VMAs 2015: Justin Bieber reveals he was crying on stage because he felt 'overwhelmed' at people cheering him after being booed last year
It had nothing to do with his emo haircut, surprisingly
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Justin Bieber, pop music’s very own difficult middle child, was one of the stand-out artists at the MTV Video Music Awards this weekend.
Not for performing his new songs "Where R U Now" and "What Do You Mean" - although they’re both very good - but because he broke down in tears after an emotional performance and proved, after a year or so of brutal PR mishaps, that he might have a heart after all.
A year ago, Bieber was known for abandoning his monkey in another country, attacking paparazzi and staring stony-faced at his shoes during a deposition, claiming he was so confused by the question "Have you ever been to Australia?" that he couldn’t possibly give an answer.
So why the tears? Was it because Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj’s argument was upsetting him? Was he moved by Kanye West’s poignant speech? Was his harness a bit tight?
Surprisingly it was none of the above.
The reason he was so upset, a well-placed source claims, is because he wasn’t expecting anyone to cheer for him.
"He didn’t know how people would accept him. When he saw them on their feet cheering, he was overwhelmed," the source told US blog Gossip Cop.
"Last time he was on an award show he was booed. This time he was cheered for. It meant a lot to him."
Bieber took to Twitter after the performance to thank people for their support after clips of him crying went viral on social media.
"Thanks for always making me smile," he said.
Are we about to witness the second coming of Bieber? A Justin-naissance? Watch this space.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments