Jack Daniels alone and a karaoke version of Great Balls of Fire in a strip mall bar – how Justin Bieber spent the night as celebrities partied at the VMAs

As his peers lit up the stage at the VMA Awards at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Justin Bieber sang karaoke alone in a strip mall bar more than 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The 22-year-old pop star shocked drinkers at the Residuals Bar on Sunday night by knocking back whiskey and giving a surprise performance of rock and roll classic Great Balls of Fire.

Bieber – who was nominated for a string of VMAs – arrived alone with only one security guard to the tiny bar in Studio City around 10pm, before drinking enough neat Jack Daniels to pluck up the courage to sing in front of the rowdy crowd.

Great Balls of Fire: Drinkers at the Residuals tavern in Studio City, California, were treated to a rendition of the Jerry Lee Lewis classic by Bieber

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Wish you were here: This is the Studio City bar where Justin Bieber headed alone while other celebs partied in New York

Could have been here: On the other side of the U.S., possibly the most epic dinner party was unfolding in Manhattan’s Little Itlay with (front row left to right) Swizz Beatz, Jay Z, Steve Stoute, Kanye West and Puff Daddy; and (back row left to right): Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Lauren Branche; Kim Kardashian and Cassie

In this exclusive video Bieber is seen belting out the Jerry Lee Lewis favorite and seems to especially enjoy himself with the chorus.

A fellow patron revealed: ‘He came in to the bar around 10pm with a security guard who gave him plenty of space and waited by the door.

‘Justin knows the owner really well so came in and drank for free, he was knocking back Jack Daniels neat and seemed really relaxed.

‘After a few drinks he seemed to be in a really good mood and a few people were doing karaoke. The host said, “Justin’s going to sing for us tonight”.

He could have seen: Britney Spears returned to the MTV VMA stage for the first time in a decade to perform her brand new single Make Me… on Sunday

Another highlight: Beyoncé was the biggest performer of the night – but Bieber was not there to see it 

Taking to the pulpit: Bieber also missed the whole of Madison Square Garden holding its collective breath as Kanye West took to the stage

‘He didn’t do much talking but everyone loved the singing. His voice cracked a few times and it wasn’t the best rendition I’ve heard on karaoke nights but Justin definitely enjoyed himself.

‘Nobody bothered him, everyone thought it was pretty cool. A few people took videos and asked for pictures after but he just told them he’d rather talk to them than pose for a selfie.

‘He left after an hour and the place was buzzing. Justin loves the bar because it’s really local to his new place.

‘He came in last week and settled a massive drinks tab for a group of people in mourning after being at a funeral in the day.’

Bieber’s music video for his song Sorry was nominated for Video of the Year and Best Pop video at the VMAs, while his video for PURPOSE: The Movement, was nominated for Best Long Form Video.