Justin Bieber and Jasmine Concert in Celebration

Celebration Town Center became an entertainment happening on a recent Saturday night with the appearance of teen-age phenom Justin Bieber (aka “JB”) at the annual Radio Disney Holiday Concert.   JB was joined by Jasmine, another 15-year old singer, who had recently been named winner of a competition that earned her a spot on the venue.

Crowd estimates ranged from 24-35,000 fans, who jammed Market and Front Streets to watch first Jasmine and then JB perform their latest hits. Many fans drove from as far away as Georgia to attend the event, and we talked with other avid JB fans who flew in from Colorado and Los Angeles.  For Celebration Town Center, the size of the audience was second only to the appearance last year by Hootie and the Blowfish.

Being a largely teenage audience, the cheers and screaming were often deafening.  Fans near the stage strained to reach out and touch JB’s hand when he occasionally approached the edge during his performance.  Those few that did may not have washed their hands for some time.

Thanks to the restraint by the fans and with the help of deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department, the concert was safe with virtually no injuries.  No less than eight Sheriff’s Deputy cars were spotted nearby just before the concert began.

In this reporter’s exclusive interview with JB prior to the concert, he revealed that he keeps up with school studies with the help of a tutor who travels with him.  His favorite subject is writing.  His favorite sport is Hockey, not surprising for a native Canadian who grew up and still resides in Stratford, Ontario.  His Christmas present wish?  A Segway.  (No word as to whether he actually got his wish gift or not.)

JB recently released the first part of a two-part album My World; the second part is due to be released soon. He is the only artist in Billboard history to have four singles from a debut album appear in the Top 40 of the Hot 100 before the album’s release.  Those four included One Time, One Less Lonely Girl, Love Me, and Favorite Girl.

Also appearing onstage was another 15-year old singer named Jasmine, who the week before had been named winner of Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” competition.  A Nashville native, Jasmine had just arrived from Los Angeles where she recorded an acoustic performance and appeared onstage with Justin Bieber at a Citadel Concert. Her singles Make a Movie and Nothing Left Said are already hits.  Jasmine is home schooled and particularly enjoys American History and Language Arts.  Her Christmas gift wish list?  Clothes, make-up, and another hamster.

Predictably, the crowds resulted in the usual traffic gridlock through town, especially after the concert, causing some irate comments by residents on the Town’s Front Porch website.  But Lexin Celebration Property Manager Gillian Walker was both pleased and relieved after the concert.  “These sorts of events really help the business owners here in Celebration both short and long term,” she commented.  “Their viability is important to the vibrancy of the community.”

Justin Bieber and Jasmine Concert in Celebration, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

Originally posted 2009-12-23 13:50:43.

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