
Justin Bieber
Born 1994 · Age 31
Canadian singer and songwriter; discovered on YouTube in 2008; multi-genre pop artist with multiple #1 albums and singles, Grammy winner, sold catalog to Hipgnosis in 2023.
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Life & Career Timeline
Parents separate shortly after his birth
His parents Jeremy and Pattie were both 18 when he was born and split up not long after.
Born in London, Ontario
Justin Drew Bieber was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada.
Places 2nd in local singing competition
At age 12 he performed Ne-Yo's 'So Sick' in a local Stratford contest and placed second; his mother uploaded the video to YouTube.
Begins posting YouTube performance videos
His mother Pattie Mallette posted videos of him singing covers; the clips attracted a growing online following.
Busks in Stratford
During the 2007 tourism season Bieber busked in front of the Avon Theatre with a rented guitar.
Auditions for Usher; RBMG formed
Bieber auditioned for Usher; Usher and Scooter Braun formed RBMG (Raymond Braun Media Group) to sign Bieber.
Discovered by Scooter Braun
Music manager Scooter Braun discovered Bieber's YouTube videos and arranged for him to fly to Atlanta to record demos.
Moves to Atlanta with his mother
Bieber and his mother relocated to Atlanta to pursue recording and work with Braun and Usher.
Scooter Braun becomes manager
Scooter Braun officially became Bieber's manager and guided his early career trajectory.
Signed to Island Records (joint venture with RBMG)
L.A. Reid signed Bieber to Island Records in October 2008, resulting in a joint venture between RBMG and Island.
Releases debut single 'One Time'
'One Time' was released (radio/retail in 2009), peaking in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and certified platinum in Canada and the US.
EP 'My World' released
Debut EP My World released November 17, 2009; established Bieber as a teen idol and yielded multiple charting tracks.
Performs at White House Christmas event
Performed 'Someday at Christmas' at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (aired Dec 20, 2009).
Releases 'Baby' (lead single from My World 2.0)
'Baby' (feat. Ludacris) released in early 2010; international hit that peaked at No. 5 on the US Hot 100 and became a best-selling single.
Album 'My World 2.0' released; debuts #1
Debut studio album My World 2.0 released and debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200; made him the youngest solo male to top the chart in 47 years.
Starts first headlining tour, the My World Tour
Bieber began his first official headlining tour (My World Tour) on June 23, 2010 to promote My World and My World 2.0.
Performs at 2010 MTV Video Music Awards
Performed a medley of singles and played drums briefly at the VMAs on Sept 12, 2010.
Acts on 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'
Guest-starred in a season premiere of CSI (aired Sept 23, 2010) and another episode aired Feb 17, 2011.
Publishes autobiography 'First Step 2 Forever'
Released Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story (autobiography with photos by Robert Caplin).
Releases 'My Worlds Acoustic' and song 'Pray'
An acoustic album My Worlds Acoustic released Nov 26, 2010 featuring unplugged versions and the new track 'Pray'.
Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Time magazine included Bieber on its annual 100 Most Influential People list.
Performs / appears on many mainstream TV shows
Between 2009–2011 Bieber performed/appeared on The Today Show, Ellen, David Letterman, SNL (later hosted), BET 106 & Park, and other mainstream programs.
CMT Music Award for Collaborative Video of the Year ('That Should Be Me' feat. Rascal Flatts)
In June 2011 Bieber won a country music award (CMT) for a collaboration from the Never Say Never era.
Film 'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' released
3-D concert documentary released Feb 11, 2011; opened strong and grossed $99,034,125 worldwide, becoming top-grossing concert film at the time.
Releases 'Never Say Never – The Remixes'
Remix album companion to the film released Feb 14, 2011 featuring guest artists.
Named MVP of 2011 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Participated in the 2011 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and was named Most Valuable Player.
Forbes Best‑Paid Celebrities Under 30: $53M (12‑month earnings)
Ranked No. 2 on Forbes' Best‑Paid Celebrities under 30, reporting $53 million earned in a 12‑month period.
