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