Bieber: From 'Baby' to bad boy

Many things have happened to Justin Bieber in the past year.

He got dumped by US singer-actress Selena Gomez, got into trouble with former US president Bill Clinton, got a pet monkey, got separated from said monkey by the authorities, the list goes on.

No wonder he's been letting off steam in nightclubs all over the place.

The baby-faced Canadian YouTube wunderkind who became the world's biggest solo male pop star is dangerously close to becoming just another 19-year-old making trouble.

In the last year alone, he's been involved in at least three different nightclub scuffles, threatening to dethrone reigning party fight king Chris Brown.

Asked to explain himself via e-mail, Bieber told LOUD that it's all part of his growing pains.

"I am just growing up like all other kids my age," he said.

"I'm going to make mistakes but I try to be the best person I can be and be a role model for my fans.

"My family and my team have been with me since the beginning and we work through all of this stuff together."

That support group has at least managed to steer Bieber into collecting one honour that didn't involve black eyes - he's made history as being the first to grant 200 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.

And he did it while in the middle of his ongoing 154-date Believe Tour.

He'll be in Singapore to perform at The Closing Concert - with guest US electronica pop act Owl City - at the 2013 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix on Sept 23.

"I love fast cars! I can't wait to come back to Singapore and perform," said Bieber, who was last here in 2011 for a concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

He's also been working on a new album with producers like Pharrell Williams.

How does Bieber fit everything - yes, partying included - into his schedule?

"I love what I do ... I never get tired of it," he said.

And neither are his Beliebers, who have been unwavering in their support.

"I think my fans are growing up with me and I hope they're loving my music as it changes," said Bieber. "I think it's really special that we get to take this journey together."

julrasul@sph.com.sg

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