How Justin Bieber Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Justin Bieber across different fields.

Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer and pop icon known for his genre-bending music. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, he was signed to RBMG Records, a label formed by Braun and Usher. Bieber's debut EP, *My World* (2009), achieved international success and launched him into teen idol status.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1963: Youngest solo male act to top the chart since Stevie Wonder

In January 2010, Justin Bieber became the youngest solo male act to top the chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963, when his debut album My World 2.0 debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

1965: Elvis Presley's Record

In 2021, Justin Bieber broke Elvis Presley's 1965 record as the youngest solo act to have eight US number-one albums.

1995: Adetunji compared the album Purpose to Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill.

The Conversation's Jo Adetunji compared Justin Bieber's album Purpose to Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill released in 1995.

1998: Adetunji compared the album Purpose to Madonna's Ray of Light.

The Conversation's Jo Adetunji compared Justin Bieber's album Purpose to Madonna's album Ray of Light released in 1998.

2006: Adetunji compared the album Purpose to Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds.

The Conversation's Jo Adetunji compared Justin Bieber's album Purpose to Justin Timberlake's album FutureSex/LoveSounds released in 2006.

2011: Views on Sexual Abstinence and Abortion

In 2011, Justin Bieber shared his views on sexual abstinence and abortion, stating he doesn't think one should have sex without love and expressing his opposition to abortion, considering it "like killing a baby".

2011: Orlando Sentinel compared the cultural significance of Bieber to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

In 2011, The Orlando Sentinel compared the cultural significance of Justin Bieber to that of Mark Zuckerberg, noting Bieber's influence and prominence in contemporary society.

2011: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2011, Time magazine named Justin Bieber one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2012: Included on Forbes' List of Top Ten Most Powerful Celebrities

In 2012, Justin Bieber was included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities.

2013: Included on Forbes' List of Top Ten Most Powerful Celebrities

In 2013, Justin Bieber was included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities.

June 2014: Videos with Racist Language Emerge

In June 2014, videos surfaced of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke using the word "nigger" and singing "One Less Lonely Girl" with altered racist lyrics. He apologized for his mistakes.

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2015: "Steps to Stardom" exhibit broke attendance records set by its Anne Frank House exhibit.

The "Steps to Stardom" exhibit on Justin Bieber's early career at the Stratford Perth Museum broke attendance records that were previously set by its Anne Frank House exhibit in 2015.

2016: Named the "Greatest Pop Star of 2016" by Billboard.

In 2016, Justin Bieber was recognized by Billboard as the "Greatest Pop Star of 2016," highlighting his significant impact on the pop music scene.

October 2018: "Steps to Stardom" exhibit was originally scheduled to close.

The "Steps to Stardom" exhibit on Justin Bieber's early career at the Stratford Perth Museum was originally scheduled to close in October 2018, but its run was extended due to its popularity.

February 2019: Would "laugh at his past self".

In an interview with Vogue in February 2019, Justin Bieber expressed that he would "laugh at his past self", indicating a changed perspective on his earlier years and experiences.

2020: Addiction Struggles Revealed in 'Seasons'

In 2020, in his American YouTube docu-series Seasons, Justin Bieber opened up about his struggles with addiction, including consumption of lean, MDMA, and hallucinogenic mushrooms, during the early stages of his career.

January 2021: Reflection on 2014 Arrest

In January 2021, Justin Bieber reflected on his 2014 arrest, describing it as "not [his] finest hour" and encouraging fans to embrace forgiveness.

November 19, 2021: "Under the Mistletoe" listed among greatest holiday albums

On November 19, 2021, Justin Bieber's album, Under the Mistletoe, was listed among the Greatest of All Time Top Holiday Albums chart by Billboard.

2021: Awarded the MTV Award for Artist of the Year in 2021

In 2021, Justin Bieber was awarded the MTV Award for Artist of the Year, recognizing his sustained success and impact on the music industry.

2024: Social Media Presence in 2024

As of 2024, Justin Bieber is the fourth-most-followed user on Twitter and the most-followed musician with over 110.3 million followers. His YouTube channel remains the most viewed music channel for an individual with over 32 billion views, and he remains the most subscribed solo artist with over 73 million subscribers.

April 2025: Most Streamed European/American Artist on NetEase Cloud Music

In April 2025, NetEase Cloud Music named Justin Bieber as the most streamed European/American artist in the platform's 12-year history with more than 11.9 billion streams.