From bad boy pin-up to stadium filler: How Justin Bieber turned his career around

Canadian singer Justin Bieber, surrounded by fans. Photo / AFP

Justin Bieber has gone from half-filling Vector Arena to nearly selling out Mt Smart Stadium in three years. Here's how we think he did it.

There when he needed them

When the Biebs teamed up with Diplo and Skrillex of Jack U for on-trend dance track Where Are U Now big waves were made. Up until this point, Bieber was known for his overly cheesy bubble-gum pop songs and his whiney attempts at R&B.

But things changed with Jack U's help. Skrillex played a vital part in creating some of the best songs on Purpose and Bieber has landed himself another banger, Major Lazer's Cold Water, which Diplo is a part of. It was a huge step in the right musical direction for the Baby hitmaker.

Apparently it wasn't too late to say sorry

After making himself look like a complete tool by egging houses, brawling and landing himself in jail for a day Bieber went out of his way apologies. Sorry was a massive hit, thanks to Parris Goebell's fresh dance video made with her ReQuest crew.

Bieber also made an attempt to have some humility, letting others poke fun at him during his Comedy Central Roast.

Warning: Explicit language

No more floppy hair

Bieber seems to have tried to distance himself as much as possible from the floppy haired kid he used to be.

He cut his locks, bulked up, covered himself in tattoos and scored an underwear modelling contract with Calvin Klein. Experimenting more with his look has definitely helped Bieber move away from his former self.

Singer Justin Bieber has buffed up and covered himself in tattoos. Photo / Getty Images

Bye bye Beliebers

Over the past few years it's clear that Justin Bieber wants to distance himself from his crazed followers. In recent months the Biebs made headlines when he slammed his fans for being "so mean" to his then girlfriend Sofia Richie.

He even threatened to deactivate his Instagram, which he did - and is yet to return. It's pretty clear he wants to reach a wider fan base and in the process of doing that he's trying to get the fans who have grown up with him to have a bit more chill.