# What exactly has Justin Bieber \*done\*? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 13, 2011, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283 "2011-06-13T03:22:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/21 "2011-06-18T21:29:18Z")
Having the most viewed Youtube video of all time (Baby featuring Ludacris) with 567 million views has got to count for something. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_s\_Son](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19adc/32.png) [@Jim\_s\_Son](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_s_Son)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/22 "2011-06-18T21:36:15Z")
He may not be much different from InStink, Richard Marx, young black Michael Jackson, etc but every generation wants its own teen idols. They don’t go back to discover the old ones. Lots of times they get left by the wayside when their voice changes but remember that when the Beatles made it big in the USA with “I wanna hold your hand” adult and even college audiences slammed them. They proved to have talent and improved. The tween market has a lot of buying power and their tastes can change quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/23 "2011-06-18T22:00:26Z")
> [@SciFiSam](#): > > That is a very odd assessment of someone who’s so famous that little girls across the world buy his music and even you knew of him enough to start a thread about him. He’s not a rising star - he’s already gone supernova. Aye. Someone who’s known enough outside his demographic to be used in a syndicated comic strip (Heart of the City did an arc where Heart and the other girl were trying to meet him) isn’t on the rise…he’s risen. He may rise further (for example, actually expand out of his tweener market, as in the Beatles example in Jim’s Son’s post), or he may have crested and be about to begin his fall, but he’s a [multiple-platinum artist](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Bieber_discography) (My World, My World 2.0, and the One Time and Baby singles all went platinum or double platinum in the US and Canada), so even if he fades into obscurity in the next year or so, he’s done pretty well for himself in the last couple years. I’m not a fan of the kid - what I’ve heard of his music, I find fairly annoying - but I can’t deny he’s ridiculously popular among the demographic he’s intended to appeal to. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/24 "2011-06-18T22:01:15Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > I personally don’t give a damn about some random TV spots (Sinead O’Connor was on TV a few times…didn’t help her career none), but actual concerts with actual fans, yes, that’s definitely something to build on. I assume you’re referring to her SNL appearance. You do realize that Sinead isn’t exactly sitting by the phone hoping someone calls. She’s been on TV plenty of times since then and sold 3.5 million records world wide since that appearance. Also, and I don’t think it’s been mentioned, part of what made Justin a bit different is that he was discovered by accident on YouTube and since then been very closely associated with Usher. ---
**Author:** ![robardin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/43a26b/32.png) [@robardin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robardin)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/25 "2011-06-18T22:04:53Z")
> [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](#): > > Having the most viewed Youtube video of all time (Baby featuring Ludacris) with 567 million views has got to count for something. Just for kicks, compare: [“Baby” by Justin Bieber, f. Ludacris](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffacxfA7G4), with a [cover version](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPWm1sJnXlM) (and “mashup” with Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”) done by a rising rock band, the Neon Trees. I like the Neon Trees version much better musically… but you know what? If you listen to or read the lyrics, it does work much better coming from a 14-16 year old singer. And Bieber’s musical style is what’s in with that demographic right now (and sounds reasonably good to my 40-year-old ears too). ---
**Author:** ![WotNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e19b73/32.png) [@WotNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WotNot)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2011, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/26 "2011-06-18T23:19:09Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > He tried being an actor in CSI. Didn’t go so well. Really? I thought he was entirely adequate. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of his music, though. Which feels odd, since that’s apparently what he’s known for. Perhaps I have heard it, and not realised who it was. There again, I’m a 48-year-old man with no children, and still I have some idea who Justin Bieber is. I doubt he’s heard of me at all. I dare say I’ll be vaguely pleased if he doesn’t turn into a fucking weirdo. