Justin Bieber (Live Vocals) (2013) (Chile)

Description

By the time Justin Bieber's Believe tour stormed into Chile in 2013, his voice was the sound of an artist in a crucial state of transformation. At 19 years old, he was no longer the boy with the high, sweet tenor who sang "Baby." Instead, the voice that echoed through the stadium was a more complex, maturing instrument, revealing the R&B-influenced vocalist he was becoming. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics during that performance: 1. A Deepening, Textured Tone: The most noticeable change was the deepening of his voice. The boyish, almost soprano-like quality of his early years had settled into a richer, more grounded baritenor. The once-prominent nasality had begun to recede, replaced by a warmer, more rounded tone, especially in his mid-range. On songs like "All Around the World" and "Beauty and a Beat," his voice had a new weight and presence that could cut through the massive sound of the live band and the roaring crowd. 2. R&B-Infused Agility and Runs: This was the era of his Journals project, and that influence was undeniable in his live singing. His performance was steeped in a newfound R&B sensibility, heavily inspired by artists like Usher and Michael Jackson. He would effortlessly weave intricate vocal runs (melisma) into melodies, particularly at the end of phrases. This wasn't just showing off; it was a core part of his vocal style, adding a silky, fluid texture to ballads like "Fall" and giving an extra rhythmic punch to mid-tempos like "As Long As You Love Me." 3. The Vulnerable, Breathy Falsetto: During the acoustic portion of the show—a highlight for many—Bieber's voice was at its most raw and intimate. When he sat with his guitarist for songs like "Be Alright," his voice shifted into a delicate, breathy falsetto and head voice. This technique conveyed a sense of vulnerability and emotional sincerity that connected powerfully with the audience. It was soft but controlled, demonstrating a dynamic range that went beyond just powerful belting. 4. The Strain of a High-Energy Pop Show: It's also important to note the realities of a massive stadium tour. On high-octane numbers that required intense choreography, his voice naturally showed signs of the physical exertion. There were moments of breathiness and a slight, appealing rasp that came from dancing and singing simultaneously. While backing tracks were used to support the overall sound and harmonies (a standard for shows of this scale), his live lead vocal remained the clear focus, exhibiting both impressive stamina and the occasional, humanizing imperfection. In summary, Justin Bieber's voice in Chile on the Believe tour was a fascinating duality. It was the powerful, polished instrument of a pop superstar executing complex R&B runs with confidence. At the same time, it was the vulnerable, still-maturing voice of a young man, capable of stripping everything away for a moment of raw, acoustic connection. It was the sound of an artist proving he was more than a teen phenomenon—he was a vocalist coming into his own, right before the eyes and ears of the world.