Justin Bieber has announced he is retiring.
The 19-year-old singer told radio station Power 106 in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday December 17th 2013, ‘After the new album, I’m actually retiring man. I’m retiring.’
Bieber revealed he is taking a step back from the music industry when his new album, Journals, is released next week, and it could be permanent.
Radio host Kurt Alexander popularly called Big Boy, exclaimed ‘What?’ as Bieber dropped the bombshell, audible gasp were also heard from the radio programme’s cast.
Bieber, who was sure was quite serious about his statement, backtracked after their reactions, saying he hasn’t made up his mind ‘I want to grow as an artist and I’m taking a step out, I want my music to mature.’
The singer went on to explain that he is no longer attracted to the idea of fame. ‘I’m here solely for my fans and for the music’, he said.
Beliebers were heartbroken about the announcement, and there were reactions of tears among his teenage female fans.
However, a source close to Justin told TMZ the 19-year-old was just joking and has no plans to permanently hang up his microphone.
The insider said: ‘The kid’s got ambition.’
