In a rare and deeply emotional moment, pop superstar Justin Bieber paid tribute to his late friend and collaborator Diane Keaton during his sold-out concert at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. The moving gesture united generations of fans — pop music lovers and film enthusiasts alike — in a shared moment of remembrance for one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons.
Midway through his high-energy set, Bieber suddenly paused as the lights dimmed and a single spotlight illuminated him at center stage. “I want to take a moment tonight,” he began softly, his voice trembling, “for someone who meant a lot to me — and to so many of you. Diane Keaton wasn’t just a legend. She was one of the kindest, most real people I’ve ever met.”
The crowd fell silent as Bieber reflected on his time working with Keaton, who starred as his grandmother in the 2021 music video for his hit song “Ghost.” That video, now viewed more than half a billion times on YouTube, became one of the most poignant performances of Keaton’s later career.
“She made that video unforgettable,” Bieber said, visibly emotional. “We filmed it during a tough time in the world, but Diane brought joy to every moment. She told me something that stuck with me forever — she said, ‘Always lead with love, Justin. That’s what lasts.’”
Behind him, a montage of Keaton’s most iconic film moments appeared on the massive LED screens — scenes from Annie Hall, Something’s Gotta Give, and The Godfather, along with personal photos of her smiling beside Bieber on the Ghost set. As the audience watched, the pop star’s band began playing the familiar opening chords of “Ghost.”
“I’m singing this one for Diane,” Bieber said quietly. “This one’s for the light she gave all of us.”
His performance was stripped-down and raw, with golden light bathing the stage and the audience swaying in near silence. As Bieber sang the lyric “If I can’t be close to you, I’ll settle for the ghost of you,” the emotional weight of the moment was undeniable. Fans could be seen wiping tears, while others lifted their phone lights in tribute.
By the song’s final note, Bieber knelt at the edge of the stage, eyes closed, whispering a final “Thank you, Diane.” The crowd erupted into applause — not the usual concert cheers, but a heartfelt standing ovation for both the singer’s sincerity and Keaton’s enduring legacy.
In the hours after the show, clips of the tribute flooded social media. The hashtag #ThankYouDiane began trending worldwide, with fans praising Bieber for his “grace and heart.” One fan wrote, “Only Justin could make a stadium feel like a family mourning together.”
Though Diane Keaton’s passing has left Hollywood and fans heartbroken, Justin Bieber’s tribute served as a reminder of the profound impact she had — not only on screen, but on everyone lucky enough to know her.