MANILA, Philippines – Perhaps the famous 17-year-old in the world, recording artist Justin Bieber has sold more than five million albums since releasing his first single barely more than two years ago. The Canadian had no dreams of stardom at 12, when videos of him singing were posted on YouTube for his friends and relatives to enjoy.
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never is the inspiring true story and rare inside look at the rise of Justin from street performer in the small town of Stratford, Ontario to Internet phenomenon to global superstar culminating with a dream sold-out show at the famed Madison Square Garden in 3D.
Hundreds of Justin’s fans along with his famous friends Miley Cyrus, Will Smith, Usher and Selena Gomez filled the L.A. Live complex for the US premiere of the teen pop star’s first movie, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.
The mostly tween and teen crowd, many in homemade T-shirts proclaiming themselves to be Bieber’s No. 1 fan, packed the L.A. Live plaza hours ahead of the screening, hoping for a star sighting.
“It was the greatest movie ever,” said 13-year-old Hanna Zeile. “I would watch it over and over.”
Bieber’s fans who call themselves “Beliebers” play a big role in Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. They’re shown throughout the film in their T-shirts, singing along with his songs and crying from sheer joy at seeing him in person.
Fans in the theater screamed and waved glow sticks during the 3D concert footage, just like fans at his actual concerts.
“I’m so happy I have such amazing fans,” Bieber said as he introduced the film. “Tonight isn’t even about me. It’s about spreading the message that anything is possible.”
If computer, television and mobile phone screens aren’t big enough for his throngs of fans, they’ll be able to catch him on the motion picture screen — in 3D, no less — when the concert film and documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never opens nationwide soon.
(Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, directed by Jon Chu, is a United International Pictures release through Solar Entertainment Corp. It will be shown in 2D and 3D format at your favorite theaters starting March 23.)