When Halsey first burst onto the music scene, she quickly established herself as an artist with a distinct voice—both musically and socially. Known for her raw, emotionally charged lyrics and her blend of indie, pop, and electronic influences, Halsey created a niche for herself that resonated with listeners looking for something a little edgier than mainstream pop. But it was her 2015 collaboration with Justin Bieber on “The Feeling” that truly expanded her reach, propelling her into the consciousness of a wider, more mainstream audience.

At the time of their collaboration, Justin Bieber was already one of the biggest names in pop music. His transition from teen idol to a more mature artist with the release of Purpose (2015) marked a significant moment in his career, as he sought to reinvent himself and connect with a broader demographic. Halsey, on the other hand, was still building her brand. Her debut album Badlands had just been released a few months earlier, garnering attention for its alternative, dystopian sound. But while Halsey was gaining traction in the alternative pop world, her feature on Bieber’s album offered her a chance to connect with a far larger, more mainstream audience.

The Meeting of Two Artists: An Unlikely Pair

“The Feeling,” a song that explores the uncertainty of love and the struggle to differentiate between real emotions and fleeting attraction, pairs Bieber’s smooth vocals with Halsey’s distinct, slightly husky voice. At first glance, the two artists seemed like an unlikely match. Bieber, coming from the world of polished, radio-friendly pop, and Halsey, with her more introspective, alternative leanings, weren’t an obvious pair for a duet. Yet, it’s precisely this contrast that made the collaboration so impactful.

For Bieber, Purpose was a pivotal album. He had spent years battling negative press and public perception issues, and this album was his way of signaling a more mature, self-aware chapter in his career. Collaborating with a rising star like Halsey—who was known for her authenticity and emotional depth—was part of that effort to rebrand himself as an artist who was serious about his craft. For Halsey, the opportunity to work with Bieber was a significant step in her evolution as an artist. It provided her with a platform to reach audiences who might not have been familiar with her music but were devoted fans of Bieber’s.

While the song fits within the sonic landscape of Purpose, with its electronic production and brooding lyrics, Halsey’s contribution gives it a unique texture. Her voice cuts through the production with a rawness that contrasts Bieber’s more polished delivery. The interplay between their voices creates a dynamic that is both emotive and accessible, allowing the song to appeal to both Bieber’s fanbase and Halsey’s emerging one.

Expanding Her Reach: The Power of Collaboration

For Halsey, the collaboration with Justin Bieber was a career-defining moment. At the time, she was known primarily within indie and alternative circles, where her honest songwriting and edgy persona had resonated with fans. Badlands had been a success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and introducing her as a rising star in the industry. But it was still an album that catered more to niche audiences. Collaborating with Bieber on “The Feeling” gave Halsey the exposure she needed to break into the mainstream.

“The Feeling” wasn’t just a feature track on any album—it was on Purpose, a critically acclaimed album that marked Bieber’s transformation from teen heartthrob to a serious artist. The album was a commercial juggernaut, debuting at number one in over 100 countries and producing several hit singles, including “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry.” By being a part of such a high-profile project, Halsey was able to tap into Bieber’s vast, dedicated fanbase, many of whom had likely never heard of her before.

The timing of the collaboration was crucial. Halsey was still in the early stages of her career, and aligning herself with one of the biggest names in pop music at the height of his career resurgence was a strategic move. It allowed her to maintain her alternative, rebellious edge while still accessing a broader audience. Bieber’s fans, many of whom were transitioning with him as he matured, were introduced to Halsey’s voice and style, creating an overlap in fanbases that would prove beneficial for her career moving forward.

Navigating the Balance Between Indie and Mainstream

One of the most interesting aspects of Halsey’s collaboration with Bieber is how it highlighted the delicate balance she has always navigated between indie authenticity and mainstream appeal. In an industry where artists are often categorized into rigid boxes—pop star, indie darling, or alternative rebel—Halsey has consistently pushed against those boundaries. Her work with Bieber was a perfect example of how she managed to dip her toes into the world of mainstream pop without losing her edge.

For many artists, crossing over into the mainstream can come with risks. There’s always the fear of being accused of “selling out” or losing the unique qualities that made them stand out in the first place. But Halsey approached her collaboration with Bieber in a way that felt organic to her. Rather than trying to fit into the mold of a typical pop star, she brought her own voice, both literally and figuratively, to “The Feeling.” Her verses in the song are delivered with the same emotional intensity and lyrical depth that defined her earlier work, ensuring that she stayed true to herself even while appealing to a wider audience.

This careful navigation of the line between indie and mainstream would become a hallmark of Halsey’s career. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists from a variety of genres, from K-pop group BTS to alternative rock bands like Bring Me the Horizon, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. Each time, she’s been able to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining the core elements of her sound and identity.

The Cultural Impact of “The Feeling”

While “The Feeling” may not have been one of the most commercially successful singles from Purpose, it left a lasting impact on Halsey’s career trajectory. The song’s themes of emotional uncertainty and vulnerability resonated with listeners, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties—an age group that Halsey has always connected with deeply. Her lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-doubt feel personal and raw, offering a sense of relatability that is key to her appeal.

In the years following the release of “The Feeling,” Halsey’s star continued to rise. She released her second studio album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom in 2017, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making her one of the few female artists to achieve that milestone with a concept album. Singles like “Now or Never” and “Bad at Love” became anthems for her growing fanbase, and her ability to blend genres—pop, alternative, hip-hop—set her apart from her peers.

But it’s important to note that part of Halsey’s success can be traced back to her collaboration with Bieber. By aligning herself with such a prominent figure in pop music, she was able to introduce herself to millions of new listeners who might not have otherwise discovered her. And while many of those listeners were initially drawn in by Bieber’s name, they stayed for Halsey’s unique sound and storytelling.

Reflecting on the Collaboration’s Long-Term Effects

Looking back, Halsey’s collaboration with Justin Bieber on “The Feeling” was a turning point in her career. It helped solidify her as an artist who could transcend genres and appeal to a wide range of listeners. At a time when she was still building her identity in the music industry, the opportunity to collaborate with one of the biggest names in pop was invaluable. It introduced her to a massive global audience and gave her the platform she needed to establish herself as a force in modern music.

The success of “The Feeling” also set the stage for Halsey’s future collaborations and career moves. She has since worked with artists across a wide range of genres, from The Chainsmokers on the chart-topping hit “Closer” to K-pop sensations BTS on “Boy With Luv.” Each of these collaborations has expanded her reach and cemented her position as one of the most versatile and influential artists of her generation.

In a broader sense, Halsey’s work with Bieber represents a case study in how strategic collaborations can elevate an artist’s career without compromising their artistic integrity. For Halsey, it was the perfect way to bridge the gap between the alternative world she came from and the mainstream success she was destined for. And as her career continues to evolve, it’s clear that the collaboration with Bieber on “The Feeling” was a key moment in her journey toward becoming one of pop music’s most compelling voices.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Halsey’s Rise to Fame

Halsey’s collaboration with Justin Bieber on “The Feeling” was more than just a song—it was a moment that helped define her trajectory in the music industry. By working alongside Bieber on a high-profile project like Purpose, Halsey was able to reach new audiences and expand her fanbase in ways that would have been difficult to achieve on her own. The collaboration allowed her to maintain her indie sensibilities while introducing her music to a wider, more mainstream audience.

In the years since, Halsey has proven time and time again that she’s an artist capable of crossing boundaries and defying expectations. “The Feeling” was just the beginning of what would become a long and successful career marked by versatility, authenticity, and a fearless approach to collaboration.