The Kid LAROI is sharing some heartfelt insights into his friendship with Justin Bieber, a relationship that’s not only grown into a solid bond but has also impacted how he views himself, fame, and even what it means to be a “role model.”
At just 21, the Australian artist has achieved massive success, partly due to his collaboration with Bieber on their hit song “Stay” in 2021. In a recent interview on The KIIS Network’s Will & Woody, LAROI revealed how their connection has evolved and what Bieber’s support has meant to him, especially as he navigates the pressures of fame.
Opening up on the expectations that come with fame, LAROI discussed the complex idea of being seen as a role model. “For me, I think the whole thing about being a role model is usually looked at as being like these things we’re talking about, like a perfect person [who] never [makes] a wrong move,” he said. “And if that’s what it means, then I don’t want to be a role model. Or, like, maybe we redefine what that means because it’s just not attainable.”
This pressure to be perfect has weighed on him, but he’s learning to accept his humanity. “There is a lot of pressure to be a role model or to do things perfectly, but understanding within myself, like I’m just a guy,” LAROI shared. “I’m just a human. I’m not going to get everything right… I think being able to have that acceptance in yourself, like, you know what, I’m going to try my best, but I’m not going to get everything right — I think having that is like the first kind of step.”
Justin Bieber has played a major role in helping LAROI adopt this more grounded outlook. “I mean, he’s honestly part of the reason probably why I am kind of thinking like this a little bit,” he said, explaining that Bieber has become something of a mentor. “He has the best advice, the best knowledge when it comes to that stuff… What I go through is not even a tenth of what he had to go through. So, I think a lot of it is definitely having a big bro you can go to who’s already been through everything, like, times ten.”
LAROI went on to share how their friendship came about. It all started when Bieber DM’d him on Instagram, saying something simple like, “love your music.” That message turned into an invitation to the studio to listen to Bieber’s Justice album. From there, things just clicked. “I think the next time we played basketball at his house, and it was just kind of natural like that from there,” he recalled.
The friendship hasn’t just been casual hangouts, though. According to LAROI, Bieber’s support is consistent and genuine. “He’s just always been super… that’s a really cool thing about him that’s so special,” LAROI said. “He’s just so open and welcoming and always hitting me [up] every day like, ‘hey, how are you feeling? Are you good?’”
And Bieber’s kindness has inspired LAROI to do the same with his own friends and family. “It translates to me as well,” he added. “Because then I pick up on that… I’ll check up on him, or I’ll text a friend or my brother or something. It helps you want to pass on that type of energy.”
Recently, LAROI and his girlfriend Tate McRae even joined Bieber at Hailey Bieber’s Rhode party, proving that the bond between the two artists has grown into a lasting friendship, one that’s both meaningful and impactful for LAROI.
