Madison Beer Reflects on Early Fame, Mental Health, and Finding Peace Through Music

At 26, Madison Beer reflects on her long, often turbulent journey in pop music. Discovered at just 13 when Justin Bieber shared her YouTube cover of ‘At Last,’ she faced early fame’s harsh realities, from online bullying to industry pressure. Dropped by Scooter Braun and Island Records at 16, she endured setbacks and public scrutiny while building her artistry. Now, with her third studio album ‘Locket,’ Beer feels she is finally making music for herself—free from the chase for chart positions and awards.

She discusses the emotional growth that came through therapy and self-reflection, and how her 2023 memoir ‘The Half of It’ helped her reclaim her narrative, shedding the online persona others imposed on her. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Beer embraces vulnerability both in her writing and lyrics, candidly exploring themes of love, attachment, and self-acceptance. The new album pairs introspective lyrics with lush pop and R&B sounds, drawing comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter.

Beer’s honesty about her past relationships and emotional intensity anchors ‘Locket’ in authenticity, even as she guards others’ privacy. Despite fame’s pressures and the internet’s cruelty, she finds peace in defining success by happiness and creative fulfillment rather than numbers or accolades. For Beer, her latest work marks a personal and artistic rebirth.