To Justin or not to Justin…

Jo Bryant

Sometimes…

I am surprised.

Last night was one of those times.

I watched “Never Say Never”, the Justin Bieber movie, or rather documentary of his whoosh into the world of superstardom.

Let’s be clear.

I will probably never buy a CD of his, I will never go to a concert, and I will never faint and scream at an appearance.

But the kid has something.

Does he have the best voice in the world?

Not in my opinion – but he’s savvy.

And he’s kind of sweet – he reminded me of when my own son was that age. For a kid with all that attention, and all those people sucking up to him, in the movie he still comes across as a kid with a dream, an ability to work hard, and a sense of fun.

His rise in the star stakes is incredible – and most of it done through putting in the hours to get him noticed by the right people.

Justin did the rounds of radio stations – even those who were not playing his music.

He started tweeting.

He put videos on YouTube.

When the record company didn’t think they could find a place for him – Justin found his own place.

He wanted recognition – and he wasn’t afraid to go after it.

There aren’t many young guys who would approach Usher asking to sing for him.

I admire all that.

I also admire his manager Scooter Braun.

Scooter had little experience when he took on Justin Bieber, just a belief in the boy and his ability. And together they managed to make it – in a very difficult profession.

I hope he stays as grounded as he seemed in the movie.

I hope that his team manage to hold it together and guide him through.

I hope that the public remember that he is a kid.

He’ll make mistakes like all kids. Only Justin’s will be public mistakes.

It doesn’t mean they should crucify him for being a kid and doing what kids do  – dumb stuff that they shouldn’t but need to do to learn not to do it again.

For now – well I admit defeat and will be in the kid’s corner hoping life makes him happy.

Even if I don’t listen to his songs except when they are on the radio.

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

16 Comments

  2. Your making my world bigger every time I come here. Perhaps I may watch this movie also. I’ve often had the impression that most singing stars of today are only puppets who sing and dance as they are instructed to. Like fads to please the masses.

    Your post makes me think twice about the idea though. I supose I should follow your example in keeping an open mind. Thank you for being you!

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    1. I give thanks back to the kiddywinkles for making my world so large. The daughter is always introducing me to new stuff. Movies, TV shows, books, music. She connvinced me to watch Never Say Never. Just like she introduced me to so many things. Another film I was hesitant about was ZOMBIELAND. It actually took two goes to watch it, as when it started I was like “WTF” is this. But, the daughter said to give it a go and I am so glad I did. It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funny. Bill Murray has a small part in it – but he is hysterical. Actually the whole movie is good.
      I think I get more open as I get older – learning that life, and the stuff in it, is sometimes more than it seems. And I AM a sucker for good stories. Stories where good things happen to people who deserve it. Thank you for always coming around and cheering my days. 🙂

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      1. Ive seen it! It was very good. Bill Murray…the whole scene of the amusement park ride going up and down… and the shotgun toting shirtless man. hahah Definitly a strange and funny zombie movie. 😉

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  4. I had SO much fun today on the blog. Thank you so much for being a part of it! Speaking of expanding horizons, There is a movie called Once were Warriors. It had a very big impact on my life. Still, there was much to it which completely went over my head due to not knowing the culture. If you ever get the urge to, or need a subject for a new post… Do you think maybe you could do a review of that movie? I thought I’de just throw that out there, you know, just in case you might want to do it. 😉 but its also ok if you don’t want to.

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  5. Ooooo I think I might have just caught Beiber fever. Day late and a dollar short. I liked the review and you’re sweet to wish him well. I do too. That industry eats people alive.

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    1. I do have to agree that his writing is pretty good for such a young person. Experience is usually what gives us the ability to draw on emotion, but some of his lyrics are beyond his years. I hope too, that he keeps going for a long time – and I am glad you enjoy his music. 🙂

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  7. I’ve not listened to any of his stuff although have probably heard it without realising. I don’t know much about him but I admire anyone with that sort of self-belief and determination, he totally deserves the success he seems to be enjoying. Very inspirational.

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    1. I actually do admire him – takes a lot to do what he has – even for someone with experience. Maybe that is what youth has over us. They can’t imagine not making it – not with the blind faith they seem to have. 🙂

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