

Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber’s Collaboration: The Shocking EDM-Pop Anthem That Took Over the Charts
The music industry thrives on unexpected collaborations, but few have generated as much excitement as the joint effort between Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber. Both artists are global superstars in their respective genres—Garrix dominates electronic dance music (EDM), while Bieber has been a pop sensation since his teenage years.
When rumors first surfaced that these two icons were working together, fans across the globe were left wondering:
- Would it be an EDM banger or a heartfelt pop anthem?
- Could Bieber’s smooth vocals blend seamlessly with Garrix’s high-energy beats?
- Would this collaboration redefine the boundaries of modern pop and dance music?
What followed was a chart-topping hit that not only met expectations but shattered them, proving that the world of EDM and pop could merge in spectacular fashion.
The Backstory: How This Unlikely Collaboration Came to Life
The music industry thrives on connections, and both Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber had mutual industry ties that led to this monumental project.
1. Shared Management Under Scooter Braun
One of the biggest factors behind this collaboration was Scooter Braun, who happens to manage both Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber. Braun, a music mogul known for crafting strategic partnerships, saw a golden opportunity in pairing these two artists.
Garrix had already been making waves with hits like “Animals” and “Scared to Be Lonely,” proving that he could dominate both club dance floors and mainstream radio. Meanwhile, Bieber had successfully transitioned from teen heartthrob to mature pop star, experimenting with electronic-infused hits like “Where Are You Now” (with Skrillex & Diplo).
2. Their Natural Chemistry
Despite their different backgrounds, Garrix and Bieber shared a deep respect for each other’s music.
- Garrix had expressed admiration for Bieber’s vocal versatility and ability to adapt to new genres.
- Bieber, in turn, had praised Garrix for his production genius and ability to create anthemic melodies.
This mutual appreciation made the collaboration feel natural rather than forced.
The Song: A Perfect Blend of EDM and Pop
When Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber finally announced their song, fans were expecting something extraordinary—and they weren’t disappointed.
1. The Sound: A Seamless Fusion of Two Worlds
The track combined:
- Bieber’s emotional, heartfelt lyrics and smooth vocal delivery
- Garrix’s signature uplifting melodies, pulsating beats, and euphoric drops
Unlike traditional festival bangers, this song took a more melodic approach, making it just as suited for radio airplay as it was for a massive festival stage.
2. The Lyrics: A Story of Love and Redemption
The song’s lyrics touched on themes of self-reflection, love, and personal growth, themes that resonated deeply with both artists’ fanbases.
Given Bieber’s history of public struggles and redemption arcs, the song felt deeply personal and authentic. Meanwhile, Garrix’s instrumental arrangement amplified the emotional weight, making it a track that both pop and EDM lovers could connect with.
3. The Drop: A Refreshing Departure from Typical EDM Formulas
While many fans expected a hard-hitting, bass-heavy drop, Garrix took a different approach—crafting a melodic, emotional climax rather than an aggressive festival-style drop.
This decision paid off massively, as it
- Made the song radio-friendly
- Showcased Bieber’s vocals without being overshadowed by heavy beats
- Made the track versatile enough to be performed acoustically or with a full EDM setup
Chart Domination: How the Song Took Over the World
As expected, the Garrix-Bieber collaboration was an instant success.
1. Streaming Records Broken
- The song debuted at #1 on Spotify’s Global Top 50, gaining millions of streams within hours.
- It hit 100 million streams on Spotify faster than any of Garrix’s previous releases.
- It was featured on every major playlist, from EDM heavy rotations to mainstream pop selections.
2. Billboard & iTunes Success
- The track debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- It became a multi-week #1 hit on iTunes in multiple countries.
- The song was a radio powerhouse, topping charts in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.
3. International Reception & Critical Acclaim
- EDM critics praised Garrix’s innovative approach, calling it a refreshing take on pop-EDM crossovers.
- Pop critics applauded Bieber’s emotional performance, saying it was one of his best vocal deliveries.
- Music bloggers called it the “perfect summer anthem,” blending emotion with an infectious beat.
The song’s success further solidified both artists as global powerhouses, proving that collaborations between EDM producers and pop singers could produce magic.
The Live Performances: A Spectacle Unlike Any Other
After the song’s release, fans were eager to see it performed live on stage—and Garrix & Bieber did not disappoint.
1. Ultra Music Festival: The Ultimate Surprise Performance
At the Ultra Music Festival, Garrix shocked the crowd by bringing out Bieber for a surprise performance.
- The crowd erupted in excitement, marking one of the festival’s most iconic moments.
- Bieber’s live vocals over Garrix’s soaring production created a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Coachella & Other Festivals
The song also became a staple at major festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and EDC, with other DJs remixing and playing it in their sets.
3. Acoustic Renditions
To showcase the song’s versatility, Bieber performed an acoustic version at several live events, further proving its emotional depth beyond the EDM world.
The Aftermath: The Lasting Impact of the Collaboration
The Martin Garrix x Justin Bieber song wasn’t just a one-time hit—it had a lasting impact on both the artists and the industry.
1. The Rise of Pop-EDM Crossovers
Following the success of this track, more EDM artists began collaborating with pop stars, leading to:
- Zedd & Maren Morris’ “The Middle”
- Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss”
- Kygo & Selena Gomez’s “It Ain’t Me”
This track opened the floodgates for similar genre-blending songs.
2. Garrix’s Evolution as an Artist
- This song marked a turning point in Garrix’s career, showing he could balance both club anthems and radio hits.
- He continued working with mainstream artists, expanding his audience beyond EDM fans.
3. Bieber’s Continued EDM Success
- After this track, Bieber embraced electronic music more, collaborating with artists like DJ Snake and The Chainsmokers.
- It solidified him as one of the most versatile pop stars in the industry.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Moment in Music
The Martin Garrix & Justin Bieber collaboration wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural moment that showcased how EDM and pop could create something extraordinary together.
With its record-breaking success, unforgettable live performances, and long-term industry impact, this track remains a landmark in modern music history. One question remains: Will they ever collaborate again? Fans can only hope