Justin Bieber: “I’m Very Much in Control”

If you think all the drama surrounding Justin Bieber lately means the singer is heading for a meltdown  or rehab, you'd be wrong.  In the new issue of Teen Vogue, Justin insists, "I know who I am, and I'm very much in control."

In other words, the way Justin is depicted in the media and the reality are very far apart.  "I see so much stuff on the Internet, sometimes I just want to go to Twitter and just go after people," the singer tells Teen Vogue, which is featuring him on not one but two covers for May.  "But then I just think twice: If someone is dissing me, I'm going to make this person way more famous by tweeting them."

"There's so much nonsense that gets out there that's not true," Justin continues.  "I would rather spend time really interacting with my fans.  You just have to keep your head high and be positive."

Justin also says that contrary to popular belief, he's not the center of a non-stop party, rolling with a crew of hangers-on, friends and celebrities.  Sadly, that's because he's just too afraid he'll get burned.

"I get good vibes from people all the time, and I probably could get along with them and be their friend, but now I just don't trust anybody," he tells Teen Vogue.  "Literally, my phone never rings.  I only have, like, four people that I keep in contact with.  I don't need a bunch of friends to make me happy.  I just need the people close to me that I love, that's all."

Among them: his parents, his three close friends from back home, and Lil Twist, who he calls his "best friend."

At this point, though, Justin probably could walk away from show business.  He certainly has enough money.  So why keep dealing with the constant pressure, invasion of privacy and living life under a microscope?  Because he thinks he's part of something bigger than himself.

"I think that's part of the reason I'm here.  Not just because I'm talented, but because God had a purpose for me to just help people," Justin reveals.  And the other reason he keeps going?  Because he's never satisfied.

"When people get to where they want, they're like, 'I'm here, I got it,'" he tells Teen Vogue.  "When I get to the top, I just want to get better."

Justin's issue of Teen Vogue hits newsstands April 16.