Who is Justin Bieber?
Justin Bieber -- the most famous teenager in the world?On Thursday and Friday, a famous 17-year-old boy plays two shows at ACER Arena.
It seems he's popular. His YouTube videos have been viewed more than 1.5 billion times. His fans have downloaded more than 24 million singles.
You could say that’s not bad for a teenager.
Much to the cultural cringe of adults, the younger generation has chosen Justin Bieber as their idol -- and Australian girls (as well as a few boys) are no different.
His Australian appearances have created a frenzy. His first Australian open-air show at Circular Quay on Monday morning was called off by local police -- they were concerned about thousands of girls camping out late for the morning show and hyperventilating.
Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens told reporters that it was a concern that young girls were out so late without their parents. “They wouldn’t listen to our directions, so hence they left us with no option,” he said.
Eight teenage girls were taken to hospital, reports Ninemsn.com.au.
He later performed his hit song, "Baby," in Channel 7 studios near Martin Place. Many thousands camped outside to get a glimpse, chanting, “We want Bieber! We want Bieber!”
When he announced he was single -- they erupted.
So what’s all the fuss about?
How cool is a guy who rolls into a city and has the zoo on top of his to-do list?
At 17, he still does as much as four hours' homework every day. “It’s something I have to do. My mum wants me to do school. It’s illegal not to do school, it’s truancy,” Beiber told Dailytelegraph.com.au.
He's hardly a rebel. So here’s a teen idol that even conservative parents can love -- he’s not sold on abortion or sex before marriage. He’s a clean kid.
In many ways, he confuses everyone’s ideal of what a pop star should be. He’s just some cute-looking guy who sings like a girl.
But he’s the next generation’s choice (for now). They view him on YouTube and he connects with them on Twitter. That's how he's achieved such stardom.
New media can help kids achieve fame without much help from adults -- anyone with an Internet connection can click. It’s opened up the world to kids.
So don't be dismayed -- it's their choice to like him. Adults are just as entitled to be confused by all the hysteria.
After all, how hard can you be on a 17-year-old?
Sydney gigs
Thursday and Friday, April 28 and 29, ACER Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, limited tickets available at www.premier.ticketek.com.au