Releases 'Under the Mistletoe' (2nd studio album)
Christmas album Under the Mistletoe released Nov 1, 2011; first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200; sold 210,000 copies in first week.
Releases single 'Boyfriend'
'Boyfriend' debuted March 26, 2012, at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, selling 521,000 digital units in its first week.
Releases third studio album 'Believe' (debut #1)
Believe released June 19, 2012; debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and marked a stylistic shift to dance-pop and R&B.
Limited iTunes release 'Journals'
Compilation Journals (including Music Mondays tracks and 5 additional songs) was available for limited purchase on iTunes from Dec 23, 2013 to Jan 9, 2014.
Hospitalized briefly after breathing problems (London)
Fainted backstage at London's O2 Arena after complaining of breathing problems on March 7, 2013; concert issues and a canceled Lisbon show followed.
Public controversies and leaked videos
During 2013 Bieber faced multiple controversies including a leaked video purportedly showing him urinating in a mop bucket (July 2013) and criticism over comments at the Anne Frank House (April 2013).
Releases 'Believe Acoustic' — fifth US #1 album
Believe Acoustic (Jan 29, 2013) debuted at #1, making Bieber the first artist to have five US #1 albums before turning 19.
Begins 'Music Mondays' weekly single releases
Announced he would release a new song every Monday for 10 weeks (Oct–Dec 2013); these tracks and extras compiled on the limited-time iTunes release 'Journals'.
Film 'Believe' released
Concert/documentary follow-up Believe (directed by Jon M. Chu) released Dec 25, 2013.
Plea deals and legal resolutions
In 2014 Bieber accepted plea deals resolving charges related to egging (vandalism), a Miami arrest and other incidents; terms included donations, probation and anger-management.
Sentenced in neighbor egging vandalism case
Plea deal included two years' probation, anger management, community service and $80,900 restitution to the neighbor.
Appears in a Calvin Klein campaign
Featured in a high-profile Calvin Klein ad campaign (January 2015 reporting), which garnered wide attention and controversy over retouching claims.
Calabasas home searched in egging investigation
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at Bieber's home in connection with an alleged egging incident.
Arrested in Miami Beach on suspicion of DUI and drag racing
Arrested Jan 23, 2014; later pleaded guilty to lesser charges (careless driving and resisting arrest) as part of plea deals.
Transferred to Def Jam Recordings
After Island Def Jam Music Group disbanded in April 2014, Bieber and other artists were transferred within Universal to Def Jam Recordings.
Sets Guinness World Record: youngest solo male to debut at #1 on Hot 100
After 'What Do You Mean?' debuted at #1, Guinness recognized Bieber as the youngest solo male artist to debut atop the Hot 100.
Features on 'Where Are Ü Now' (Jack Ü); signals EDM transition
Collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex released Feb 2015; peaked top 10 and later won the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.
Releases 'What Do You Mean?' — first US #1 single
Lead single from Purpose debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100; Guinness World Record as youngest solo male to debut at #1.
Releases fourth studio album 'Purpose' (debut #1)
Purpose released Nov 13, 2015, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200; produced three Hot 100 #1 singles ('What Do You Mean?', 'Sorry', 'Love Yourself').
Purpose World Tour grosses reported
By the end of the run (through 2017), Pollstar reported the tour grossed $257 million with 2.8 million attendees across 162 shows.
Wins Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording ('Where Are Ü Now')
At the 58th Annual Grammy Awards (Feb 15, 2016), Bieber earned his first Grammy for the Jack Ü collaboration.
Purpose World Tour begins
Announced Nov 11, 2015; the Purpose World Tour began March 9, 2016 to support the album.
Releases 'Cold Water' with Major Lazer & MØ
Single released July 22, 2016 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Features on 'Despacito' remix (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee)
Remix released Apr 17, 2017; became a worldwide smash, reached #1 on the Hot 100 and later earned Bieber a Latin Grammy.
