Madison Beer’s life changed forever when she caught the eye of one of the world’s biggest stars. At just 13 years old, Madison was thrust into the spotlight after Justin Bieber tweeted about a YouTube video of her singing a cover of Etta James’ At Last. With that single post, Beer’s life skyrocketed into fame.
“13 years old! She can sing #future star,”
Justin Bieber wrote, and the music world quickly took notice. Signed by Island Records, Beer found herself sharing stages with global sensations, including standing alongside Bieber as he sang “Happy Birthday” to her in front of 20,000 fans. However, the fairy-tale rise to stardom soon began to reveal its darker side.
The Darkest Phase: Madison Beer on Her Mental Health Struggles
While Madison Beer may have seemed like a picture-perfect success story, behind the scenes, she was grappling with deeply personal battles. In 2016, her world came crashing down when private photos of her were leaked online. The distress this caused, coupled with earlier trauma from childhood s*xual abuse, left Madison in a place of overwhelming darkness. She bravely revealed to BuzzFeed that during this difficult period, she struggled with self-harm and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Reflecting on this time in her life, Beer opened up in an interview with The Independent, sharing how isolated and lost she felt.
“There was a lot of very lonesome dark points for me that I felt like not many people or anyone could understand. I felt crazy. And I just made myself feel really horrible.”
Her vulnerability has made her a beacon of hope for fans struggling with their own mental health, as she now openly discusses these issues on social media, hoping to inspire others to seek help and support.
A Journey of Growth: Breaking Free from the “Disney Queen” Image
As her career progressed, Madison Beer realized that the image the industry was shaping for her didn’t align with her personal growth or creative aspirations. After leaving Island Records in 2015, she decided to shed the “Disney queen” image that many had associated with her. Moving toward a more authentic, emotionally driven style, Madison began exploring deeper, more vulnerable themes in her music.
Her transition into indie music gave her the freedom to express herself, but it also came with new challenges. Critics were initially hesitant to embrace her new sound, but Madison remained determined, pouring her heart into every track. Her second studio album, Silence Between Songs, resonated with many who saw the rawness and authenticity in her work. Drawing inspiration from her musical idols—The Beach Boys, Tame Impala, and Lana Del Rey—Beer’s music became a reflection of her personal journey and struggles.
Fighting the “Social Media Star” Label: Madison Beer’s True Passion for Music
Despite her success as a musician, Madison Beer often finds herself labeled as a “social media star” rather than a serious artist. With a staggering 39 million Instagram followers, it’s easy to see why many associate her fame with social platforms. However, Madison has made it clear that music, not social media, is her true passion.
During her interview with The Independent, Madison addressed this perception, saying:
“It used to bother me, but I’ve come to accept it. At the end of the day, I know what I’m capable of, and I don’t need everyone’s validation.”
Beer’s commitment to her craft runs deep. She’s not just in the industry for fame; she genuinely loves music and has a deep connection with it. A lifelong fan of The Beatles, her passion for timeless music shines through in her recent work, particularly on Silence Between Songs.
Madison Beer’s journey from a viral sensation to a mature artist has been filled with ups and downs, but she has come out stronger and more self-aware than ever before. Her openness about mental health, paired with her dedication to creating meaningful music, has earned her respect not just as an artist, but as a person who uses her platform for good.
As she wraps up her 63-show Spinnin Tour following the release of Silence Between Songs, one thing is clear: Madison Beer is here to stay. She’s no longer the girl who was simply “discovered” by Justin Bieber—she’s an artist in her own right, with a voice, a message, and a story worth listening to.
Madison Beer’s future in the music industry looks bright, and her fans are eagerly awaiting what she’ll share next.