), p173, p187 (bottom right), p194 (inset), p215, p227 and p231 (inset left) © Alfredo Flores; p51 © Ohpix; p71 (inset left) © James “Scrappy” Slassen; p108 (top and middle left) Someday by Justin Bieber fragrance shoot © Terry Richardson; p108 (bottom right) © Gregory Pace/BEI/Rex Features; p111 © Dimitrios Kambouris/Wirelmage/Getty Images; p112 © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., all rights reserved; p126 and p231 (inset right) © Justin Bieber; p139 (top and bottom) and p170 (bottom) © Beverly News/Rex Features

  While every effort has been made to trace the owners of the images produced herein and secure permission to use them, the publishers would like to apologize for any omissions and will be pleased to incorporate missing acknowledgments in any future edition of this book.