Having just seen him exclusively unplugged, I so get the buzz. Sure, true "Beliebers" have "got" the social-media created and now universally-adored sensation since he emerged from YouTube.
But for me, it took an afternoon bus ride to a secret location in Sydney, evading pesky Bieberazzi on the way, and a solid set of seven acoustic songs to really cement the serious talent of Justin Bieber.
Sure, we've all been bombarded with the surname over the last few years, and to many, the hype and Beatles-type hysteria has had some dismissing him, or not even bothering to go beyond the hype. But as this gig proved, he is good. Very good.
The Bieber: Live and Intimate gig at Fox Studios had the Biebs performing acoustic songs from his new album, Believe, with his guitarist Dan Kanter.
While the new album debuted here at No.1, the Biebs didn't forget the crowd faves, his first mega-hit, Baby, and the more recent biggie, Boyfriend.
"We had 30,000 people apply for tickets and we could only have max 350 so it was a fierce competition,'' said Shaun James, Foxtel's music channel boss, who co-hosted the afternoon's "private" gig. Sean said 2Dayfm's Hot30 Countdown, Universal Music and Channel [V] will broadcast the intimate gig on Friday night.
Guests were asked to meet and check-in at Cargo Bar, a waterside hang on the King St Wharf in Sydney before being whisked off in buses to Fox Studios where security was tight. No appropriate wristband. Absolutely no entry.
After the bus ride to Fox, with names like Timomatic, Sarah de Bono, cricketer Shane Watson and wife Lee Furlong along for the ride, we waited until the proficient and cute Channel [V] and Top30 hosts pre-recorded their intros.
Finally, Justin wandered, humbly, onto the stage, wearing a Levi's denim vest, immaculate hair, his signature pumped-up kicks and a killer $30K solid gold Rolex. Well, just his doco Never Say Nevertook $US30 million, so he is allowed a little treat to himself.
He performed his new single As Long As You Love Me, as well asCatching Feelings and All Around The World.
His young crew of fans shrieked and watched much of the gig through the lenses of their iPhones and Galaxys (the only rule: no flash allowed) while pliable orange earplugs were supplied for those left wanting. Yes, there were a few mums verging on happily hysterical in the audience but the great thing about all of these Bieber-buffs was that they were just 100% happy. And there isn't anything wrong with that.
Certainly the biggest and most hyped gig Justin Bieber is doing while he's here is on the Seven Network's Sunrise, happening at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney tomorrow morning.
Another strictly security-controlled and ticketed event, for those who are still left wanting, he is performing on the Australia's Got Talent grand final tomorrow night before bidding his Aussie promotional duties farewell.
But like all seasoned celebs, Justin Bieber left all 350 of us with the promise that he will be back touring Australia within the year. Boy, I think I have turned into a Belieber.
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