Jaime Cevallos doesn’t tell many people about one of his favorite new musical talents.
But the 33-year-old San Francisco resident was so taken with Justin Bieber’s performance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” that he almost immediately told his wife she should check out his music.
“I’m probably the most unlikely Justin Bieber fan,” Cevallos said. “The kid has soul and passion along with a well-crafted sense of timing [that comes from his passion and hard work], and that leads to good music … and I’m just a fan of good music, all kinds.”
More than 15,000 fans are expected to pack the Maryland State Fairgrounds on Sunday to hear the Ontario, Canada, native tour behind his 2009 platinum-selling debut album, “My World.”
The 16-year-old originally caught the world’s attention when he posted his performance at a local singing competition on YouTube.
Soon R&B sensation Usher brought the then 15-year-old to the attention of Island/Def Jam Chairman L.A. Reid, who signed Bieber.
Perhaps his newfound fame is as surprising to those that know him as it is to his new fans. Consider one of his junior high school friends who is now selling a seventh-grade yearbook — complete with Bieber’s signature — on eBay.
“We weren’t the best of friends, but we were good enough friends to hang out, outside of school,” recalled Bieber’s former schoolmate, who would identify himself only as Christian because of security concerns. “I didn’t know at the time that Justin would be famous, but I had heard a few things about him singing, and maybe getting a record deal, but he seemed to keep it to himself, and not really tell many people.”
Of course once the word was out there was no stopping fans of all ages.
“What is it about him that got me hooked? His drive,” Cyrus Webb, 35, of Washington, said. “And then, let’s not forget his music. This guy is really talented. He is someone who knows his strengths — his voice — is working on his weaknesses — dancing — and is able to combine it all to give a great show.”
And for those who are turned off — or won’t tune in because of the teen factor, fan Alex Knepper, 20, also of Washington, said, “His attitude may be irritating, but let’s get real: We were all obnoxious when we were 16. His music, though, is top-class pop.”
