Jasmine Villegas Reflects on Her Experience in Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby’ Video, 15 Years Later
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Jasmine Villegas, the woman who starred as the love interest in Justin Bieber’s iconic music video for “Baby,” recently shared her thoughts on the experience, 15 years after its release. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Villegas gave insights into her time filming the music video and the impact it has had on her life.
At the time of filming, Villegas was already a singer and actress signed to Sony Epic, making her no stranger to the entertainment industry. The opportunity to appear in Bieber’s music video came about when a videographer/photographer she had worked with recommended her for the role. Excited about the prospect, Villegas eagerly accepted the offer to star in the video.
The shooting of the “Baby” video took place over the course of a week in January 2010 at Universal CityWalk and Lucky Strike Lanes in Los Angeles. Reflecting on the experience, Villegas described it as a long and exciting process, with a large cast of dancers and artists present throughout the shoot. The video premiered exclusively on Vevo on February 19, 2010, marking a significant moment in both Villegas’ and Bieber’s careers.
Despite the success of the video, Villegas faced backlash from some of Bieber’s fans who mistook her role in the video for real life. Many viewers interpreted Villegas’ on-screen rejection of Bieber as genuine, leading to online bullying and negative reactions towards her. Villegas recounted receiving harsh treatment from fans, including being flipped off during performances on tour following the video’s release.
However, Villegas expressed that despite the challenges, she cherishes the experience and the opportunities it brought her. The exposure from the video and subsequent tour introduced her to a wide fan base and opened up new avenues in her career. Villegas acknowledged both the positives and negatives that came with her involvement in the video but ultimately viewed it as a valuable learning experience.
Now a mother of two, Villegas finds joy in sharing her “Baby” video experience with her children. Watching her daughter’s excitement upon discovering her mother’s role in the iconic music video has been a heartwarming moment for Villegas. She relishes in the nostalgia of her past accomplishments and appreciates the impact it has had on her family.
Looking back on her time filming “Baby” with Bieber, Villegas expressed gratitude for the recognition and opportunities it has brought her. She remains appreciative of the fans who continue to support her music career, crediting the video as a pivotal moment in her journey. Villegas also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Bieber again if the opportunity arose, highlighting her admiration for his personal and professional growth over the years.
In conclusion, Jasmine Villegas’ reflections on her experience in Justin Bieber’s “Baby” video offer a unique perspective on the lasting impact of iconic music collaborations. As time has passed, Villegas continues to cherish the memories and connections forged during that transformative period in her career.