Justin Bieber’s heady graduation/coronation into adult stardom takes a natty and significant step forward as the 21-year-old superstar dresses up for GQ. He’s on the cover, and the accompanying article is titled “Let Us Now Forgive Justin Bieber.” But forgive him? That’s something half his fans never had to do — and the other half already did. Equal parts underwear model, singer and businessman, Bieber has walked the walk of fame with swagger and also the predictable bumps.
But that’s what people want — no forgiveness needed here. In an age where authenticity is, perversely, the most manufactured product in the media game, Bieber’s battles with regulation young adult temptations are perceived as genuine. They only help the man’s brand. Besides, he’s good-looking, confident and unapologetic. When his hit single “Sorry” broke and seared young girls’ hearts like his old hairstyle had, Bieber was okay with letting people think it was his public apology for his misdeeds. But he’s happy to set the record straight, too. “It really had nothing to do with that,” Bieber tells GQ. “It was about a girl.” Hard to see why this was widely misunderstood, given the sample of lyrics below:
Is it too late now to say sorry?
‘Cause I’m missing more than just your body, oh
Is it too late now to say sorry?
Presenting GQ’s latest cover star: @justinbieber https://t.co/2vgOXSE8WN pic.twitter.com/PbDUQk9N9X
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) February 10, 2016
