‘Bieber Fever’ Returns with New Album Announcement
Journalists revisit teen fandom upon news of Justin Bieber’s upcoming release
Ten years after “Bieber Fever” gripped the world, the pop star is poised to release his first album in four years, prompting journalists to reflect on their early devotion to the artist and his music.
Belieber Confessions
In a private online channel, several journalists identifying as “Beliebers” revealed their enthusiasm for **Bieber’s** new music. Some shared nostalgic photos and stories from their younger years as dedicated fans.
“I’m so sorry for the person you are all about to witness me become. I’m SO back.”
—Sarah Jones-Smith, Audience Engagement Editor
One journalist recalled buying the “Baby” music video on iTunes as a teen, admitting to an embarrassingly high play count. According to a 2023 report by Luminate, streaming now accounts for 84.9% of music consumption (Variety).
Standing on Business
The album features a track titled “STANDING ON BUSINESS,” a reference to **Bieber’s** recent encounter with paparazzi while at the beach with his family. The incident, which went viral on TikTok, involved **Bieber** confronting the photographers to request they leave him alone.
“You’re not getting it,”
**Bieber** questioned, in the viral video, adding,
“It’s not clocking to you. It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business, is it?”
The song includes commentary from comedian **Druski** about the paparazzi incident.
“He really was standing on business.”
—Elise Ryan, Audience Engagement Editor
“Oh, it IS clocking with me.”
—Curtis Yee, Deputy Live Blog Editor
“I wish I had this photographic evidence but, on my old ipod nano, I bought the ‘Baby’ music video on iTunes and the play count on it is embarrassing LOL.”
—Karena Phan, Audience Engagement Editor
“Truly today we tapped into my main standom of my teen years.”
—Mary Kate Metivier, Digital News Editor