Justin Bieber’s recent retirement announcement has sparked delight in some circles and despair in others. Since the comment, Digital Spy reports the singer’s reps have said he was joking.
The teen icon made the comment during his guest spot at a Los Angeles radio station Power 106 on Tuesday, after he was asked about his new album.
“This new album, I’m actually retiring man. I’m retiring,” Justin told his host Big Boy, in a voice that had seen better mornings.
The 19-year-old added quietly, “I’m just gonna take some time, I think I’m probably going to quit music.”
Most have assumed the album Bieber is referring to is Journals , his (now) 16-song collection that includes 10 previously released tracks in his Music Mondays series and hits iTunes on December 23.
However, Billboard recently reported the superstar will drop his new full-length album in the fourth quarter of 2014. So, if we are taking the kid seriously, retirement could still be a while off yet.
After Justin’s statement, which, from the video sounded as if it was delivered with a sizable amount of blarney, Big Boy said, “No! I’m glad you announced that. I’m not going to play nothing else but that!”
Our theory is Bieber was joking or feeling a little out of sorts.
The “Big Boy’s Neighborhood Show” spot was scheduled to start at 07:00 am but the singer rolled through about two hours later, citing L.A. traffic in a tweet en route. He also revealed he had just three hours of sleep.
On another note, after coming off his now wrapped Believe world tour and an unprecedented year that defies definition, it seems Justin still has a lot to prove.
In the shortened interview which resumes today , he said:”I want to grow as an artist and I’m taking a step out, I want my music to mature.”
In addition, over the last few months leading up to the Christmas Day opening of his Believe movie Bieber has spoken often about setting the record straight on incidents, rumors, and general noise that continues to be reported as if he’s the long-lost descendant of Ghenghis Khan.
Alluding to the raft of on and off tour exploits that include — a farcical brothel exit Brazil, a visit to a strip club, a “sleeping” video filmed by a Brazilian woman who claims she had sex with the singer and allegedly featured in porn — Bieber told his host,
“I’m 19, I’m gonna make mistakes. It’s inevitable.” He continued, “People think I’m arrogant, I’m not, I’ve always been a caring and giving person,” and said he was “here solely for my fans and for the music.”
That doesn’t sound like someone thinking about throwing in the towel before the age of majority.
Which should reassure fans commenting at Justin’s Instagram page and elsewhere.
Just read that justin Bieber is retiring…my life is now in shambles if you need me I’ll be crying in my room forever!
— Patricia Clark (@P_Trish) December 18, 2013
@Horny4DaBiebs You’re obviously a big belieber so I wanna ask you something,I was just wondering if the rumors of Justin Retiring were true?
— I love you? (@Jolee_Taylor) December 18, 2013
Although some appear rather less concerned:
I’m sorry but if you actually believed Justin was retiring then you’re stupid..
— WATCH VID IN BIO (@biebsterfolife) December 18, 2013
“Believe the truth,” the young buck wrote on Twitter before signing off Tuesday night.
If you retire Biebs, who will tell it?
Believe the Truth. #ChristmasDay http://t.co/OuEVZY2usK
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) December 18, 2013