Justin Bieber, a pop sensation and Grammy Award-winning artist, took the stage on New Year’s Eve in 2020 for the first time in three years.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic soared throughout the world, everything continued to shut down and artists in the music industry like Bieber became innovative.
With the assistance of his team, Bieber assembled a live concert for only 240 guests on the roof of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, one of the locations hit hardest by COVID-19.
Since most people were in lockdown, the concert was livestreamed worldwide by T-Mobile and was also documented. It is now known as “Justin Bieber: Our World,” available on Amazon Prime Video.
As an audience, we always want to know what’s going on behind the scenes. “Justin Bieber: Our World,” produced and directed by Michael D. Ratner, gives us insight into just that as Bieber takes us backstage into his career and personal life while he and his team prepare for the concert.
The film begins on Dec. 1, 2020, as Bieber vlogs himself getting ready for rehearsal.
Designed to share his experiences, the vlog feels intimate and personal for the fans.
From the placement onstage and dance moves to lighting and sound, watching Bieber and his team intensely rehearse the show from top to bottom for hours, all while wearing masks, is quite remarkable.
Bieber and his team intensely rehearse the concert for hours.
Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
Though rehearsals are shown to be on track, they eventually hit a roadblock when the creative director and lead choreographer Nick DeMoura tests positive for COVID-19.
The virus was just one of the many setbacks for the entire crew. With 11 days left until the concert, a rare storm paused their stage construction plans and dampened rehearsals.
Despite these unexpected events, the dedication and loyalty of the teams, from production to the band, played a pivotal role in the show’s success. Observing Bieber throughout the film, you can see his efforts to surround himself with people that reflect who he wants to be and how he wants to feel.
For instance, his wife, Hailey Bieber, is shown by his side. She has kept him grounded, contributing hugely to his mental well-being and his drive to achieve continued success.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber spend quality time together before the concert.
Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
The film documents a positive phase in Bieber’s life, which is vastly different from the Bieber of the past who was plagued by controversy. His songs now instead reflect his new, happily married life.
The concert itself is incredible.
Even though many were watching through a screen, one felt like they were there as Bieber performed all his greatest hits, including “Boyfriend,” “Anyone,” “Holy,” “Lonely” and, of course, the one and only “Baby.”
The energy through his 21-song set only continued to increase. There is no doubt his audience was impacted by his vocal artistry and the execution of the entire show. I myself had chills running through my body.
Bieber sings “Where Are Ü Now.”
Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
The several cameras that allowed the audience to see different angles of the singer, dancers and stage are definitely noteworthy in creating the high-quality production.
Some viewers may find the documentary’s structure unappealing since it jumps and overlaps between the live concert and behind-the-scenes tapings. Others may feel that the lengthy footage of the performance overshadows the short clips of Bieber’s everyday life, as it is a concert-based film.
Overall, the documentary shows Bieber echoing the coming together of this concert amid the pandemic turmoil.
Justin Bieber looks into the crowd after performing.
Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime
“Being able to provide a service and share my gifts to bring some happiness to people during such a sad and scary time has meant the world to me,” Bieber said in the film.
No hurdles were insurmountable for Bieber during the event. Just like always, his immense talent was at the forefront and he didn’t fail to impress.
