Following his performance at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night, Justin Bieber posted a very moody message on Instagram, accompanied by an equally moody scene of sheep roaming around some lush, I dunno, Irish (???) countryside at the foot of a castle.
I understand the Biebs’ consternation: The Billboard Music Awards are utter bullshit and I’d probably be questioning some things about myself too if I was forced to behave as if any part of that event is meaningful.
In his very lengthy caption, Justin worked through his feelings about the evening, and boy does he have a lot on his mind. Let’s try to break some of this down for our friend Justin Drew Bieber, who seems stressed.
I don’t know about these award shows.. No disrespect to anybody at any of the shows or the people running it. Nothing but love for you guys and your support. But I don’t feel good when I’m there nor after. I try to think of it as a celebration but can’t help feeling like people are rating and grading my performance.
It’s good that he’s expressing some skepticism with award shows, because they are indeed, very silly. Still, I’m not sure why Justin thinks award shows are the only time people are grading his performances. What about morning shows? Late night appearances? When he posts something like this? The world is always judging everyone, so you might just want to get used to that one, buddy.
A lot of people in the audience there to be seem worried about how much camera time they will get or who they can network with. When I’m doing a regular show I feel they are there for the right reasons and to strictly have a good time! But these award shows seem so hollow.
Yes, because they are hollow. The only reason the Billboard Music Awards and 90% of awards show exist is for celebrities and major corporations to plug their upcoming albums, movies and business ventures. People walk down the red carpet as literal billboards for designers. Last night’s festivities were held at something called the T-Mobile Arena. So, yes, Justin, the expectation of time on camera in front of a national audience is the only reason anyone dragged their ass to Las Vegas last night. “The right reasons” are hard to come by in your echelon of corporate stardom and you would do well to accept that fact.
I get the premise is to award people for their accomplishments, but is it really?
No it’s not. See above.
Because when I look in the audience I see a bunch of fake smiles so that when the camera hits them they look happy. Sure there are people truly proud of others so I don’t want to knock them I’m just looking at the vast majority.
Justin, my man. I’m going to break this to you. It is a safe assumption that the vast majority of people, not only in that audience, but around the globe, are not truly happy for the 22 year-old multimillionaire who has never been accountable for anything resembling an adult responsibility in his entire life. We may like the music, but everyone probably hates you personally. It’s fine. You’re rich, and you get to sing and dance for a living.
I just think to myself if I’m living my purpose I want the reward to be fulfillment. I’m getting awarded for the things that I’m doing and not for who I am which is understandable I know it would probably be hard to calculate and award someone’s spirit lol.
Is the money not fulfilling, Justin? Are the millions of adoring fans not fulfilling? Is the ability to acquire and then dump a living, breathing monkey not fulfilling? Look, I really enjoyed Purpose. And Journals? Great. But I’m telling you, what you do not want is a scenario where we’re out here evaluation you on the goodness of your spirit.
When I do get these awards the temptation of putting my worth in what I do is so hard to fight!!!I am privileged and honored to be recognized by my peers in but in these settings I can’t feel the recognition. There’s an authenticity missing that I crave! And I wonder does anybody else.. Sorry not sorry about grammar it’s not my strong point
If it helps, last night, you weren’t actually being recognized by your peers. You were recognized for the chart performance of your music, which can’t actually be altered or determined by your peers anyway. The only solution, if “authenticity” is what you’re looking for, is probably to just completely get out of the game.
Image via Getty