Even by Justin Bieber’s hype standards, anticipation for the superstar’s appearance at the Calvin Klein Jeans-hosted event in Hong Kong on Thursday was at an insane level.
Luckily, Justin Bieber brought his A-game and delivered his strongest set yet in 2015 with a surprise performance (some expected it) at the invitation-only party held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay.
The 21-year-old superstar was backed by a full complement of dancers, and his musical director and guitarist Dan Kanter.
Model pal Kendall Jenner and recent new face of Calvin Klein’s Denim Series also flew in for the bash and reportedly charmed everyone on the night. She even turned cartwheels with Justin on the grey carpet.
Following support from Asian artist Jay Park, Justin thrilled the packed audience with hits including “Boyfriend,” “Beauty & a Beat,” “As Long As You Love Me,” “Hold Tight,” “Baby,” and a crowd request which led to a rendition of “One Time.” Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” were covered too.
Justin also performed “Where Are Ü Now” , his collaboration with Jack Ü, and “Hold Tight” from his 2013 Journals collection. (For videos: scroll to the bottom of the page.)
Amid the tsunami of social media posts that surfaced pre and after Justin’s performance, his manager Scooter Braun tweeted , “Yeah @justinbieber is killin it at the #calvinkleinlive event in Hong Kong . Out of no where he took a request and is playing #onetime!”
Calvin Klein posted updates on their social media platforms tagged “#calvinkleinlive” and “#mycalvins” and posted videos of Justin’s show on Snapchat . The fashion brand’s verdict of their firebrand male model? On Instagram , CK called Bieber “On point.”
#mycalvins morning news – #calvinkleinlive from Hong Kong @justinbieber pic.twitter.com/dmsbb4jpoD
— Calvin Klein (@CalvinKlein) June 11, 2015
Timing with the concert, the brand paid for an eight-page Justin Bieber spread, which was published in the South China Morning Post on the day of the party. It’s all part of the huge push CK is making in Hong Kong with Bieber, and presumably Jenner at some point.
. @kendalljenner arrives at the Calvin Klein Jeans music event in Hong Kong. #calvinkleinlive pic.twitter.com/7RutFXtbyZ
— Calvin Klein (@CalvinKlein) June 11, 2015
Special guest @justinbieber has arrived. #calvinkleinlive pic.twitter.com/qVRdvWpuoa
— Calvin Klein (@CalvinKlein) June 11, 2015
Heating up Hong Kong. @justinbieber with @kendalljenner before taking the stage at tonight’s event. #calvinkleinlive pic.twitter.com/7C7LnxvjBR
— Calvin Klein (@CalvinKlein) June 11, 2015
A sizable contingent of fans lined the parking area of the Cruise Terminal to catch even a glimpse of superstars Kendall and Justin before the music event kicked off. Before going onstage, the Biebs walked out to talk to waiting fans. However, the barricades nearly gave way, and due to security risks, the meet and greet was cut short.
Take a look at that eye-popping moment in the video below.
It’s clear from Justin’s ease on stage in Hong Kong compared to parts of his performance at Wango Tango last month that the impromptu, low-key jams he performed around Los Angeles in recent months have fine-tuned his stagecraft and singing.
The singer filming a Snapchat video for fans just before taking to the stage.
Justin singing Ne-Yo’s “So sick.”
“Baby.”
“Boyfriend.”
“As Long As You Love Me.”
“Beauty and A Beat.”
Crowd shots compilation mixed with Justin’s performance.
Camera pans of the audience.
A shirtless Biebs singing “Where Are Ü Now.”
“Fast Car.”
Justin thanking the crowd at the end of the show (below) in hilarious fashion.
The Biebs in a “velfie” with Filipino fashion blogger, socialite and businessman, Bryanboy.
Crowd pleaser. Hong Kong Beliebers capture @justinbieber onstage. #mycalvins #calvinkleinlive pic.twitter.com/WlbJNBUrEx
— Calvin Klein (@CalvinKlein) June 11, 2015
[Images via Getty Images for Calvin Klein/Instagram]