Return to Transcripts main page
Connect the World
Interview with Justin Bieber
Aired May 10, 2010 - 16:49 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When it comes to pop star Justin Bieber, the term big break takes on a whole new meaning.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: In less than a year, the Canadian singer went from producing homemade music videos to outselling concert venues around the world. He was discovered via YouTube in 2007 by producer Scooter Braun.
JUSTIN BIEBER, POP SINGER: To be in this position at such a young age has been incredible.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: And with the help of R&B legend, Usher, released his first single, entitled "One Time," in July of 2009.
Since then, Bieber has become an online phenomena. For months, he's been one of the most popular topics on Twitter and his public appearances have become infamous -- with thousands of hysterical fans.
From boy next door to teen obsession, Justin Bieber is your Connector of the Day.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEO TAPE)
ANDERSON: In 2007, just think of this, Master Bieber was an unknown. Fast forward three years, and his debut album has sold nearly 850,000 copies. What's more, he's getting a $400,000 advance on his new CD from Universal Music.
I just sound as if I'm sounding bitter. I'm not, I promise you.
I spoke to the pint-size pop star earlier and began by asking him how is he handling the transition from normal teenager to a singing sensation.
this is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JUSTIN BIEBER, POP SINGER: It's been pretty amazing. I'm really glad that I've just been able to do what I love. And, you know, I'm really glad that I get to travel the world and -- and I guess I just do what I love to do.
ANDERSON: All right. So I've got some questions from the audience here.
Eric Williams from Texas: "What do you consider to be the most important event of your life so far? Was it being discovered, producing your first record, what?"
BIEBER: You know, I've -- I've done a lot of cool things. I got to, you know, present at the Grammys, present at the VMAs. I performed for the president of the United States. So I got to do a lot of cool stuff.
But probably perform for the president is one of the coolest things.
ANDERSON: All right, well, that leads us right into the next question.
Soloman Obi has written in to you, Justin.
And he asks: "How did you feel performing for Obama? Was it different from what would be a normal concert?"
BIEBER: Yes, definitely. I didn't really hear a lot of -- a lot of loud pitched screaming when I performed for Obama.
ANDERSON: Lovely.
Teehram from Pakistan: "What do you enjoy the most while being a superstar, my love? Do you like traveling, screaming girls, for example, or attending the awards ceremonies or shows or concerts?"
BIEBER: I like performing. Overall, I -- I like to just perform for my fans and, you know, deal with the entertainment. That's what I love to do the best.
ANDERSON: You have the most unbelievable following.
Are you used to all these screaming fans by now?
BIEBER: Yes, I guess. I just have someone that I -- you know, my fans are amazing. They're -- they're always really responsive on Twitter and Facebook. And, you know, I just have the greatest fans in the world.
ANDERSON: All right. Paula has written in. She says: "Some of your fans are known to be pretty extreme. A few days ago, some even threatened Kim Kardashian. Do you think that your fans go a bit too far sometimes? Are they a bit too obsessed, Justin?"
BIEBER: No, I think, you know, my fans are really supportive. I'm really glad that I have really devoted fans. And, you know, I guess they do what they -- they've got to do.
ANDERSON: D.J. Khaled from Nigeria. He's written in, Justin. And he says: "Being a celebrity at such a young age, have you gained or lost anything?"
BIEBER: I think that, you know, I'm -- I definitely -- I don't get to see my fam -- my friends as much as I'd like to. But, you know, I -- I still get to travel the world and do -- do what I like to do. So, I mean I wouldn't change it for the world.
ANDERSON: You are a lucky lad.
Marcel from Cameroon asks this very simple question: "Are you still at school? And if you are, what are your favorite classes?"
BIEBER: I -- I don't go to a school. I have a tutor that travels with me and stuff. So, you know, yes. I still do school.
ANDERSON: All right. If you still do school, then what are your favorite subjects?
BIEBER: My favorite subjects are probably like English. And then I - - I don't really like math.
ANDERSON: I don't think any of us like math.
Jane asks: "What is the biggest challenge you face as a -- "
BIEBER: No.
ANDERSON: " -- as a young musician in the music industry?"
BIEBER: You know, being in the music -- music business sometimes can be a little shady. There's a lot of people that try to get, you know, get inside and, you know, try to mess things up. But, you know, you've just got to keep your family close and -- and, you know, remain humble and that's -- you know, you'll -- you'll go -- you'll go far.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
ANDERSON: Remain humble and you will go far.
Justin Bieber for you.
Tomorrow's Connector is a Britain politician and peer with a unique perspective on what is going on currently with these parliamentary wranglings.
Lord David Owens was one of the founders of the Britain Social Democratic Party, a group that went on to the form the Liberal Democrats.
Remember?
They are the party being courted by both the Conservatives and Labour as a key to a coalition government.
So start sending your questions in for Lord Owens. Head to CNN.com/connect. And don't forget to tell us where you're writing in from. Ask him anything. Ask him, you know, if there's anything you don't understand about Britain politics, throw that question to Lord David Owen. He's up tomorrow.
END
