“When I look in the Audience I see a Bunch of Fake Smiles” – Justin Bieber’s Thoughts on Performing at Award Shows

Award-Winning Pop Star Justin Bieber has come out to slam award shows barely a day after performing and winning two awards at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

His reason for this, the star-studded audience members often put on “fake smiles” for the cameras.

On the BBMAs stage, Justin performed a medley of “Company” and “Sorry” and he has come out to let fans know that he really doesn’t feel good at awards shows;

Here’s what he shared on Instagram:

I don’t know about these award shows.. No disrespect to anybody at any of the shows or the people running it. Nothing but love for you guys and your support. But I don’t feel good when I’m there nor after. I try to think of it as a celebration but can’t help feeling like people are rating and grading my performance. A lot of people in the audience there to be seem worried about how much camera time they will get or who they can network with. When I’m doing a regular show I feel they are there for the right reasons and to strictly have a good time! But these award shows seem so hollow. I get the premise is to award people for their accomplishments, but is it really? Because when I look in the audience I see a bunch of fake smiles so that when the camera hits them they look happy. Sure there are people truly proud of others so I don’t want to knock them I’m just looking at the vast majority. I just think to myself if I’m living my purpose I want the reward to be fulfillment. I’m getting awarded for the things that I’m doing and not for who I am which is understandable I know it would probably be hard to calculate and award someone’s spirit lol. But When I do get these awards the temptation of putting my worth in what I do is so hard to fight!!!I am privileged and honored to be recognized by my peers in but in these settings I can’t feel the recognition. There’s an authenticity missing that I crave! And I wonder does anybody else.. Sorry not sorry about grammar it’s not my strong point

Earlier this month, Justin told his fans (also via Instagram)that he wouldn’t pose with them for selfies anymore because it makes him “feel like a zoo animal”.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Kevin Winters