Like it or not, he’s returned. For the first time in almost a year, Justin Bieber took the stage on Thursday night following the cancellation of his Justice tour.

At an NHL All-Star celebration in Toronto, Canada, Bieber took the stage and sang stripped-down renditions of some of his biggest singles while seated on a barstool. The performance came as a total surprise, yet his presence at the celebration was anticipated because it was organized in part by his apparel company, Drew House.

Fans in the audience said that the musician began his informal setlist with a slowed-down rendition of his 2010 hit song, “Baby.” He allegedly also sang “Hold On,” “Eenie Meenie,” and “Peaches.” With one hand in his pocket, Bieber casually sat on his stool and belted out the lines, his voice as smooth and velvety as ever. Hailey Bieber, the singer’s wife, posted pictures of her husband performing on stage along with the comment, “here’s your jb eras performance.” He also sang a rendition of SZA’s “Snooze,” which has Justin Bieber on the remix.

̨Since canceling his Justice World Tour due to health issues related to his uncommon neurological illness, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can cause facial paralysis, Justin Bieber has not had a public performance in almost a year. In 2022, Bieber shared a video on Instagram demonstrating how the disease had paralyzed half of his face. This caused him to postpone multiple tour dates until he eventually canceled them all.

“This eye is not blinking, as you can see,” Bieber told the crowd in the video. This side of my face is incapable of smiling. This nostril is immobile. So, one half of my face is completely paralyzed.”

But with his vocals sounding as clear as ever during his unexpected performance on Thursday, many are wondering if this is the beginning of his comeback. As a result of Usher sharing pictures of himself practicing earlier this month, there is also conjecture that Justin Bieber may perform during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. In 2008, Usher brought the then-teenager under his wing and signed him to the Raymond Braun Media Group, which he co-owns with Scooter Braun. The two performers have maintained their friendship, with Usher praising Bieber.

It will be interesting to see if the performance serves as a prelude to Justin Bieber’s Super Bowl attendance or is merely his chance to play in front of an audience once more. On February 11, Super Bowl LVIII will air.