Entertainment

Justin Bieber Rocks ‘Today Show’ As Platinum Blonde, Shines On ‘What Do You Mean?’ And More

Published on: September 10, 2015 at 1:05 PM
By Page Mackinley

Justin Bieber and his new platinum blond hair rocked the Today show at the Rockefeller Plaza in a rainy New York City on Thursday morning before hundreds of thrilled fans, many of whom camped overnight to see the superstar.

Looking even blonder than the first time he debuted a bleach ‘do back in December, the 21-year-old was presented with a Guinness World Records plaque by Today hosts before performing to mark becoming the youngest, male solo artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his global smash “What Do You Mean?” earlier this week.

“I feel amazing; it feels awesome,” Bieber said, just before he was given the new plaque. “I’m focused on just inspiring people with my music and doing what I love.”

“Life goes in places you never expected,” he noted, elaborating, “I’m just a young man trying to figure it out like everyone else.

Then, it was time for Justin Bieber to do what he came to do. The singer kicked off his five-song show with a dynamic rendition of his No. 1 single “What Do You Mean?,” before ripping through his biggest hits: the Jack U-produced “Where Are U Now?” “Boyfriend,” a fantastic stripped down take on his 2010 signature classic “Baby,” and a full-on “As Long As You Love Me.”

He also pulled off a perfect slide on the wet stage and received a Twitter shout-out from former Chance The Rapper for the feat, in what was an assured performance in early morning, less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Delighted fans screamed and chanted “Bieber is back.” Meanwhile, People magazine tweeted that the singer told the audience “Thank you so much for waiting in the rain for me. You guys are amazing.”

At one point during his set, Justin looked as if he became emotional, although it wasn’t the outpouring seen at the MTV VMAs . The singer was asked about it when he popped into the Today studio for a quick chat. When one of the hosts quipped that his return wasn’t a comeback as he never really left, the Biebs replied, “I didn’t leave, but I took some time to do some soul-searching.”

Explaining his state of mind during his Today show , the heartthrob admitted, “It just feels so great to feel the acceptance . And it’s not that that’s where I get my validation, but it shows that they’re for me and not against me.”

The singer went on to say, “You always go in situations, especially me now, it’s like I just feel judged. It’s hard. But I’m feeling more confident lately.”

Bieber was also asked how long his platinum coloring took. To which he replied, about two-and-a0half hours. He was also asked if he would be down to play the Super Bowl. “I’d be into it,” the singer said, and didn’t even balk when Taylor Swift was suggested as his co-headliner.

“I think that would be great,” he offered.

The show noted that Bieber’s morning-television debut was on TODAY six years ago in 2010, tweeting a cute GIF in honor of that. Incidentally, the singer’s show wrapped the Toyota-sponsored summer concert series for this year.

While at Today , Bieber also played a private concert backed only by guitar for children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation , the organization the singer has worked with for six years. To date, he has fulfilled over 250 “wishes” for terminally or chronically ill kids and teens.

Six years into the game as a major signed artist, the singer has survived a personal crisis and come back in impressive form with two global hits amid mounting anticipation for his upcoming album, which has a November 13 release date.

It’s an uncharted new era for the superstar and, just like his edgy, platinum blonde hair , this iteration of Justin Bieber looks set to be the most interesting and creative yet.

[Images via D Dipasupil / Getty Images ]

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