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Carly Rae Jepsen Says She Parted Ways With Manager Scooter Braun to Pursue a Less Mainstream Path
Carly Rae Jepsen confirmed on September 8 that she has ended her professional relationship with longtime manager Scooter Braun, citing a desire to chart a different creative course. The Canadian pop star, who first signed with Braun in 2011 after being discovered by the then‑young Justin Bieber, told The Hollywood Reporter that she felt her career trajectory had diverged from Braun’s vision.
Jepsen explained that she wanted to “do something a little bit less mainstream” and that, while she appreciated Braun’s offers, they no longer aligned with her goals. She added that she had “taken one of his employees with me” and that she was now “happier than I’ve ever been.” The singer’s management team had previously informed the Associated Press in 2023 that she had cut ties with Braun, though the reason was not disclosed at that time.
Braun, who retired from artist management in 2024 after a 23‑year run that included artists such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato, has continued to be involved in the music business through other ventures. In a 2025 episode of the Question Everything podcast, Braun reflected on his long‑standing relationship with Bieber, noting that the two had reached a financial settlement in which Bieber agreed to pay $31.5 million for show cancellations and unpaid commission. Braun said the settlement was “not done” and that he had no ill will toward the former client.
The split comes amid a broader shift in the industry, as artists increasingly seek greater creative control and alternative management structures. Jepsen’s move follows a pattern of high‑profile musicians re‑evaluating their management teams after years of collaboration. Her decision to keep a former Braun employee suggests she is looking for continuity while pursuing a new direction.
Industry observers note that Jepsen’s next album, Day and Night, is slated for release in 2026. The record, which includes singles such as “On Wires” and “Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor,” is expected to showcase the singer’s evolving sound. While Braun’s retirement from management may limit his direct influence on Jepsen’s future projects, his broader network and experience remain relevant to the pop landscape.
The singer’s public statements indicate that she has had both positive and challenging experiences with past managers. She described her current team as “the right fit” and expressed confidence that her new arrangement will support her artistic ambitions. No official statement has yet been released by Braun’s representatives in response to the announcement.
In summary, Carly Rae Jepsen has confirmed the end of her partnership with Scooter Braun, citing a mismatch between her creative goals and Braun’s management approach. The split follows Braun’s retirement from artist management and a recent financial settlement with Justin Bieber. Jepsen’s move reflects a broader industry trend toward artist‑centric management models and signals her readiness to pursue a new musical direction with a team she believes better aligns with her vision.
Jepsen explained that she wanted to “do something a little bit less mainstream” and that, while she appreciated Braun’s offers, they no longer aligned with her goals. She added that she had “taken one of his employees with me” and that she was now “happier than I’ve ever been.” The singer’s management team had previously informed the Associated Press in 2023 that she had cut ties with Braun, though the reason was not disclosed at that time.
Braun, who retired from artist management in 2024 after a 23‑year run that included artists such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato, has continued to be involved in the music business through other ventures. In a 2025 episode of the Question Everything podcast, Braun reflected on his long‑standing relationship with Bieber, noting that the two had reached a financial settlement in which Bieber agreed to pay $31.5 million for show cancellations and unpaid commission. Braun said the settlement was “not done” and that he had no ill will toward the former client.
The split comes amid a broader shift in the industry, as artists increasingly seek greater creative control and alternative management structures. Jepsen’s move follows a pattern of high‑profile musicians re‑evaluating their management teams after years of collaboration. Her decision to keep a former Braun employee suggests she is looking for continuity while pursuing a new direction.
Industry observers note that Jepsen’s next album, Day and Night, is slated for release in 2026. The record, which includes singles such as “On Wires” and “Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor,” is expected to showcase the singer’s evolving sound. While Braun’s retirement from management may limit his direct influence on Jepsen’s future projects, his broader network and experience remain relevant to the pop landscape.
The singer’s public statements indicate that she has had both positive and challenging experiences with past managers. She described her current team as “the right fit” and expressed confidence that her new arrangement will support her artistic ambitions. No official statement has yet been released by Braun’s representatives in response to the announcement.
In summary, Carly Rae Jepsen has confirmed the end of her partnership with Scooter Braun, citing a mismatch between her creative goals and Braun’s management approach. The split follows Braun’s retirement from artist management and a recent financial settlement with Justin Bieber. Jepsen’s move reflects a broader industry trend toward artist‑centric management models and signals her readiness to pursue a new musical direction with a team she believes better aligns with her vision.