Justin Bieber flies, cries at VMAs

Justin Bieber returned to perform at the MTV VMAs for the first time in five years, and the show was well worth the wait.

Bieber danced and sang his new hit single "What Do You Mean?" in front of cheering fans, but the tone got serious when the lights went down momentarily.

Out of the dark, Bieber's voice imparted some words of wisdom to audience members.

"Life is a journey," he said. "Sometimes a battle. Full of the unexpected. Sometimes you focus on the destination and forget to focus on that journey. But when you fall it allows you to get up stronger. It allows you not to lean on your own understanding, give in to fate. Believe in something bigger than yourself and find your purpose."

No one was more moved than the Biebs himself -- emotionally and literally. Bieber soared into the air, flying above the crowds, and when he landed back on stage, he burst into tears and wept.