The incredible journey of an ordinary boy: The beginnings
He grew up in Stratford, Ontario, and his life was much like that of any other teenager—his days were filled with hockey and soccer games. Although he was born in London, Ontario, he discovered his passion for music as a child. When he went to church with his mother, he was completely captivated by the drummer. “I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember,” he later said.
Passion despite poverty
The family struggled financially. Since they couldn’t afford a real instrument, his mother, Pattie Mallette, gave him a pair of drumsticks so he could practice on the floor.
This dedication soon paid off. At the age of 12, the boy took part in a local talent contest and came second with a cover of Ne-Yo’s song “So Sick.”
His mother, determined to show the world her son’s talent, began posting videos of him singing various soul songs on YouTube.
The street and the big break
The real turning point came when he started singing on the street in front of a theater in Stratford one summer. He earned nearly $3,000 performing pop hits — while brushing his teeth, a spontaneous gesture that showed his sincerity.
With this money, he fulfilled his childhood dream: he took his family to Disneyland.
The life-changing discovery
The boy’s fate began to change when Scooter Braun, a promising music manager from Atlanta, stumbled upon his YouTube videos. Although he was originally looking for another artist on the platform, he was completely captivated by the boy’s voice and charisma.
Braun was determined to find him. He watched a video of him singing on the street, found out the name of his school, and didn’t give up until he managed to get in touch with his mother.
The birth of a star
This is how the incredible career of the boy known today as Justin Bieber began.
Looking back, he admitted that although they didn’t have much, he had a happy childhood. Poverty taught him to appreciate every achievement. His grandfather, Bruce Dale, described him as a kind and hard-working boy, and it was precisely these qualities that helped him reach the top of the international pop scene.
