Hailey Bieber Takes a Staunch Stand Against Billboard After They Rank Justin Bieber as the 8th Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century: ‘Billboard is a F*ing Joke as Per Usual’**
Hailey Bieber, the model and wife of pop sensation Justin Bieber, recently made headlines when she publicly expressed her frustration with Billboard magazine after they ranked Justin Bieber as the 8th greatest pop star of the 21st century. The ranking, part of a broader list released by Billboard as part of a retrospective on pop music’s evolution in the modern era, sparked an intense reaction from Hailey, who took to her social media to voice her displeasure with both the ranking and the publication’s authority on matters of pop culture.
Justin Bieber, who has been a global pop icon since his teenage years, has consistently been a dominant force in the music industry. From his early days as a YouTube sensation to becoming a Grammy-winning artist with multiple chart-topping hits, Bieber’s career has been marked by unparalleled success. His influence in the pop world, especially during the 2010s, has made him a household name and a staple in discussions of contemporary pop music. However, despite this widespread recognition and his long list of achievements, Billboard ranked him 8th on their list of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century—an honor that Hailey felt was insufficient.
On her Instagram account, Hailey Bieber did not hold back, expressing her disbelief and frustration over the ranking. “Billboard is a f***ing joke as per usual,” she posted, making it clear that she did not agree with their assessment of her husband’s career. Her response was swift and unapologetic, reflecting her loyalty and defense of Justin, as well as her deep dissatisfaction with how his legacy was being viewed by the influential music publication. Hailey’s passionate outburst quickly gained attention, with many of her followers and even some fans of Justin Bieber rallying behind her, supporting her claim that her husband deserved a higher spot.
To understand the full weight of Hailey’s response, it’s important to consider the context of Justin Bieber’s career. Over the years, he has amassed a massive global fanbase, known as “Beliebers,” who have followed him through his highs and lows. From his early success with hits like “Baby” to his more recent work on albums like Purpose and Changes, Justin’s ability to reinvent himself while maintaining commercial success is unparalleled. His influence reaches beyond music, as his personal life, social media presence, and relationship with Hailey also captivate public attention. He’s not just a pop star—he’s a cultural phenomenon, with his impact extending far beyond the confines of the music industry.
Billboard, as one of the most respected and authoritative voices in the world of music, has the power to make or break an artist’s reputation. The ranking of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century was a highly anticipated list, and the top spots were given to artists who had arguably shaped the landscape of pop music, such as Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna. However, many fans and industry professionals questioned why Justin Bieber, despite his long and successful career, was not ranked higher. For Hailey, this ranking was not just a disagreement over numbers but an indication of the lack of respect for her husband’s influence and legacy within the music world.
In her post, Hailey seemed to imply that Billboard—as an institution—has consistently failed to appreciate Justin’s true impact on pop culture. She referred to the magazine as a “joke,” suggesting that the ranking system was flawed or biased. Her use of strong language highlighted her frustration, as she felt that Billboard had unfairly minimized Justin’s contribution to music, despite his role in revolutionizing pop music with his unique sound and influence on younger generations. The post reflected a deep sense of loyalty to her husband and an unwillingness to let such a perceived slight go unnoticed.
Hailey’s reaction to the Billboard ranking also speaks to broader issues within the music industry, where artists, especially male pop stars, often face challenges in being recognized for their long-term influence. While female pop stars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna are often celebrated for their contributions to the genre, male artists, including Justin Bieber, sometimes face scrutiny or are undervalued despite their success. This may be due to shifting cultural trends, changing tastes, or internal biases that influence how the industry views certain artists. Hailey’s outburst can be seen as a defense not only of her husband but also of the broader issue of how the music industry and its gatekeepers evaluate pop stars.
While Hailey’s comments drew significant attention, they also sparked a conversation among music fans and industry observers about how pop music is defined and what criteria should be used to determine an artist’s greatness. Some fans of Justin Bieber rallied behind Hailey, agreeing that her husband deserved to be ranked higher or at least given more credit for his contributions to pop music. Others, however, felt that the ranking was valid, with some arguing that while Justin is a successful and influential artist, other names on the list had more consistent or groundbreaking careers in recent years.
Hailey’s vocal defense of her husband also highlights the powerful role social media plays in shaping public discourse. In an era where celebrities can communicate directly with their fans and the general public, Hailey’s post became an instant topic of discussion, with media outlets picking up the story and fans weighing in on both sides of the debate. Her passionate response added a layer of personal emotion to the otherwise neutral conversation about the Billboard rankings, showing how personal and professional identities can intertwine in the public sphere.
Furthermore, Hailey’s remarks reflect a broader frustration with how the entertainment industry sometimes downplays or overlooks the achievements of artists, especially when those artists break the mold or operate outside traditional boundaries. Justin Bieber’s career has been marked by his ability to adapt and reinvent himself, evolving from a teen heartthrob to a mature artist with a deeper, more introspective sound. His ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape, while navigating personal and professional challenges, should be seen as a testament to his strength and influence.
In conclusion, Hailey Bieber’s fiery response to Billboard’s ranking of Justin Bieber as the 8th greatest pop star of the 21st century highlights the deep personal connection she has to her husband’s career and the challenges artists face in receiving recognition from institutions within the music industry. While Billboard may have its reasons for placing Justin in the 8th spot, Hailey’s comments resonate with fans who feel that her husband deserves more acknowledgment for his impact on pop music. Her outburst serves as a reminder that sometimes the metrics used to measure greatness can feel insufficient, especially when an artist has had a far-reaching influence that goes beyond the confines of rankings and accolades.
Hailey Bieber’s reaction underscores a larger issue within the entertainment industry: the need for fair and balanced recognition of artists who have truly shaped the cultural landscape. For now, one thing is certain—Justin Bieber’s legacy speaks for itself, and with supporters like Hailey by his side, his star will only continue to shine brighter.
As the debate over the ranking rages on, fans and critics alike can agree on one point: Justin Bieber’s impact on pop music is undeniable, and no list can ever diminish that.
