Justin Bieber Finds ‘Purpose:’ Honors Christina Grimmie & Orlando Nightclub Shooting Victims
Justin Bieber had vowed to his fans and the world after the terrible shootings occurred last month that he would keep his scheduled concert date in Orlando during his Purpose World Tour. That’s just what Bieber did at Amway Center in Florida, and he went one step further by honoring those who lost their lives in the devastating tragedies, reported E News.
Those who questioned whether Justin seemed to be seeking a new path in life found their answer when the singer chose to use his signature “Purpose” song to pay tribute to those who were killed. The names of the 49 victims shot at the Pulse nightclub, in addition to Christina Grimmie, were projected onto the stage as part of his performance.
Grimmie was an alum of The Voice, and she shockingly lost her life when she was killed at a meet and greet with fans prior to the Orlando night club shooting. As her name and those of all the other victims were projected and scrolled onto the stage, Bieber turned around to sing to those names.
The emotional scene created by Justin moved many on Twitter, as well, when a concertgoer posted the experience.
The emotional concert experience wasn’t just for show, as Justin proved by turning to Twitter himself to express his gratitude and show his support for Orlando.
“Thank you for tonight. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself. #OrlandoStrong,” tweeted Bieber.
Thank you for tonight. Don't ever be afraid to be yourself. #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/ezvQT2g4nk
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) July 1, 2016
In addition to Justin, many celebrities have stepped up to honor the victims of the horrific shootings, which ranks as the most deadly mass shooting by one gunman. Ryan Murphy directed a Human Rights Campaign video that paid tribute to those who were killed.
The Orlando shooting at the nightclub is the deadliest occurrence of violence directed at the LGBT community in the nation’s history.
“For too long, a toxic combination of anti-LGBTQ hate and easy access to guns has put LGBTQ people at disproportionate risk of violence and murder.”
Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, Kerry Washington, and Laverne Cox were among the 49 stars who contributed to the video, which provided information about each victim, from their partners to their school studies.
And just as with other celebrities stepping forward to honor the 49 victims, Bieber also was not the only one to take time during a concert to honor The Voice alum Christina Grimmie.
“When she was 14, we met her and my parents and I signed her,” recalled an emotional Selena. “One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her. And I think it’s not about a religion and it’s not about anything or good deeds. It’s just that she had faith.”
The sobbing singer admitted that she feels confused as well as hurt by the loss of her friend, turning to music as a way to honor her memory.
“I don’t really understand how this really happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her.”
After wiping the tears from her face, Gomez received support from her fans, who called out their encouragement. She then sat at the piano to perform Hillsong Worship’s “Transfiguration” in honor of Christina.
During her performance of “Nobody,” the singer struggled with her emotions. Almost unable to sing, she mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to her sympathetic audience as she sought to complete the words of the song.
[Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP]
