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Elton John Praises Justin Bieber’s Purpose: ‘Your Album Is A Great Pop Record’

By Page Mackinley
Published on: 05:11 PST, Jan 21, 2016

It’s not every day that music legend Sir Elton John bestows glowing praise on a contemporary artist. But Justin Bieber and his acclaimed new album Purpose have just received exactly that.

Justin Bieber’s highly successful music and personal comeback was one of the big stories of 2015, and it continues. Currently atop both the official U.S. and U.K. singles charts with “Sorry” and “Love Yourself” — respectively, the young superstar has broken multiple chart records around the world following Purpose’s release on November 13, 2015.

Notably, Elton John previously revealed the Biebs’ past struggles and those of other child stars inspired the title track of his last album The Diving Board, which rolled out in 2013.

Now promoting his new album, Wonderful Crazy Night, the 68-year-old icon recently spoke with Beats 1 radio host Zane Lowe about his upcoming record, Bieber’s fall and rise, writing with Lady Gaga and her return after ARTPOP, and more.

Of the Biebs’ against-the-odds renaissance, John said, “He was hanging by his fingertips. His career was nearly over. He had his first hit when he was 15.”

Referring to the Canadian singer’s past difficulties, the father-of-two continued, “One of the things I hate about this business is seeing people fall.”

Compassionately, Elton went on, “And I thought, ‘God, you know, he’s made some really bad decisions. He’s just being a kid, and he’s surrounding himself with the wrong people.'”

Enthusiastically praising the 21-year-old heartthrob’s turnaround, the British superstar added, “And then he kinda wised up, made a great pop record, and he’s got three songs in the top five! And, I am so happy for him. I’m so pleased for him, because when people fall people love to rub it in, and he was hanging on by his fingertips.”

Recalling his concern during Bieber’s turbulent year and a half away from the spotlight, Elton said, “You watch from afar and you think, ‘Shall I give him a call? And you think ‘No, not at the moment.'”

Coming back to the present, the veteran entertainer directed his next comment to the Biebs, declaring, “But, if he is listening to this: Well done. I am so happy for you.”

“Your album is a great pop record, and I’m so pleased that you’re still in the game.”

At that point, Lowe agreed with his guest, describing Purpose as a “really good, tasteful pop record,” Elton also noted the game changing effect of Justin’s EDM-pop collaboration with the Jack Ü titans Skrillex and Diplo on the Grammy-nominated “Where Are Ü Now.”

“He did the Skrillex record, which gave him credibility,” John said. “And so, that was a great move…and…you know the boy can sing! The boy is a great singer.”

Summing up why Bieber’s Purpose is enjoying such huge commercial and critical heights, John concluded, “So, the Skrillex record – and then, you know – choosing and making a pop record which sounds as if he’s making the leap from boy to man.”

It’s a stunning endorsement, and it’s more than likely Bieber will take to Twitter at some point later today to thank John for his support.

Meanwhile, the Biebs and his longtime songwriter partner, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd were spotted visiting a recording studio in Hollywood on Wednesday. The now lavender-coiffed star also shared snippets of new music over the past few days.

Later that evening, the singer jetted to Las Vegas with friends to attend the opening night of Jennifer Lopez’s All I Have residency at Planet Hollywood’s AXIS theater.

As might be expected, Bieber was one of many stars there. He later accepted an invitation for some fun with actress Rebel Wilson, TV host Kelly Osbourne, Today’s Hoda Kotb, Caspar Smart, and more.

During his Beats 1 sit-down, John described Wonderful Crazy Night — which was reportedly written in just 17 days with longtime lyricist partner, Bernie Taupin — as a “joyous record.” The album is set for release on February 5. Take a listen to the third single “Blue Wonderful” below.

To hear the interview in full, click here.

[Images via AKM-GSI]

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