Why Justin Bieber Cried Over Billie Eilish
On Feb. 14, Justin Bieber treated his audience to his new album, Changes, his fifth one in a career that spans more than a decade. While he’s only 25, it’s been long enough for fans to digest his track record when it comes to music and his personal life.
Lately, Bieber fans have been offered an atypical glimpse into the pop star’s life via his YouTube docuseries, Seasons, and although he’s clear that his new wife helped him to transform his life, it’s evident he still struggles with fame and is empathetic toward other artists.
One of them is Billie Eilish, the 18-year-old singer who’s been taking the world by storm.
Bieber can relate to Eilish
During an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple’s Beats 1, Bieber discussed his new music, his transformation, and his start in the business. One of the things he touched on is being young and impressionable as a kid in the music industry and essentially growing up in the public eye.
Additionally, Lowe brought up Bieber’s first meeting with Billie Eilish and how he felt about her reaction. Bieber said he wanted to protect the moment, and referenced Kobe Bryant’s death by stating you never know how many encounters you’ll be able to have with someone.
When speaking about Eilish, he started to tear up.
“I just wanted to be a good example. It was hard for me being that young and being in the industry and not knowing where to turn and everyone telling me they loved me and … you know … just turn their back on you in a second.
So, if she ever needs me I’m gonna be here for her. But, yeah, just protecting those moments because people take for granted encounters, and I just want to protect her. And I don’t want her to go through anything I went through.”
Bieber further elaborated on his experiences in the spotlight
Bieber added that he didn’t wish some of the things he went through on anyone and said if Eilish ever needs him, he’s just a phone call away. He also spoke about the type of “love” received through fame versus what he has with his wife, Hailey. He’s learned that they’re entirely different things.
In terms of his past, Bieber said his faith helped him get through the “dark” times and off the path of self-destruction. Lowe interjected and commented that artists have their own problems that aren’t solved by being rich, and Bieber echoed that that’s something he’d love for people to understand.
He implied that he too can potentially have major problems at any given time – emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Billie Eilish responds to Bieber’s comments
Eilish, who is in the middle of a meteoric popularity climb due to her discography and recently released track for the No Time To Die soundtrack, caught wind of Bieber’s interview.
She considers him one of her musical idols and the pair met at Coachella in 2019, an emotional moment caught on camera. The two embraced and it’s clear they formed a bond.
Eilish posted an excerpt from Bieber’s interview and included some photos of her old bedroom which was decorated with Bieber posters. She wrote “Stream Changes” in the caption and Bieber replied with a “Love you!!!”
Early reviews of Bieber’s Changes album peg it as an ode to his love story with Hailey (Baldwin) Bieber, with Variety calling it serious and for lovers but lacking joy. Billboard praised it as a passion project that’s at its best when Bieber’s marriage is the focus. Changes is out now.
