He rose up in a glass box, jumped on a trampoline, and had a fan tie back his bleached hair. Only on Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour will you experience such an antic. On March 17, Justin Bieber took the stage in San Jose’s SAP Center and put on a purposeful show… at least that’s what some people would say. Others were turned down by Bieber’s lip syncing and lack of connection with his sold out crowd of over 17,000 screaming fans. Despite Justin’s attitude, which concertgoers called lethargic and off, he could still dance and perform. With an energetic group of dancers, phenomenal band, and an incredible light show, the Purpose tour delivered in more ways than expected by attendees.

With upcoming artists Post Malone and Moxie Raia opening up the show, the crowd was lively before Bieber took the stage. When Post Malone began singing his biggest hit, “White Iverson,” the crowd went wild, echoing his lyrics and filling the sold out center in song. About fifteen minutes later, Beliebers in the arena did the same for Justin Bieber as he arose in a glass cage writing messages on the windows and singing his hit song, “Mark My Words.” Bieber sang along to tracks played by renowned DJ Tay James who accompanying him throughout the worldwide tour.
The effort put in by Bieber and his crew was evident at the Thursday night spectacle. Dancing in a plethora of sparks and under a curtain of water, Bieber did a phenomenal job of entertaining Beliebers for his ninety minutes on stage. Meticulously choreographed, and clearly thought through, the dances were seamless. For some, the lively performance may have been considered “overstimulating.” However, there was always something extra to look at, as if Bieber himself was not enough.
Even those who found the special effects to be too much were able to enjoy parts of the concert. About halfway through the show, a red couch was brought out. Bieber took his place on the deco sofa and began strumming on his guitar, as if he were back on the streets of Canada, where his journey all began. Singing the slower tracks in an acoustic tone, as well as a new, unreleased song, the crowd was enthralled by this side of Bieber. In online reviews, many fans recalled this point in the concert as their favorite moment. Without the dancers, sparks, and other distractions, Bieber was able to connect with his fans during this time. In my opinion, Bieber’s acoustic set was the best part of the show. He seemed into the music and looked as if he was enjoying himself, even making small talk with the crowd. In addition, this was one point in the concert where Bieber actually sang his songs live rather than singing over a soundtrack or lip-syncing.

Following the acoustic set, Bieber threw it back to the very beginning of his career singing Baby and following up with As Long As You Love Me. During this time, Justin Bieber came alive. He interacted with the audience and seemed to be enjoying himself. For a decent portion of the concert, Justin seemed dull, as if he were going through the motions and anticipating the last song. Finally, over half way through this changed. Bieber redeemed himself through the flips he performed on a trampoline suspended thirty feet in the air and the fabulous drum solo he performed on a rising platform. Despite the lack of connection in the beginning of the concert, where Bieber performed with an expression as if he were posing for a mug shot rather than in front of a sold-out crowd, and lip-syncing Bieber displayed, it was clear by the end that Justin still has talent and that he can put on a crazy, entertaining show. Hopefully Justin will be able to maintain engagement with the audience because his San Jose stop was only the fifth of one hundred fourteen shows booked around the globe. Anyone who has the opportunity to experience such talent live should take advantage of the experience and enjoy the show.