Justin Bieber gives emotional performance of ‘Holy’ on 'SNL' featuring Chance the Rapper
Pop star Justin Bieber was the featured guest on "SNL," where he performed his latest single “Holy” with Chance the Rapper.
Following an introduction by host Issa Rae, the 26-year-old took the stage, which was set as a rural church with an illuminated cross at the center. Bieber’s vocals took the mainstream audience to church as he began singing the tune with his hand over his heart.
“Holy” is a love song that celebrates faith while speaking of the benefits of commitment.
“Oh God, Runnin' to the altar like a track star/Can't wait another second/ Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me/ feels so holy,” Bieber sang.
Also featured on “Holy” is Chance the Rapper, whose real name is Chancellor Johnathan Bennett. The Chicago native is known for incorporating his faith into his music and in the past has said he considers himself a “Christian rapper.”
“The first step pleases the Father/Might be the hardest to take/But when you come out of the water/I'm a believer,” he rapped on “SNL.” “Gotta clean it up/Formalize the union in communion/He can trust/I know I ain't leaving you like I know He ain't leaving us/I know we believe in God and I know God believes in us.”
As the song came to a conclusion, Bieber belted out the final chorus and was overcome with emotion, which left him bent over with his microphone in hand until Chance the Rapper reached over to him and supportively patted the pop star on the back.
The tune highlights faith and marriage. Upon its release in September, Bieber said “Holy” marks the beginning of a “new era.”
Bieber, 26, and his wife, supermodel Hailey Baldwin, 23, recently celebrated two years of marriage.
Throughout their relationship, the couple have been outspoken about their Christian faith. The Biebers decided to publicly declare their love for God by getting baptized together in August. The Canadian native shared several photos of his rededication to God with his wife by his side. Bieber called it “one of the most special moments” of his life.
In the new song “Holy,” Bieber says it was the love he shares with his significant other that led him “down to the river.”