Justin Bieber. The superstar known worldwide, the superstar who grew up under the spotlight and the superstar who stole the hearts of millions of girls in 2009.
Justin Bieber. The magnificent masterpiece of a musician and human being.
Last Monday on the 18th, I had the pleasure to see the man live for the third time. Of course I was excited! Not only was I going to be able to witness a whole different style of the artist, but I was going to be able to do it at the most historical and populated arena in North America: Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Yeah, so I guess I was a little more than excited. The songs that have been playing constantly through my head for almost a year now were going to be performed live right in front of me. Yes, I have seen him before, but this time was different -- there were no more little girl pop ballads or pink and purple T-shirts lining the merchandise stand. The Purpose Tour reflected the style of the "Purpose" album and Justin himself during this time.
It was smooth, exciting, fun and also heartwarming. What made it the most real was the focus on him as a musician while leaving out all the obnoxious things that make up "fame." There were no silly costumes or immature video clips. It was simply just a guy doing what he does best in front of thousands of people (no big deal, right?). To him, probably not, but to the millions of fans, it was. We were witnessing big at the biggest and the best at the biggest.
His show crushed false accusations about him and his music. To me, his voice sounded better than ever and he even got a little better at dancing. Clearly I have a fangirl's bias, but ANYONE would have seen this concert as it was. ANYONE would have had fun and wanted to go again and again.
Seriously though, I think my body exploded during "Where Are Ü Now." I cried during "Purpose" and "Life is Worth Living." I died during his drum solo that echoed through the silent arena. What got me the most was the clock ticking at the beginning of "What Do You Mean?" -- it being my favorite song, I felt like a "and in that moment, Haley knew she was done for it." My emotions were all over the place. But in the end I felt genuinely happy that I was able to witness someone so talented.
It is the power of music that made me feel the way I do. It blows my mind how I always say I love him, him being someone I have never even met, but it's like he brings gifts to my life that make it more fun to get through it, as cliché as it sounds.
So if JB ever comes to a city near you, just go. Unfortunately, his North American leg is over with, but I'm sure he will be back soon enough. You might have the best time of your life and see a whole different side of him as a musician and music in general.
