Bieber Fever
I admit, I am a pop princess. I have loved every minute of living through the 90’s and the emergence of New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys (which, btw… I can hardly contain my excitement that they are touring together), Hanson, N’sync and then the rise of the Jonas Brothers and finally Justin Bieber. Let’s be honest, any child starlet makes my heart explode with happiness for the sheer fact that someone their age is able to follow their dream. If there is anyone who can relate to this phenomenon it has got to be me. But my mission today is to help others understand it too, or at least appreciate it.
Justin Bieber caught my eye about a year ago when I saw him on MTV on the Alexa Chung show. He had already had a number one hit, “One Time,” but at that point I wasn’t convinced of his selling power. However seeing him interview and then play a song called, “One Less Lonely Girl,” made me feel like I was 14 again. I find this feeling to be especially appealing, and freeing. I wouldn’t say I officially caught Bieber Fever but I definitely realized what it was about. But for those you that are sitting on the sidelines, just catching glimpses of his perfect hair in magazines and just hearing his songs on the radio might not see it the way others do.
From a PR standpoint, Justin has everything going for him. He is the first artist that I have seen really utilize social media and use it to it’s full capacity. Twitter is one of the best ways that artists can stay in contact with their fans. It has replaced most fan-mail. It’s a quick and an easy way to have that essential two-way communication. I also think its incredibly manageable and easy for the artist to get their voice out. I would love to know how many tweets Bieber gets a day. Remember the kid that got 26,000 text messages after Bieber tweeted his phone number? Bieber got some criticism for abusing his celebrity status for retaliation; personally I thought it was quite humorous.
The few Bieber fans that I follow tend to flood @JustinBieber multiple times a day with the simple hope that he will notice them. He retweets and replies quite often to his fans, and while some people might think it’s a little cliché and impersonal, I believe it’s genius. The guy is doing absolutely everything he can to try to make and maintain a connection with his fans. It’s essential that he shows that he appreciates them, and that they simply, matter. And that’s all a young girl or diehard fan could really ask for. I do have a favorite Bieber fan, her name is Alia. I discovered some of her videos that were Bieberless and found her to be hilarious, and then I saw her eyes light up with the mere mention of the name Bieber… too cute. Her YouTube account is definitely one everyone should check out, Aliatee.
I think Bieber has the most charming fans in the world, or as they probably prefer to be called, “Beliebers.” I have a special place in my heart for these young girls that are continually inspired and following their dreams after being strongly influenced by an equally as charming young Canadian boy. Here’s a video of Michaela Wallace, the latest fan making a name for herself through her love for Justin Bieber. She’s gotten national attention through this video creation. Check out this catchy tune that I’m on the verge of making my new ringtone.
The rest of the world doesn’t have to understand it, because his fanbase is so determined and dedicated to keep his dream alive. One thing you should do before you write him off is check him out on one of his many television appearances, the boy has swagger but yet is so genuine and down to earth. You have the right to not like his music, but after learning more about him, I dare you to try not to appreciate this movement. What he has established for himself is phenomenal and other celebrities should take note.
Bieber is set to release an acoustic album on Black Friday, exclusively at Wal-Mart and through his website, yet again… brilliant PR move, what can I do to get on their team? Of course, more importantly is the music and Bieber recently told MTV his reasons for doing an acoustic album, “I really think that I did an acoustic album because there’s a lot of haters out there that say, ‘Justin Bieber can’t sing. His voice is all Auto-Tuned,’ ” he said. “And there’s a lot with production, it kind of drowns out your voice, and it takes away from the singer, over the synths and everything.” Amen to that. I have nothing but love for the Bieber team and fans, I don’t think the Bieber fever is going to be getting cured anytime soon so you might as well jump in and catch the wave for yourself.