Justin Bieber’s ‘POPSTAR’ Music Video Shocker: Lip-Syncing Selena Gomez’s Name Sends Shockwaves

The music world was buzzing in July 2020 when superstar Drake dropped a verse on DJ Khaled’s track, “POPSTAR,” daringly name-dropping former celebrity flames Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. This move alone pushed boundaries, sparking widespread discussion among fans and media alike. However, the true shockwave hit the internet on September 3, 2020, with the release of the official “POPSTAR” music video. In a twist no one saw coming, it wasn’t Drake leading the visual narrative, but none other than Justin Bieber himself. And the surprises didn’t stop there. Not only did Bieber flawlessly embody the titular ‘popstar’ lifestyle, taking over all of Drake’s parts, but he also gamely — and perhaps bravely — mouthed along to the lyrics, including the very line that referenced his famous ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez. This unexpected display instantly became a viral sensation, igniting a firestorm of speculation, memes, and deep dives into the complex history of “Jelena” and its lingering presence in pop culture.

The narrative of the “POPSTAR” video kicks off with a humorous and relatable scenario: DJ Khaled, known for his energetic collaborations, is seen bombarding Drake with increasingly desperate video messages. Khaled’s pleas are clear – he needs a music video for their chart-topping “Popstar” collaboration, and he needs it now. Overwhelmed by the barrage of messages and seemingly unable to commit to filming himself, Drake devises a clever workaround. He calls in a massive “favor,” enlisting the help of global icon Justin Bieber to essentially portray him in the extravagant visual. This initial premise sets the stage for a meta-commentary on celebrity life, the pressures of fame, and the humorous lengths artists might go to when juggling multiple commitments. Bieber, stepping into this surrogate role, was tasked with bringing Drake’s lyrical boasts to life, all while performing in his own signature, high-octane style.

As the music video properly unfolds, viewers are immediately immersed in the lavish, over-the-top world of a quintessential “Popstar.” Justin Bieber, embracing the role with theatrical flair, is depicted indulging in every imaginable celebrity excess. We see him partying exuberantly with a coterie of stunning models in what appears to be his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion – the very same luxurious abode he shares with his wife, Hailey Baldwin. The visuals are a spectacle of opulence, capturing the glitz and glamour often associated with the highest echelons of music stardom. Further adding to the self-aware humor and celebrity insider references, Justin’s long-time manager, Scooter Braun, even makes a memorable cameo. This inclusion is a direct nod to Drake’s cheeky lyric in the song: “I’m a popstar, but this s–t ain’t bubblegum, yeah/ You would probably think my manager is Scooter Braun, yea.” As the Biebs enthusiastically lip-syncs through Drake’s verses, the anticipation builds, particularly as he draws closer to the now-infamous line that had initially set the internet ablaze months prior: “Look, Ariana, Selena, my Visa.”

The moment of truth arrives, and Justin, ever the professional and fully committed to his acting gig, doesn’t flinch. He delivers the line with complete conviction, flawlessly mouthing the names, including that of his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez, alongside Ariana Grande. This deliberate choice to include and perform the line, rather than subtly skip over it or edit it out, spoke volumes and instantly became the video’s most talked-about segment. The internet erupted, with fans and critics dissecting every frame. Was it a calculated move? A sign of maturity? Or just a playful jab? Regardless of the intent, the visual of Justin Bieber lip-syncing Selena’s name in a major music video, years after their high-profile split, was undeniably captivating. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, highlighting the sheer unexpectedness and cultural weight of the moment. One particular tweet encapsulated the general sentiment, pointing out the surreal nature of the situation:

The “Popstar” video, however, had one final, brilliant narrative twist. Just as viewers were processing the implications of Bieber’s candid performance, the entire extravagant, party-filled sequence is revealed to be nothing more than a vivid dream. In a clever cinematic homage reminiscent of *The Wizard of Oz*, where the fantastical journey culminates in a return to reality, Justin awakens abruptly in his own bed. Beside him lies his real-life wife, Hailey Baldwin, bringing a poignant and grounding end to the elaborate fantasy. “You okay?” Hailey asks, her voice cutting through the lingering echoes of the dream. Justin, still disoriented, replies, “Yeah I’m good, I had a crazy dream. Drake asked me to be in a video, but he wasn’t in the video…I love you baby.” This concluding scene subtly yet powerfully reaffirms Justin’s commitment to his marriage. It sends a clear message that while his past may be a part of his public narrative, his heart and reality firmly belong with Hailey. It was a deft move that allowed for the playful re-engagement with his past while simultaneously underscoring his present happiness and stability.

