Justin Bieber isn’t releasing his new album in September, despite an initial report stating exactly that.
Following the singer’s surprise appearance and premiere of his upcoming single “What Do You Mean” at the iHeartMedia Music Summit in Burbank, California on Wednesday, USA Today — who attended — wrote the following.
“Bieber, himself, took the stage while a recording of the song played, and talked about how proud he is of the upcoming single, and the rest of his record that’s expected some time in September.”
As a result, Beliebers and the news cycle, were lit. Multiple reports published, and online chatter revealed the star’s fans were either delighted, shocked, or doubtful that the Biebs’ fourth full-length album would roll out that fast after his lead single drops on August 28 .
As it turns out, the doubters were right. Earlier on Friday, a tweet was shared at the Justin Bieber Twitter account, which K.O.’s mistaken reports stating the singer’s new album will arrive in September.
Justin, or whoever was tweeting on his behalf, replied to a day-old tweet from the official Twitter of On Air With Ryan Seacrest , which included a link to the station’s coverage of his new album release .
“Not true,” the message stated, referring to the September time frame.
@OnAirWithRyan not true
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 7, 2015
Hours later, Bieber was sent a reply.
@justinbieber eek our bad. This is what happens when we’re not getting our info from he who is legend @mikechester
— On Air/Ryan Seacrest (@OnAirWithRyan) August 7, 2015
It’s unclear how USA Today came away from the iHeartMedia Music Summit with incorrect information. It happens, but it’s now been rectified.
To repeat: Bieber’s new album is not coming out in September. And, at present, there’s no word on when it is landing. But, it is reportedly scheduled for 2015. Moreover, a release in the last quarter of the year is better for effective marketing and promotion of the record.
After hearing the Canadian’s first single, USA Today described it as “a catchy song, with plenty of bass and a slick beat that incorporates the sound of an eery, ticking clock that underscores his lyrics.”
The paper also reported some of the Biebs’ on-stage talk at the summit. The 21-year-old told assembled radio programmers and press, “My music is very awesome, actually. I’ve been working really hard on it. I’ve been taking my time. I haven’t put out an album in over three years.”
Justin acknowledged his incident-heavy past two years, reportedly adding, “I think people want to see me fail. I’ve been working my hardest to not let that happen. I’m still that same kid that you guys met a long time ago. I want you guys to take this journey with me.”
Hits Daily Double reports Bieber addressed the pop radio audience candidly and seriously with the following.
“I’m still the same kid you met, but I’ve grown up and becoming my own man,” he told the room, adding, “It’s been tough for me these past few years, tough in the media. They want me to fail; I’m trying not to let that happen.”
In a similarly humble vein, the heartthrob reportedly went on to say, “I need radio play — I hope you’ll help me with that,” before asking everyone to come together for a group photo for his ongoing, celebrity-assisted single countdown.
What Do You Mean? A bunch of people who met on farmers only. Com ? lol. @iHeartRadio but no #johnivey … #22DAYS pic.twitter.com/f619pQK7sd
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 6, 2015
At one point, Justin apparently quipped, “I’m Scooter’s father’s revenge,” referring to his manager, Scooter Braun, who was on hand. During the iHeartMedia event, Braun showed the social media clout of his artists by making #JohnIvey the top trending topic on Twitter in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, since announcing the imminent arrival of “Mean,” stars including Ruby Rose , James Corden, Mariah Carey , Kylie Jenner, Ashley Benson, and Ariana Grande, posed with hand-held signs to promote Justin’s single.
Today’s features an irreverent video from Josh “The Fat Jew” Ostrovsky, who is a comic, actor, writer, and sometimes TV host.
Bieber’s new single countdown continues.
What Do You Mean? @FATJEW #21DAYS ? pic.twitter.com/HmLUnesjG2
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 7, 2015
What Do You Mean? @ArianaGrande #22DAYS pic.twitter.com/pG9qEP4FaF
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 6, 2015
What Do You Mean? @AshBenzo #23Days pic.twitter.com/VQ7O8ucCxX
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 5, 2015
What Do You Mean? @trvisXX #24Days pic.twitter.com/pCO6JU8Az1
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 4, 2015
When my big bro @SHAQ can’t spell my name. Lol pic.twitter.com/WB2e7EMaSl
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 4, 2015
What Do You Mean? @KylieJenner #25DAYS pic.twitter.com/zC2tVtcUYC
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 3, 2015
What Do You Mean? @JBALVIN #27DAYS #27Dias pic.twitter.com/Z4mgj0qZRa
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 1, 2015
Even @MariahCarey is excited. #WhatDoYouMean pic.twitter.com/d0qAVpULI0
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 1, 2015
What Do You Mean? @RubyRose #29days pic.twitter.com/puCJzS18Cb
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) July 30, 2015
What Do You Mean @RyanSeacrest ? #30DAYS pic.twitter.com/YRbFQVnljb
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) July 29, 2015
[Images via the Hollywood Reporter]