Perhaps the biggest musical success story of the Internet age, Justin Bieber has been breaking records since before he hit puberty. Born in 1994, the sweet-voiced, big-banged pre-teen became a YouTube sensation after his mother uploaded videos of him singing R&B covers. A contract with Usher soon followed, as did chart success, platinum albums and a worldwide outbreak of Bieber Fever. Beliebers followed him to social-media superstardom, snatched up tickets to his tours and movies, stocked up on Bieber products like perfume, and made on-again, off-again girlfriend Selena Gomez’s life a living hell. Time and increasing swagger have altered Biebs’ image from boy next door to bad boy. As a result, his many charitable efforts have often been overshadowed by well-publicized scandals and legal issues, both minor (egging) and serious (DUI, assault).
Selected discography: ‘My World 2.0’ (2010), ‘Under the Mistletoe’ (2011), ‘Believe’ (2012)
Related artists: Selena Gomez, Usher, The-Dream
Further reading: Top 10 Justin Bieber Songs, Top 10 Justin Bieber Music Videos, Justin Bieber’s Best GIFs