Mumbai (The Hindu): “You know you’re at a Justin Bieber concert when a 14-year-old girl in the crowd screams, “I’ve been waiting to see Justin for seven years.” The Canadian pop sensation made his India debut performance at DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, on Wednesday evening, wearing a white T-shirt (with ‘palace’ written on it in a triangle), black shorts, and a pair of blue sneakers. As the show progressed, he changed into a red jersey.

At the start, as choppers flew over the venue, the audience were left guessing which one was carrying the singer, before he emerged from below the stage.

Excitement at its peak

The excitement reached its peak as Bieber addressed the crowd saying, “What a beautiful night tonight. Honoured to be here. You guys are the coolest. Hope you’re ready to have the best night.”

The 23-year-old sang singles from his latest album Purpose, including hits like ‘Love Yourself’, ‘Cold Water’, and ‘Where Are Ü Now’. The show was part of his Purpose Tour, which includes performances in other Asian cities like Dubai and Tel Aviv.

In the news for a long list of demands, Mumbai’s humidity caught the singer off guard, who stopped midway during ‘Cold Water’ to tune his guitar. He was also seen periodically exiting the stage and entering with a hand towel, a bandana, and bottles of water.

The concert, perhaps more Snapchated than Instagrammed, was attended by a stadium full of people comprising mostly teens and pre-teens along with their parents. The crowd, which was let in by 4 p.m. waited patiently till 8 p.m. for Beiber to perform.

Keeping them entertained were DJ Zaeden and Alan Walker, Norwegian DJ best known for his single ‘Faded’. Model and actor Elarica Johnson, best known for her role in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, flagged off the show.

Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale said 500 security personnel along with 25 officers have been deployed to ensure security at the stadium, with drone cameras keeping a constant watch.

Bieber wrapped up his performance with his hit single ‘Sorry’, and a promise to return to India.