This viral lip-syncing moment wasn’t the first instance that year where Justin inadvertently sparked chatter about his ex. Just weeks prior, in August, fans believed they had caught the “Changes” singer in another subtle Selena-related moment. Justin had shared a screenshot of his HBO Max dashboard. Eagle-eyed followers were quick to notice that prominently displayed in the corner of his screen was a promotional banner for Selena Gomez’s new cooking show, Selena + Chef. While it’s true that the show wasn’t on Justin’s actual “watch next” list or explicit queue, its visible presence on his personal streaming interface caused an immediate social media uproar. The screenshot instantly fueled a fresh wave of theories and discussions, leaving fans to debate whether it was a mere coincidence, an algorithmically generated suggestion, or a fleeting moment of nostalgia. This incident, occurring so close to the “POPSTAR” video release, only served to amplify the ongoing public fascination with their intertwined histories.

These public moments of revisiting the past also align with Justin’s own reflections on his highly publicized, on-again, off-again relationship with Selena Gomez. Their romance, which captivated millions, roughly spanned an arduous eight years before officially concluding in early 2018. Earlier that same year, in February, Justin openly admitted to not always handling their complex dynamic with the care and maturity it deserved. During a candid interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the singer confessed, “In my previous relationship, I went off and just went crazy and went wild, just was being reckless.” This admission provided a rare glimpse into his personal struggles during that intense period of his life and career, acknowledging the emotional turbulence and public scrutiny that defined much of their time together. It was a significant moment of self-awareness for the pop star, offering context to the tumultuous nature of “Jelena” from his perspective. He emphasized how his life trajectory dramatically shifted after Hailey Baldwin entered the picture, whom he eventually married in September 2018 in a private ceremony, followed by a larger celebration a year later. “This time, I took the time to really build myself and focus on me, and try to make the right decisions and all that sort of stuff. And yeah, I got better,” Justin explained, highlighting a conscious effort towards personal growth, stability, and a more grounded approach to his relationships and mental well-being. This profound shift, he suggested, was instrumental in forging the strong foundation of his marriage with Hailey.

For her part, Selena Gomez had her own perspective on Justin’s public confession regarding their past. A source EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife at the time that, “Selena feels vindicated by Justin’s words but that doesn’t take back all that happened while they were together.” The term “vindicated” here suggests a sense of validation, an acknowledgment of her experiences and the emotional toll the relationship had taken. While Justin’s words offered a form of closure or understanding, the source made it clear that they couldn’t erase the past. Selena, deeply committed to moving forward and forging her own identity, doesn’t want her highly publicized romance with Justin to overshadow her artistic endeavors or personal growth. Yet, there was also a measure of comfort in his honesty. “Selena doesn’t want her relationship with Justin to define her but she does feel some comfort that he spoke out about what he did. She hopes that he is being genuine,” the source elaborated. This sentiment reflects her desire for authenticity and respect, underscoring the complexities of navigating a public breakup while both individuals continue to evolve under the relentless glare of the spotlight. It speaks to a shared history that, despite their separate paths, continues to intertwine in the cultural consciousness.

The “POPSTAR” music video, with its audacious cameo and even more audacious lyrical performance by Justin Bieber, served as a powerful reminder of how celebrity relationships, even long-ended ones, continue to resonate and shape public discourse. It highlighted the intricate dance between personal lives and public personas, especially in an era dominated by social media and instant reactions. The video’s clever blend of humor, extravagance, and a poignant dream sequence allowed Justin to playfully acknowledge his past while firmly cementing his present and future with Hailey. Whether a calculated marketing ploy or a genuine moment of playful reflection, Bieber’s lip-syncing of Selena Gomez’s name became an indelible pop culture moment, proving that some narratives, particularly those as iconic as “Jelena,” retain an enduring grip on the collective imagination, always ready to spark another conversation.