Fans from all over the world entered Metro’s two-week “I Beliebe in Love” contest for a chance to meet Justin Bieber. But it was 15-year-old Valeria Viteri, from Peru, who captured our Global Jury’s attention (check out the festive balloons and candlelight dinner in her entry as well as those pink libations) and the most votes (an impressive 9,022!). Viteri, pictured here, will have a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience during Bieber’s “Believe” tour in Europe and will even get to meet the pop star.
Valeria is happier than ever since she received a call from Publimetro Lima, announcing that she had won our I beliebe in love contest. She couldn’t stop screaming in her Justin-Bieber-photo filled room.
Metro: You will really meet Justin Bieber. How do you feel about it?
Viteri: I am extremely excited and still cannot believe it’s true. It means so much to me, to meet him and tell him how much I love him. I hope I don’t get starstruck and freeze when I see him, as has happened to other fans. I am very excited but and nervous at the same time.
How have you prepared yourself for this?
The day of the deadline I came running home from school, checked the Facebook page and there it was: I was the winner! I am so happy and want to thank all of my friends who supported me with their votes.
Tell me about the picture you sent and the scene you created. How did you come up with it?
I browsed some internet pages with my friends, looking for ideas. At first I wanted to do it in a park, but couldn’t find an ideal location. Then I realized none of the pictures that had been uploaded for the competition had balloons in them. So I decided to have the picture taken in my room, surrounded by balloons with ribbons and photos hanging from them. I put a blue candle on the table and another pink one, and served chocolate, ice-cream, cake, etc.
If this were an actual romantic date with him, how do you think it would be?
Any place would be perfect as long as I could speak with him. A friend of mine who lives in the U.S. met him, and she tells me he is a very nice and friendly person. I love him just as he is, because he’s my idol.
What is your opinion on Selena Gomez? How did you feel when she and Justin broke up?
I liked the news at first, I mean I think she sings nice but I’m not really her fan. When they broke up it made me really sad to see how sad he was. I am happy if he is happy, regardless of whom he is with.
Would you make a better girlfriend for him?
I don’t know. I think he should be with someone who belongs to his world, who gets him and makes him happy.
Why did you compete?
I entered the competiton because I was in Lima getting my national I.D. and Diana Silva, my Uruguayan friend told me about it. I ran to read the printed copy of Publimetro and started working on my picture. Meeting him is my dream.
Well, you’re finally the winner. Have you told your friends and family already?
They are all so happy and cannot believe it. My friends are happy for me because they know how much I want this. They wish they were in my place (laughs). I myself cannot believe it yet. My mom and Dad have always been so supportive of me.
Did you go to his concert in Lima in September 2011?
I went, but my Dad could only buy tickets for seats way back. I saw him from far away and he looked tiny, but that didn’t matter to me, I saw him anyway! When he started singing tears fell from my eyes out of excitement.
Which is your favorite song?
I have a favourite song in every album, but if I had to choose one it would definitely be “As long as you love me”.
If you could give Justin some advice on relationships, what would that be?
To follow his heart and pursue his happiness.
Do you like Publimetro?
I see every day it when I am in Lima, and my Dad always brings it home.