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/27 "2011-06-19T00:33:43Z")
> [@DKW](#): > > Appreciate your comments, as always, even the ones that don’t agree with me. Still, I’m getting just a tad bit worried that there’s always some misunderstanding no matter how elaborate I get. I think your fears are justified, as I really don’t understand what you’re asking here. Justin Bieber is a pop star. There’s nothing mysterious about him. He’s done pretty much the same kinds of things as any other pop star. He records music that a lot of people buy. He goes on tour. He makes music videos. He gets interviewed by _Rolling Stone_, appears on _Saturday Night Live_ as a musical guest, and a couple of his songs have been used on _Glee_. I’ve never heard him on the radio because I only listen to the classic rock station, but Wikipedia tells me he’s had a #1 album and a string of Top 40 singles so I presume he’s getting plenty of airplay. Maybe he’s just not popular in Hawaii for some reason, but if someone who pays as little attention to contemporary pop music as I do knows who Justin Bieber is then he’s not “waiting to happen”. He’s here. He may very well be forgotten in a couple of years, but he’s very successful at the moment. > [@](#): > > Actually, what I’d REALLY like to know (actually, the whole reason I made this thread in the first place) is why there are like a couple hundred Vocaloid videos on YouTube with comments ripping him. The only Vocaloid who sounds anything like him is Piko, and trust me, he ain’t that big. I have no idea what Vocaloid is (Wikipedia says it’s a software program, but this doesn’t seem to be what you mean), so I can’t help you there. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/28 "2011-06-19T00:50:48Z")
There are comments ripping Bieber on every music video on YouTube. Even his, presumably. It’s just another manifestation of the stupid of YouTube commenters. He’s not to their taste, therefore they must insult him at the slightest opportunity. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/29 "2011-06-19T01:22:13Z")
> [@Tengu](#): > > There are comments ripping Bieber on every music video on YouTube. Even his, presumably. > > It’s just another manifestation of the stupid of YouTube commenters. He’s not to their taste, therefore they must insult him at the slightest opportunity. Some people do make it a hobby to actively hate Justin Bieber though. Perversely, it’s one of the reasons for his success - gets him a lot more hits, files shared, and publicity, and makes the fans cluster together more. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/30 "2011-06-19T01:28:38Z")
If there was no Bieber, Miley Cyrus could never impersonated him on SNL which was pretty funny thereby causing me to give her a tiny crumb of respect. ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/31 "2011-06-19T03:37:39Z")
He won the NBA celebrity all star game MVP! Fan votes, but hey. In the same game he also got blocked by Scottie Pippen, who didn’t even have to jump. Good times. ---
**Author:** ![planetcory](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/planetcory/32/1032_2.png) [@planetcory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/planetcory)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/32 "2011-06-19T05:38:39Z")
I get what the OP is questioning. As huge as Justin Bieber undoubtedly is, I \*never \*hear his music. _Anywhere_. I know ‘Baby’ and then there’s… ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/33 "2011-06-19T09:16:58Z")
> [@planetcory](#): > > I get what the OP is questioning. As huge as Justin Bieber undoubtedly is, I \*never \*hear his music. _Anywhere_. I’ll second or third this. As the OP said, when pop-stars come along I’m usually aware of them at least enough to be able to name, or at least recall hearing, some of their songs. I’ve even heard that “Friday” song that was famous just for being bad. On the other hand, I couldn’t even tell you what Bieber sounds like, I think I heard the name being referenced a year or more before I even realized he was a musician. Granted this might just be because I’m less plugged into pop-culture then I used to be, but it sounds like at least a few people have noticed the same thing, so maybe not. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/34 "2011-06-19T16:05:12Z")
> [@planetcory](#): > > I get what the OP is questioning. As huge as Justin Bieber undoubtedly is, I \*never \*hear his music. _Anywhere_. I know ‘Baby’ and then there’s… Whatever the second song of his that they did on _Glee_ was. No, I remember the name, it was called “Somebody to Love”, like the Queen song, but it wasn’t the Queen song. Anyway, I know there was a second Bieber song on _Glee_, because my reaction was basically “Huh, Justin Bieber has a song OTHER than ‘Baby’!” but I have no memory of what this song sounded like. While it may not be fair to judge Bieber based on the _Glee_ cast version of one of his songs, I think there’s a possibility that his music is just so generic/forgettable that people outside his core demographic hear it and don’t remember it. AFAIK he’s never had a _controversial_ song. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2011, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/35 "2011-06-19T23:59:56Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > He tried being an actor in CSI. Didn’t go so well. He was in two episodes and perished in a rain of bullets. Seems pretty good to me 🙂 He has had plenty of output for a pop star at the beginning stages of his career. He even got a dedicated Glee episode. I don’t think what your particular radio station likes to play is a metric of anything. I think the biggest reason for his popularity is simply that it’s a niche without any other serious contenders. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/36 "2011-06-20T00:22:57Z")
He has attracted the attention of my six year old daughter, who previously only appreciated Rush and The Black Keys. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283/37 "2011-06-20T00:30:12Z")
On the other hand, when I asked my twelve-year-old niece whether she was a fan, she got really defensive and denied liking him. “I’m not a boy,” she said. Which I thought was weird, as I thought that she was exactly the right age (and gender) for his fan base. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-has-justin-bieber-done/585283.md?page=1)