Justin Bieber Appeals to Older Women Too: Confessions of Middle-Aged 'Bieliebers'

By Amber James Posted Apr 7th 2010 12:00PM

Shantel Simpson isn't afraid of getting caught dancing to Justin Bieber's music -- even if her three children make fun of her. The 39-year-old mother, who boasts 'Eenie Meenie' and 'Overboard' as her favorite Bieber songs, tells PopEater that her kids "don't like Bieber at all... But I don't care. I blare his music."

Even though the floppy-haired, 16-year-old pop star has a reputation for making young girls swoon into compete hysterics, women over 35 are now stepping forward to admit they've caught "Bieber Fever," too.

Simpson first heard Bieber's music on the radio one day and has been listening to it ever since. "I like Justin's sincerity. He seems really down to Earth, and his mom seems to be doing a good job."

But being an older fan hasn't been easy for Simpson. "People always joke, 'Oh he's jailbait,' or 'He's just too young. He can't sing and doesn't have the voice.' But that doesn't bother me," Simpson tells PopEater. "There are a lot of older fans, but people are just afraid to admit it," she said, adding that her 42-year-old friend in South Carolina likes Bieber too -- even though they both "get made fun of for it."

Bieber has taken the music industry by storm since teaming up with R&B singer Usher, who now acts as his mentor. Usher changed Bieber's life when he scheduled an audition with Antonio "L.A." Reid, who signed Bieber to Island Records in October 2008. The rest is history. [Asking yourself, "Who the heck is Justin Bieber?" Read our handy guide to the 16-year-old pop star.]

Louise Rowe, 45, admits she had preconceived notions when she first heard Bieber's songs on the radio. "Actually, I thought he was black, so when I saw him for the first time, I was surprised like, 'Who is this little white boy?'" she laughs. "He can actually sing. He doesn't need to depend on anyone else or use a synthesizer or auto-tune to sound good."

Despite all the critics, Rowe believes Bieber has a long career in front of him. "Look at what he has done so far with 'My World.' His voice is still changing, but he'll get better over time. I'm really looking forward to it," she said.

Bieber's bubble gum pop pandemonium is obviously expanding, and it's not just consumed by young girls anymore, so rock on, Bieber. Show us what you've got.

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Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber performs during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 5, 2010 in Washington, DC. More photos >>

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Justin Bieber Snapshots

Pop star Justin Bieber performs at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, hosted by President Barack Obama, Monday, April 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Justin Bieber Snapshots

WASHINGTON - APRIL 05: Canadian pop star Justin Bieber performs during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 5, 2010 in Washington, DC. About 30,000 people are expected to attend attended the 132-year-old tradition of rolling colored eggs down the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber Snapshots

WASHINGTON - APRIL 05: Canadian pop star Justin Bieber (R) performs during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 5, 2010 in Washington, DC. About 30,000 people are expected to attend attended the 132-year-old tradition of rolling colored eggs down the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber Snapshots

WASHINGTON - APRIL 05: Children watch Canadian pop star Justin Bieber perform during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 5, 2010 in Washington, DC. About 30,000 people are expected to attend attended the 132-year-old tradition of rolling colored eggs down the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Justin Bieber Snapshots

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Comments

(42)

Thursday 08 April

By stroker

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justin is not all that.

Wednesday 07 April

By serena

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Hopefully Justin Bieber is not appealing to female pedifiles.

By BTDT

This kid has an incredable publisist.

By loveyouhotmiley

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Even though I'm not a Justin B. fan I can relate. I'm an older Miley fan and even like Hannah Montana. You like what you like. Especially when Miley was younger people would usually roll their eyes or think it strange to like a Disney star. But I have found lots of people older than teens that like her now. And if someone has a great song and sings it well, who cares if they are 16 or 60?

By Vanessa

If you are over the age of 13 and are still listening to Bieber's "music" you need to have your head examined.

By prestonfay3

I think that young women like Justin Bieber for his looks. But older women like him for his singing and talent. I look past an artist's age when I listen to their music. If they pull me in the first 7 or 22 seconds of the first song I hear from them, then I'm hooked.

By leolux10

Ummm, WHAT "looks"? The kid is as average as any OTHER little white boy walking about! Brunette, brown eyes, goffy little kid look. I'd say it's his fame, and perhaps his singing ability.

I'll tell ya. Just about anyone can be considered a "sex symbol". They only stop short of calling him that, due to his age.

By jillian

I gave him a chance and listened to his music, everyone deserves a chance. I don't get it. Sounds like a pubescent boy in that little girly voice trying to be all "hot and current" when it definitely brings back memories of the 80's not to mention that Junior High physical appearance. He's a one hit wonder....move over Debbie Gibson, he'll soon follow!!

By icyfae212

Well, if she likes his Music then i find no issue. Personally, not my thing, but to each his own.

Now, if She likes HIM then it's disturbing. Since this woman claims to like his music there's nothing wrong with it.

By Michael gifford

isnt' the thought of older women liking justin bieber just a little, well pervy? I mean cougar city here, or fantasy of past innocence but my god, the kid's what 16? creepy

By lmdkerz@aol.com

I'm over 40 and I like "Justin Bieber!" Nope I'm not a "Cougar." I'm happily married to a man 5 years older than me, and a Mom to one son. I just learned who "Justin Beiber" was the other day after my husbands co-workers mentioned our son looked like this singer named "Justin Bieber." So, of course, I had to watch the video, and I have to say, I think the boy has talent; and YES they were right he does look a little like my son. So I'm just a lucky Mom and now a fan of "Justin Bieber's." So next time you see a Mom over 40 that likes Justin it might not mean she's a "Cougar" as you stated, but maybe she's a lucky Mom to a handsome son. Or maybe she has a daughter that hopes to catch a boy like ours someday. ;-)

By bob

Liking his music is one thing, but those creepy old hoes who are at his shows crying and screaming like the little girls there... WEIRD.

By Mr. Leo

When his balls drop, so will his appeal. LOL!!!

By jon

You forgot to mention how many boys and older men who like Bieber too, dont forget about them , ,.lol

By magusap

At first I really want to put a pillow on my ears. but hearing it over and over in the radio he is starting to grow on me. I still think the hair style has to go. He is the new mini me of M and M. I hope he does not grow up to be a drug addict and lear to save his money..

By GUIRISH AGNI

This kid has potential. For a start he sings much more in tune than Miley. He is naturally gifted with his vocals. Hope he doesn't get into Late M. Jackson's eccentric mould. I am not sure his videos show him to be a good role model for our future generation of boys. At that age I would expect our sons to be more into math and science to take our country once again to the leadership position in the world that was ours in the past.

By mariam

umm, someting wrong with this picture? "I would expect our sons to be more into math and science to take our country once again to the leadership position in the world that was ours in the past"...sons? whatever happened to sons and daughters or just children?

Monday 12 April

By firejoy

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Mariam's remarks are well taken. Justin is a boy hence a son and the remarks are specifically meant for our sons who would see him as a role model. I have no problem including our daughters who want him as a role model. Thanks Mariam, we are on the same page.

By allenschroeder3

Yeah, he sings like a girl but all the other guys do too! As far as older women go, during the 1940s the girls were crazy about "Frankie", and their moms (secretly) liked him too--and he wasn't near as good-looking as Justin.

By Brooke

He seems like such a sweet kid. His music isn't really my thing, And I'm not "into" him like those little girls are. But every time I see him on TMZ or doing an interveiw or whatever, he just seems really nice. Like someone I'd want as a little brother. :)

I hope his success doesn't go to his head...

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