The modern music audience will take whatever is thrown at them. Endless marketing and hype says 'this is fantastic' and the public instantly believes it. That is why Adele's Hello, with it's four repeated piano chords and droning about an ex boyfriend, has become one of the biggest selling UK singles ever.
It's a shame because there are still some great bands and artists out there that remain unsigned because the record labels aren't willing to give them a chance - all they want are the Adeles and Sam Smiths who they can market the hell out of make quick millions.
As for Bieber, any talent he has as a musician (and there is some) is clouded by his dumbass behaviour - walking off stages, getting into scraps with paparazzi and so on.
Manufactured pop has always been around, but now it rules the music business. Finally, amid falling ratings and declining popularity, it seems like the X Factor will be off our screens soon. However, the damage its done is irreversible. The state of pop music remains arguable: from a sales point of view it is more alive than ever, but for true music fans it is effectively dead.