Justin Bieber has surprised fans with a dramatic new look, sporting a bushy beard that marks a significant departure from his usual clean-shaven appearance. The 31-year-old pop star was photographed in Los Angeles on Thursday, leaving the Jim Henson studio in a Denali, wearing quirky silver shades with an orange tint and various facial and ear piercings. His neck tattoos were on full display, as was a bright green pimple patch on his forehead.
The new beard has divided opinion on social media, with some fans praising his rugged image while others remain unconvinced. The transformation comes as Bieber dropped a surprise album, Swag II, on streaming platforms at midnight, less than eight weeks after his seventh album, Swag. The new record comprises 23 tracks and has been hailed by some as his best work to date.
Fans have taken to X to express their enthusiasm, with one user writing, 'this is album is one of justins finest works and unapologetically the best music he’s ever made.' Another added, 'justin can’t ever put out a bad album because he has the best voice in the world.' Bieber's wife, Hailey Bieber, also showed her support, sharing screenshots of her favourite songs on Instagram Story, including 'I Do', which appears to be a tribute to her.
In the song 'I Do', Bieber affirms his commitment to Hailey with lyrics such as 'Never loved you more than I do right now' and 'You will always be the one that I choose'. Elsewhere on the album, he addresses public criticism in the track 'Speed Demon', singing, 'They try to say I’m out of my mind / But now they singing every line'. The release follows a period of concern among fans over Bieber's erratic behaviour on social media and rumours of marital strife.
