Justin Bieber appears to be about ready to drop the first single from his highly anticipated upcoming album.
This is not a drill, or speculation based on a probably non-Justin Bieber authored post on one of his social media accounts. News that the 21-year-old superstar is evidently almost ready to unleash new music comes via an unlikely source — E! host Maria Menounos.
Like Bieber, Menounos attended the ESPN-televised Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games for athletes with intellectual disabilities, which took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. During the event, the Canadian walked out Team Canada. He also met and took selfies with Menounos, Maria Shriver, and pal Cody Simpson.
According to the E! presenter, the Biebs let her hear his new single and even sang it.
Alongside a photo of the group, Menounos tweeted “#specialolympics! @codysimpson @mariashriver @justinbeiber..justin gave me a sneak peak of his new single-so cool!”
#specialolympics ! @codysimpson @mariashriver @justinbeiber ..justin gave me a sneak peak of his new single-so cool! pic.twitter.com/t5jmMurwug
— maria menounos (@mariamenounos) July 26, 2015
Menounos added, “#SpecialOlympics @CodySimpson @justinbieber @mariashriver backstage..justin even sang his new single to me-u will.”
#SpecialOlympics @CodySimpson @justinbieber @mariashriver backstage..justin even sang his new single to me-u will pic.twitter.com/EzhpcFCEn9
— maria menounos (@mariamenounos) July 26, 2015
It’s reasonable to assume that Bieber playing a song to a host from a major media network and calling it his new single, means it is likely to be the lead single from his new album — and further — that it’s coming down the pipeline sooner rather than later.
Menounos isn’t the only one loving the superstar’s new jams. According to a group of fans, the Biebs invited them to an impromptu listening session in a Los Angeles recording studio later on Saturday.
Early on Sunday, Twitter user Stalker Sarah recalled , “Just spent some time in the studio w/ @justinbieber & heard new music… oh my god… completely blown away. U guys are going to love this.”
She went on to add , “@justinbieber had his eyes closed and was so passionate about this new music. He put everything into it. I am so excited.”
Just spent some time in the studio w/ @justinbieber & heard new music…oh my god…completely blown away. U guys are going to love this.
— Stalker Sarah (@SarahMOnline) July 26, 2015
– @justinbieber had his eyes closed and was so passionate about this new music. He put everything into it. I am so excited.
— Stalker Sarah (@SarahMOnline) July 26, 2015
Other fans’ tweets follow.
Justin just took us in the studio and played us his new music. So much heart and soul was put into it…just wow @justinbieber
— Tatum (@TatumBateman) July 26, 2015
I can’t wait for you all to hear the song when his album comes out, you’re all going to love it. it’s different and so much more emotional.
— steph (@electrcvibes) July 26, 2015
I won’t disclose the lyrics, however the song will definitely be on the album, he said. I’ve never heard his talent shine through like this.
— Asia Gousse (@DazzlingAsia) July 26, 2015
Naturally, after the fans tweeted about Bieber’s new music, other fans had questions. A recurring one asked if his new tracks are like his 2013, low-fi, confessional R&B Journals collection, or radio-friendly, hit-packed, 2012 Believe album.
“Completely new sound,” Sarah replied intriguingly to one query.
Completely new sound https://t.co/xY318tu4Q0
— Stalker Sarah (@SarahMOnline) July 26, 2015
Another fan offered the following.
Hung out with jb for like 15 mins and he invited us in the studio to listen to the song he just finished. Blessed is an understatement.
— shelby (@champagneshelbs) July 26, 2015
I can’t wait for the world to hear this one. It’s so special. Pure emotion. So beautiful.
— shelby (@champagneshelbs) July 26, 2015
@suffersbieber easy listening
— shelby (@champagneshelbs) July 26, 2015
As for the $64 million question of when Bieber’s new single and album will touch down, Sarah reiterated the frequently heard “soon.”
Reveals that Bieber’s new material will be emotional, echo hints from previous interviews. In April, he told On Air With Ryan Seacrest that his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez , “inspires” a lot of his new music. Speaking to Martha Stewart for his recent cover story with Interview magazine, the singer revealed Skrillex — who he collaborated with on “Where Are Ü Now” along with Diplo — “is on a really new wave.”
Justin explained that Skrillex “has found a way to take my vocals and mix them, and play with them, and pitch it up to make it higher with these cool effects that sound… futuristic . We have a really good chemistry.”
For his part, Braun recently told the Los Angeles Times that Diplo has a “pivotal role” on Bieber’s album, which suggests Jack Ü’s involvement is now bigger than even they first imagined. Kanye West and Rick Rubin are/were also on production chores.
Based on the fans’ post-studio tweets and the heartthrob’s tweets and interviews, details on the sound of his first single and new album are general. But, at least one thing is very clear: Beliebers cannot wait until Justin Bieber drops the motherload.
Justin’s so incredible allowing true fans to listen to his work before anyone else. it really cements the relationship we have together
— j (@AhoyBieber) July 26, 2015
when has anyone elses fave invited their fans into the studio to hear their new music
— jordan (@biebsuschrist) July 26, 2015
There’s a few if not no other artists that treat their fans as well as he does let alone invite them to the studio
— ? (@naturalIy) July 26, 2015
Jb wanted fan feed back, not to give anyone special treatment. Everyone’s going to hear this song veryyyyy soon by the sounds of it!
— shelby (@champagneshelbs) July 26, 2015
We can’t wait for all the new music! We know you’ve been working hard to perfect it and just know that we’re going to love it! @justinbieber
— Bieber-news.com (@yourbiebernews) July 26, 2015
@TatumBateman @TheEsthersPuppy @justinbieber literally can wait for this album!! He is so talented!
— THANK YOU ESTHER (@KingBizzlesAss) July 26, 2015
JBs next album is going to be THAT ALBUM. The one the worlds been waiting for.
— shelby (@champagneshelbs) July 26, 2015
[Images via Getty Images]