Grammy-winning star Justin Bieber staged a dazzling comeback to the live music scene with a catchy performance in Toronto this week. The pop icon, renowned for his chart-topping hits, remixes, and fan-favorite tracks, graced the stage at the intimate 2,500-capacity venue for the “Drew House x Toronto Maple Leafs” show, setting the stage on fire ahead of the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend.
The highly-anticipated event, hosted at Drake’s History Club, marked Bieber’s first live set in over a year. Clad in a Drew House hockey jersey, the Canadian artist enthralled the audience with a short set, treating them to a musical journey through his extensive catalog.
The performance held special significance as it preceded Bieber’s upcoming role as team captain at the annual All-Star Game, scheduled to take place after a hiatus of over a year. The cancellation of his Justice World Tour in 2022, following a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome in June of the same year, left fans eagerly awaiting his return to the stage.
Reflecting on the toll of touring, Bieber had previously shared that the decision to cancel the tour was a necessary one. Since then, he made occasional appearances on stage, including a notable set at Don Toliver‘s Rolling Loud performance in March 2023.
Thursday night’s show, however, marked a significant moment for the performer as he returned to his home country, showcasing his musical prowess. The setlist featured a diverse array of tracks, including his remix of SZA‘s “Snooze,” My World 2.0 singles like “Eenie Meenie,” and an updated version of the iconic “Baby” enriched with impressive vocal runs.
Bieber continued to captivate the audience with later hits such as “Peaches,” “Hold On,” and “Ghost,” demonstrating his versatility as an artist. The energy reached new heights when the artist extended an invitation to his friend and “Stay” collaborator, The Kid LAROI, although the latter did not make an appearance.