Justin Bieber Explains Apology Video On ‘Ellen:’ ‘I’m Human’
Justin Bieber opened up about his confessional/apology video at a Wednesday taping of The Ellen Degeneres Show, which airs Thursday.
The last time the singer was on the show (January 29) he admitted he was nervous. Hours later, he posted a smartphone-shot and lit, soul-searching video during which he described his past behavior as “arrogant” and “conceited,” and said he now wanted “to make the best impression on people.”
Bieber’s second appearance on Ellen in just seven days might have been influenced by a recent The Canadian Press report musing that the singer is on a “campaign of contrition” and doubting his sincerity and efforts.
However, other commentators praised the confessional/apology video as an earnest, real step by the 20-year-old. Needless to say, fans supported their idol — with stats to match.
Fast forward to Justin’s latest appearance. Ellen told the audience she and the Canadian spoke after his turn last week. She then asked her guest why he had been “so nervous” and why he posted his apology video.
Justin replied, “Well. It was the first time I was television for a long time. I just was worried about what people were thinking about me. Like I said last time, I did a lot of things over the past few years that I’m not proud of.”
“But, yeah, I was just nervous to be in front of people again and talk in front of them,” he added, saying, “Remember?” to Ellen, while moving his arms like a robot to suggest the look of someone stiffening up out of nerves.
After affirming that the singer was “really honest” to reveal his nervousness on her show, Ellen pressed further and asked Bieber what prompted him to to make the video when he “got home.”
Ruefully, Justin replied, “I thought I just looked really extra nervous and I kinda just wanted to explain myself.”
The comedienne-host said she understood, then added that people seem to find it hard to imagine celebrities get nervous. It was implied in that moment that when someone famous then does say they’re nervous, they are not believed.
In a lengthy answer, Justin replied, “Well, I am a human. Right?”
He went on to say, “People often forget that, even with their comments and stuff they think it doesn’t get to me. But, it gets to me.
“You know things that people say bothers me and I gotta be strong enough to just keep it pushing,” he explained, adding, “But, yeah, that’s why I just wanted to make a video to just let people know that I’m human.”
“I love people, I love, love, I love. I’m passionate about things, and I’m passionate about being better and growing,” he insisted.
Justin finished, “So I think that this is going to be an awesome chapter in my life and I’m so glad that I have you guys supporting me.”
The studio audience erupted in cheers, and Ellen joked that if Justin came on the show every week he would no longer be nervous. Which led to his later tweeted joke.
In a lighter part of the show, a fan joined the singer on the stage to play a humming game in hopes of winning a trip to this weekend’s Grammys. Ellen and Justin also paired up to hilariously scare people in the bathroom. There was dancing too. Check out the videos above.
@TheEllenShow great seeing you again today. See u next week. I won't be late ?
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) February 5, 2015
No doubt, Bieber’s attempt to explain his apology video will be met with the usual, cynical media comment. But as the Inquisitr previously noted, there’s nothing unusual about a star trying to change their image after a bad period.
It seems clear the Biebs is at pains to show he has drawn a line under old behaviors, and wants a chance to move on and prove that he has changed for the better.
The Kansas City Star’s Jeneé Osterheldt agrees. She notes, “Bieber seems to be taking responsibility now,” adding, “But the apology tour can stop here. Going forward, he owes himself forgiveness and a chance to escape the tragic child star narrative.”
[Images via Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.]
