The internet has brought us many musicians, but none have been as successful as Justin Bieber. Winning over guys with his cool tunes and girls with his smooth moves, the 16-year-old singer appeals to a cross-section of audiences. But coming hot on the heels of Justin’s success is a new tween challenger in the form of 12-year-old Greyson Chance. Does Greyson stand a “chance” against Bieber Fever? CombatCorneris here to decide!
ROUND 1: YOUTUBE ATTENTION
JUSTIN BIEBER: Justin’s career began after his mother posted videos of him on YouTube, starting with a performance of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” at a local singing competition. Although he gained a reputation online as “kidrauhl”, none of his videos ever surpassed 7 million views before he was signed as an artist.
GREYSON CHANCE: Similarly, Greyson got his start after posting a video of himself playing the piano and singing a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a local talent showcase. Unlike Justin’s videos, Greyson’s performance skyrocketed to the top of YouTube’s “Most Viewed” playlist within days, garnering almost 30 million views to date.
The web is gaga for Greyson! Justin might need “Somebody to Love” after this round!
SCORE: JUSTIN BIEBER – 0
GREYSON CHANCE – 1
ROUND 2: CHART TOPPER CHALLENGE
JUSTIN BIEBER: If the measure of musical success is mainstream consumption, then Justin Bieber is at the top of the pack. With hit singles like “Baby” and “One Less Lonely Girl”, Justin became the first artist to have seven singles from a debut album on the Billboard Hot 100.
GREYSON CHANCE: Things look a little grey when it comes to measuring Greyson’s success. Although he clearly succeeded in grabbing the Internet’s attention, will he also be able to release a top-selling album? Maybe, but he hasn’t proven it yet.
There’s nothing “Eenie Meenie” about Justin’s record sales. Bieber bags his first point!
SCORE: JUSTIN BIEBER – 1
GREYSON CHANCE – 1
ROUND 3: “BEAVER” FEVER
JUSTIN BIEBER: When Canadian talent migrates south, it’s easy for it to get lost in the mania of the mile-a-minute music biz. This Stratford, Ontario native has not only managed to stay afloat, he has infected the world with a case of Bieber Fever, proving once again that Canada can compete with the best (and win)!
GREYSON CHANCE: Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Greyson inspires awe in many who watch him, but the hype around his budding career hasn’t reached feverish levels.
Justin might just make “Beliebers” out of us yet! The Canuck wins another point for making Canada proud.
SCORE: JUSTIN BIEBER – 2
GREYSON CHANCE – 1
ROUND 4: SONG WRITING STREET CRED
JUSTIN BIEBER: Justin is credited with helping to write most of his songs, but he had a lot of help along the way. While he is no doubt very talented, he doesn’t exactly strike listeners as the singer/songwriter type. Perhaps because they are over-produced and over-played, his songs seem to lack sincerity.
GREYSON CHANCE: Greyson, on the other hand, has natural raw talent. He has written at least two songs entirely on his own, including “Broken Hearts” which has a memorable melody and heartbreakingly honest lyrics. If the singing thing doesn’t work out, Greyson definitely has a future in song writing.
Greyson’s song writing skills tip Bieber “Overboard”. The score is tied!
SCORE: JUSTIN BIEBER – 2
GREYSON CHANCE – 2
ROUND 5: THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE
JUSTIN BIEBER: Justin is a celebrity in his own right; but, before he found fame, Usher found him. The five-time Grammy Award-winning R&B artist beat out Justin Timberlake to sign Bieber, which set Justin on the path to stardom. When you attract the attention of that kind of talent, you must be doing something right!
GREYSON CHANCE: Meanwhile, Greyson Chance was given a record deal from AMERICAN IDOL judge Ellen DeGeneres within two weeks of appearing on her talk show. In fact, Greyson was the very first artist signed to her new record label, Eleveneleven. Impressive? Yes, but Ellen is no Usher.
Greyson reaches for the “Stars”, but he’s still “Stuck in the Moment”, clearing the way for Bieber to get even “Bigger”.
SCORE: JUSTIN BIEBER – 3
GREYSON CHANCE – 2
ROUND UP: This was Greyson’s “One Time” to shine, but instead Justin left him thinking “That Should Be Me”. With his powerful voice and song writing skills, Greyson Chance is definitely one to watch. But while we wait, our ears will be tuned to Usher’s chart-topping Canadian protégé. Justin Bieber rules the day!