Austin, Texas — Justin Bieber just went and made everything official with girlfriend Selena Gomez during a surprise acoustic turn on the eve of the musical part of this year’s SXSW
“This next song goes out to my baby,” the 20-year-old declared onstage Sunday (March 09), while looking at Gomez who stood to the side in the Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden venue.
Bieber’s dedication came just before he performed his 2012 hit “ As Long As You Love Me ” to a screaming crowd, many of whom sang along.
It follows his recent praise of Gomez’s 2014 BorderFest concert – which he attended – at the State Farm Arena as a “great show” amid a PDA-packed weekend in Texas with the actress-singer.
(Photo via Instagram, Bieber at Austin showcase).
Austin-based website Do512 followed by Vanyaland first reported the Bieber sighting along with numerous Instagram video postings by some of those who attended the music night.
Bieber’s last minute performance came at the end of a “Sunday Funday” showcase at the SXSW event by other artists handles by his manager Scooter Braun through his company Scooter Braun Projects (SBP.)
These included, “ Confetti ” singer Tori Kelly, Australian teen star Cody Simpson, musicians known as DanAndShay, and UK boy band with a difference, Rixton Official.
Braun and staff at SBP took to Twitter after the showcase to express pride in their artists.
Yep. Tonight we shut shit down ? that was truly a #SBPSundayFunday . Thanks to all involved and our friends at Bangers. #SXSW
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) March 10, 2014
Ultimate jam @justinbieber @ToriKelly @CodySimpson @RixtonOfficial @DanAndShay http://t.co/WZZDOummtX — SB Projects (@SB_Projects) March 10, 2014
Bieber’s public dedication to Gomez comes after his flight from Miami to McAllen, Texas, Friday after giving testimony in a deposition which is now online.
The singer is being sued for civil assault by photographer, Jeffrey Binion, who alleges he was attacked by Bieber’s bodyguards on the star’s orders after he was spotted taking photos outside a Miami recording studio last June.
Bieber briefly left the deposition hearing at one point when questioned about Gomez.
Justin and Selena — who was in Texas to perform concerts in Hidalgo and Houston — were reportedly spotted at Starbucks, “hugging and kissing” while grabbing breakfast at a Mexican eatery, reportedly seen kissing during a lazer tag trip, and booked out a two-hour session at a dance studio .
However, Bieber’s rekindled relationship with Gomez may be the only brightspot for a while, as the Canadian is engulfed in lawsuits.
Justin has been charged with assault over an alleged attack on a limousine driver in Canada. A court hearing in Toronto that the singer may or may not attend begins today.
His California lawyer, Howard Weitzman, previously said Bieber was innocent of the alleged assault .
The singer has also been subpoenaed to testify in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed against him by his former housekeeper and is due to appear in court on March 11.
Bieber may also be going to trial over DUI and related charges arising from his arrest on January 23 in Miami Beach.
He remains in the frame for allegedly egging his estranged neighbor’s house in Calabasas, Los Angeles back in January and is now awaiting a decision from the District Attorney as to whether he will be charged.
Silly Beibs following me around Austin! #justinbeiber #selenagomez #sxsw #sxsw2014 #atx #6thstreet pic.twitter.com/QXqIBo6Ama
— Morning Dailies (@MorningDailies) March 10, 2014
Silly Beibs following me around Austin! #justinbeiber #selenagomez #sxsw #sxsw2014 #atx #6thstreet pic.twitter.com/QXqIBo6Ama
— Morning Dailies (@MorningDailies) March 10, 2014
Remember when JUSTIN BIEBER surprised us at the #SBPSundayFunday SXSW showcase and I was literally a few feet awa… pic.twitter.com/gfDCqDsgnZ
— Morning Dailies (@MorningDailies) March 10, 2014
As long as you love me justinbieber performing at #sbpsundayfunday #SXSW pic.twitter.com/JpSHUxNRVC
— Morning Dailies (@MorningDailies) March 10, 2014