Featured on DJ Khaled's 'I'm the One' (debut #1)
'I'm the One' debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (April 28, 2017), one week before 'Despacito' reached #1, making Bieber the first artist to replace himself with new No.1s in consecutive weeks.
Cancels remaining Purpose World Tour dates
On July 24, 2017 Bieber cancelled the remaining dates of the Purpose World Tour due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'
Engaged to Hailey Baldwin
Announced engagement in July 2018 after rekindling a relationship earlier that year.
Marries Hailey Baldwin (courthouse)
Justin and Hailey were married in a civil ceremony in New York City in September 2018.
Surprise performance at Coachella; teases return to music
Delivered a surprise performance at the 2019 Coachella music festival, his first live performance in two years.
Releases '10,000 Hours' with Dan + Shay
Country-pop collaboration released Oct 4, 2019; peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 and later earned a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Announces new album, tour and docuseries
On Dec 24, 2019 Bieber announced a new album, 2020 tour and a YouTube docuseries focusing on his return to music and personal life.
Releases single 'Yummy'
'Yummy' was released Jan 3, 2020 as the lead single from his fifth studio album; debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Announces diagnosis of Lyme disease
Revealed in January 2020 that he'd been diagnosed with Lyme disease and had also faced mononucleosis.
YouTube docuseries 'Justin Bieber: Seasons' premieres
10-part YouTube Originals docuseries premiered Jan 27, 2020, documenting his life, marriage, health battles and return to music.
Fifth studio album 'Changes' released (debut #1)
Changes released Feb 14, 2020 and debuted at #1 on both the US Billboard 200 and UK charts, making him the youngest solo artist with seven US #1 albums at the time.
Releases charity single 'Stuck with U' with Ariana Grande (debut #1)
Released May 8, 2020 to raise funds for COVID-19 first responders; debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Multiple Grammy nominations for 'Justice' and 'Peaches'
Justice received 8 nominations at the 64th Grammys; 'Peaches' received nominations including Record and Song of the Year.
Performs 'Journals Live' on TikTok
Performed 'Journals Live' on Feb 14, 2021 in partnership with TikTok; it was the platform's first long-form single-artist concert and set a viewership record.
Wins Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance ('10,000 Hours')
At the (63rd) Grammys Bieber and Dan + Shay won for '10,000 Hours'.
Releases sixth studio album 'Justice' (debut #1); 'Peaches' debuts #1
Justice released Mar 19, 2021, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200; 'Peaches' debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 the same week, making him the youngest solo act with eight US #1 albums (breaking Elvis Presley's record).
Releases 'Stay' with The Kid LAROI; reaches #1
'Stay' released July 9, 2021 with The Kid LAROI; reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its fourth week and became his eighth US #1 single.
Releases documentary 'Justin Bieber: Our World'
Documentary released Oct 8, 2021 about his preparation for the 2020 New Year's Eve Live and return to performing.
Announces international dates for Justice World Tour
On Nov 15, 2021 Bieber announced international dates for his Justice World Tour.
Announces Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis; hiatus from performing
Bieber said he had developed Ramsay Hunt syndrome in June 2022, causing facial paralysis and prompting a break from performing.
Sells song catalog and publishing to Hipgnosis
Hipgnosis Songs Capital announced the acquisition of Bieber's publishing and artist royalties in a deal valued at approximately $200 million.
Renewed wedding vows with Hailey; announcement of pregnancy
Justin and Hailey Bieber renewed their vows in May 2024; Hailey was reportedly six months pregnant at the time.
Birth of son Jack Blues Bieber
Hailey and Justin Bieber announced the birth of their first child, Jack Blues, in August 2024.
Estimated net worth reported at $200M
As of May 2025 (reporting window), Celebrity Net Worth / Biography reported an estimated net worth of roughly $200 million.
Releases seventh studio album 'Swag'
Surprise-released album Swag on July 11, 2025 featuring 21 tracks and collaborations (e.g., Gunna, Druski); explores a more R&B sound.
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Justin Bieber and others achieved at these notable ages:
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