POP superstar Justin Bieber revealed that his "favourite new song" is by a busker from Brighton.
The Canadian singer, one of the best-selling artists of all-time, gave a shout-out to Sam Tompkins on his Instagram page.
He encouraged his 188 million followers to listen to Sam's new single, which is called (w)hole.
Sam, who started out performing on Bond Street and Ship Street, described the message was "an honour".
READ MORE: Brighton rockers Creature Creature to record with singer-songwriter Frank Turner
He said: “Justin was my number one idol growing up.
"To get that recognition from him is a blessing and something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Sam said the Canadian celebrity has been supportive of his musical career in the past.
The pair once live streamed together and have previously exchanged messages.
“He is a very genuine, loving person, so him doing this for me doesn’t surprise me because it’s just his nature,” he said.
“He really wants everyone to win and I think that’s awesome.
"I don’t know anybody at his level doing this for people."
READ MORE: Sam Tompkins goes from busking to playing sell-out shows
Sam’s career started on the streets of Brighton, drawing in crowds when busking on Bond Street and Ship Street.
He is now set to go on tour across the UK and parts of Europe in October this year, including a sold out gig at Concorde 2 in Brighton.
“I owe a lot to Brighton and the people that inhabit it for lifting me up so early in my career and consistently since,” he said.
“I’m just super grateful I am getting to live my dream like this.”
READ MORE: Live music to return to Brighton Hippodrome after being abandoned for years
His new song, (w)hole, was released earlier this month.
The track explores Sam’s feelings about the current state of the world.
“At times it does feel hopeless and when you look around there is so much dividing us with one another, but the only way to get things on track is to work together,” he added.
READ MORE: Bieber leads nominations for this year’s MTV Video Awards
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide, Justin Bieber has been nominated for seven awards at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, including Artist of the Year.
Winners of the awards will be announced in a live event broadcast from New York City on September 12.
The "Sorry" singer also holds 31 Guinness World Records, two Grammy awards and two Brit awards.
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