Justin Bieber has evolved into one of the most impressive performers in pop history.
Last night, the first of two sold out shows at Staples Center saw the singer at his very best yet live. Playing Los Angeles presents an interesting challenge for any artist with the entire music industry, celebs, and press in attendance, but Bieber simply smiled and killed it. That's the mark of a real icon.
His infectious vocal delivery brought the audience to its feet, while his inimitable "swag", to use the parlance of our times, hasn't been matched by any other pop act of the last decade. He's on a whole different level, and it's gigs like this that reiterate that fact twenty-fold.
He also knows how to make an entrance.
Flying in, literally, with vibrant wings he landed on the stage for a rousing rendition of "All Around the World". It was a fiery and fun beginning to an even more incendiary evening. Bieber's voice sounded literally pristine live as he nailed each note and crescendo, while seamlessly running through dance moves that'd make Michael Jackson proud.
For the show, every element converged magically—from the top-notch staging and production to the dancing to his vocal prowess. "As Long As You Love Me" echoed gorgeously, while "Fall" illuminated just how much natural talent the kid has with nothing more than that voice and guitar.
"Baby" practically caused a seismic event as it's still one of the biggest anthems of any decade, and "Believe" gave an inspirational message with real hope. Not many artists can pull that off like Bieber…
"Boyfriend" sparked the most dancing, and everything ended explosively. In the end, Bieber's picking up the crown from Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake and he's flying to a whole new plateau live. Watch him soar.