Bieber was 12 years old when he entered a local singing competition in Stratford coming out in second place[3], In late 2007 Justin and his mother started posting videos on
YouTube[4] so that his family and friends that couldn't make it would be able to see his performances.
Bieber has covered songs by Usher, Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson[4].
A few months after he started posting videos he was discovered by
Scooter Braun[4], a former marketing executive of So So Def. Who later became his manager. Braun flew Bieber to Atlanta, Georgia where he met with R&B singer/songwriter Usher [4]. A week later Bieber had the opportunity to sing for Usher, Usher liked what he saw and wanted to sign him on the spot.
Though Usher was not the only star looking to sign the young talent. other stars such as Justin Timberlake also wanted to sign him, but Justin later chose Usher. He took Bieber under his wing, and got him an audition with Antonio L.A. Reid at Island Records. Impressed with what he heard, Reid signed Bieber to Island Records in October 2008[4].
In July 2009 Bieber's first single "One Time" hit the charts reaching number 4 in Canada on its first week[4]. He is currently in the studio working on his debut album "My World" which is set to release on September 15, 2009[5].
2009-Present: My World
Bieber is currently working on his debut album, My World, which features guest vocals from Usher, who also appears in the music video for the single "One Time".[6] Currently Justin is on a promotion tour promoting his single One time and has made various appearances on many radio stations.
The album is scheduled for release on September 15, 2009[5]. He will also release an EP on August 11.[4]
