In 2020, Bieber made a highly anticipated return to the music scene with his fifth studio album, Changes. Marking a stylistic departure from his previous EDM-pop sound, the album leaned heavily into R&B influences, showcasing a more mellow and introspective side of the artist. Featuring collaborations with Quavo, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Summer Walker, and Kehlani, Changes debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making Bieber the youngest solo artist in history to earn seven number-one albums in the United States—a record previously held by Elvis Presley. Although Changes received mixed reviews from critics, many praised its vocal performances and cohesive sonic direction. Its lead single, “Yummy”, debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok, sparking widespread memes and dance challenges that further amplified its commercial reach.
Following Changes, Bieber released Justice in March 2021, his sixth studio album. Justice marked a return to more mainstream pop while integrating elements of synth-pop, gospel, and contemporary R&B. The album was conceived as a response to the political and emotional turbulence of the early 2020s, with Bieber publicly stating that he wanted the album to provide “comfort” and “healing” in a time of global uncertainty. Its rollout was led by a string of commercially successful singles including “Holy” (featuring Chance the Rapper), “Lonely” (with Benny Blanco), and “Anyone”, each of which charted in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s biggest hit, “Peaches”, featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, debuted at number one on the Hot 100, making Bieber the first solo male artist to debut at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 in the same week. “Peaches” was widely acclaimed for its smooth production and cross-genre appeal, later earning Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
With Justice, Bieber not only reaffirmed his commercial dominance but also took a more active role in social commentary. The album’s themes addressed justice, equality, and personal redemption, and its release was accompanied by statements advocating for racial equity and criminal justice reform. Despite controversy surrounding the use of Martin Luther King Jr. audio samples in the album, Bieber emphasized his desire to use his platform to amplify conversations about systemic issues—an effort that, while divisive, signaled a more socially conscious era in his career.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, Bieber maintained an intense release schedule, appearing on numerous high-profile collaborations. His duet with The Kid LAROI, “Stay”, released in July 2021, became an international smash hit, topping charts in over 20 countries. The song spent multiple weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most streamed songs of the year on Spotify. Its success was credited with helping launch The Kid LAROI into global stardom, and solidified Bieber’s reputation as a collaborative powerhouse capable of bridging generational and genre divides.
Bieber continued to expand his musical repertoire, dabbling in genres ranging from Afrobeat to gospel. In 2022, he appeared on Wizkid’s remix of “Essence” alongside Tems, bringing global attention to Afrobeats and further showcasing his versatility. That same year, he released the gospel-influenced track “Freedom” as part of a surprise EP during Easter, blending faith-based messages with socially conscious lyricism.
Amid this prolific musical output, Bieber also embarked on his Justice World Tour, originally announced in 2020 but postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour officially kicked off in 2022 and included performances across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, in mid-2022, Bieber revealed he had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological condition that resulted in partial facial paralysis. He publicly canceled several shows and eventually suspended the remainder of the tour to prioritize his health. His candid approach to discussing his illness received widespread support, and many praised his vulnerability and transparency in sharing his recovery journey with fans.
In the years following his diagnosis, Bieber gradually returned to the public eye through selective performances and collaborations. In 2023, he partnered with Don Toliver on the single “Private Landing”, appeared in music videos by DJ Khaled, and lent his vocals to various feature tracks across different genres. Despite stepping back from a full album release, his sporadic appearances kept him in the cultural conversation and maintained his relevance in an ever-shifting music landscape.
By 2024, Justin Bieber had sold more than 150 million records worldwide and amassed over 100 billion global streams, solidifying his status as one of the most successful music artists of the 21st century. He had won two Grammy Awards, 26 Billboard Music Awards, 22 MTV Europe Music Awards, and numerous other accolades, spanning genres and international markets. Known for constantly reinventing his sound, Bieber’s discography had evolved from teen pop to electronic dance, R&B, trap, gospel, and even country—thanks to his 2019 Grammy-winning collaboration “10,000 Hours” with Dan + Shay.
Outside of music, Bieber continued to build a multifaceted brand. He launched fashion collaborations under his streetwear label Drew House, ventured into the cannabis industry with a wellness line, and became an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and faith-based living. His marriage to model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) further positioned the couple as one of pop culture’s most-watched power duos, frequently appearing in fashion campaigns, interviews, and social media discussions.
By his early 30s, Bieber was recognized not only as a chart-topping musician but also as a symbol of resilience and transformation. From teen idol to troubled celebrity, and ultimately to a matured and introspective artist, his career became one of the most compelling redemption arcs in modern music history—continually evolving, constantly scrutinized, and relentlessly influential.
