Justin Bieber has no apologies for ‘bubblegum’ music

BIEBER FEVER. International pop superstar Justin Bieber answers questions from the local media hours before his concert to be held at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. POCHOLO CONCEPCION

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Seventeen-year-old Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber looked like a regular kid as he walked rather shyly to talk to the media inside an air-conditioned tent backstage – a few hours before his concert on Tuesday night (May 10) at the Mall of Asia open grounds.

Dressed casually in a checkered polo shirt, knee-length denim shorts and Vans sneakers, Bieber spoke like he was unaffected by the fame and fortune that had come his way as the world’s hottest teenage singer.

He’s not bothered either by critics who thumb down his music as bubblegum, saying that he sees nothing wrong with singing songs about love. “It’s a universal thing, and I sing it like it suits my age,” he said. “My music will grow as I grow older.”

In fact, he sees the relevance that his songs play in the lives of many of his fans. “People going through hard times turn to music … There’s a girl who’s been undergoing chemotherapy and she told me that listening to my songs helps her get through it,” he noted.

Asked how surreal it felt to be treated like a god by millions of adolescent girls, Bieber smiled and said: “I don’t think about that … It’s crazy, really, having cameras following your every move …”

The international press has quoted extensively his comments on just about anything under the sun, including his view that “Canada is the best country” because of its excellent health care system, unlike the United States. But when the Philippine Daily Inquirer reminded him about it, since he’s currently living in America, Bieber clarified that he may have been quoted out of context.

“America is a great country … It has great food. The doctors are really good, too … But Canada is still the best,” he quipped, smiling.

He was quick to remind the local press that he has been touring the world with Legaci, a group of backup singers who are Filipinos.

Bieber and Legaci have some things in common: Both were discovered on YouTube; and they also love Boyz II Men.

“I love Michael Jackson, too, especially ‘Man in the Mirror,’” Bieber pointed out. He considers Legaci as a bunch of talented young men, and that he gives them a spot number in his concerts to showcase their own skills: “They’re all cool guys, I admire them.”

Collaborating with other artists has become the norm in contemporary pop, and Bieber has been very successful at it. In fact, his most popular song, “Baby,” features rapper Ludacris. “I collaborate with people I like,” Bieber said, “but working with them depends on the timing, whether they’re available on a given date.” Asked to name his favorites, he rattled off the following: Kanye West, Chris Brown, Drake, Rascal Flatts and, of course, Usher – his mentor.

It would seem that Bieber really intended to explore music and grow with it. But in the meantime he’s 17 and he also enjoys playing pranks on friends, like hacking into their Twitter accounts and posting messages for fun. He’s also into video games, especially PlayStation 2 and playing basketball on his days off from touring.

“I enjoy hanging out with friends and chillin’ out,” he added. “I also catch up on sleep whenever I can.”

The rigors of touring have begun to take a toll on him. “Lately I’ve been having this throat congestion,” he revealed. “It doesn’t feel good.”

Otherwise, he said there would be no reason for him not to go all-out onstage.

In some countries, traffic jams and entire cities being blocked off are normal occurrences when Bieber is around.

Three hours before his gig at Mall of Asia, long lines of fans patiently waited for the gates to open.

Many girls were not content, though. As early as 2 p.m. they were hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol. They would do anything to get close to Bieber – perhaps even just to touch his hair. Tina Santos