A month after Home Alone hit theaters, its global success was undeniable. In North America, the film grossed around $100 million, while Europe contributed significantly, with the UK alone bringing in over £25 million. Other European countries like France and Germany helped push the total box office for the continent to about $60 million. In Asia, major markets like Japan and South Korea added approximately $40 million, while South America, led by Brazil and Argentina, brought in around $15 million. Altogether, the international markets contributed roughly $140 million, pushing the worldwide total to $240 million within just a month.
On top of that, my album's success skyrocketed. Over 2 million copies sold, it now sits at number one on the Billboard charts, officially certified double platinum. Every track from the album has made it onto the Billboard Hot 100, with "An Angel" at number 5, praised for its angelic vocals. "Happy," with its cheerful lyrics and infectious hook, landed at number 3. "Bad Day" surged to number 2, while "Who Let the Dog Out" dominated at number 1. The soundtrack song "Naughty," featured in Home Alone, secured the number 4 spot. People are already buzzing, asking if I'm the first artist to ever hold five of the top five positions on the Billboard charts. It feels surreal.
However, with all this fame came overwhelming media attention. The paparazzi have become relentless, following me everywhere—from my house to casual outings with friends. A trip to the grocery store? Impossible. Photographers would swarm, flashing cameras in my face, making what should be simple errands feel like a high-stakes mission. Privacy feels like a distant memory. My photos sell at premium prices to tabloids and TV stations, making it seem like every move I make is worth a headline. The two reporters who managed to land an interview with me even got promoted, with fat bonuses thrown their way for scoring the exclusive.
But it's exhausting. I can't go out with Mark and Jaden without being chased. Pattie, my manager, has been dealing with constant calls and offers, and it's taking a toll on both of us. We're seriously considering moving out of the public eye for a while—maybe that house near Hollywood Pattie mentioned might offer some refuge. But even then, there's no guarantee I'll escape the flashbulbs.
After some week mom and I had just moved into our new house near Hollywood the week before Home Alone came out, hoping for more privacy. The house was tucked away, hidden from the main roads, with tall fences to keep out prying eyes. We thought we'd finally have some peace and quiet. The first week, we even hosted a small movie night with close friends to celebrate settling in.
But now, after the release, it feels like the walls are closing in again. The paparazzi somehow found our new address within days of the movie's premiere. They camp out near the gates, waiting for any glimpse of me. cameras snapping from afar. Every time I step out, it's like a mob of photographers descends on me. I can barely breathe without someone shouting my name or flashing a camera in my face.
Pattie's been trying to shield me from all the madness, but it's becoming impossible. Even though we moved into this house to escape the chaos, it's clear that fame follows no matter where you go. We thought we'd have privacy here, but it feels like we're right back under the microscope.
November 26th
Los Angeles.
Today was Christmas, and Pattie and I wanted to do something special for the community. With her help, we organized a family-friendly Christmas party and invited people who have been part of our journey. Jaden's family came, as well as Mark's. Scooter brought his family, and Chris, the movie director, came with his wife and kids. Hughes, the producer and writer from Home Alone, was there too. We even invited the local restaurant owner who always helps us out—she brought trays of food and treats, making sure everyone was fed.
The house was filled with warmth and laughter. Kids ran around playing while the adults chatted, and holiday music played softly in the background. Pattie set up a cozy space near the fireplace, and the tree stood tall, covered in ornaments. The smell of cinnamon and pine filled the air, and there were Christmas lights twinkling in every corner. Mark, Jaden, and I were in the backyard playing a game of tag, but it was hard to avoid the food table, where everyone kept grabbing cookies and snacks.
Later in the evening, after we all had dinner, I decided to perform a song. I stood by the guitar and announced I'd be singing "My Stupid Heart." Everyone gathered around, some sitting on the couches, others standing near the Christmas tree. I started playing, and the room grew quiet as my voice filled the space:
My Stupid Heart
Don't know, I've tried to let you go
So many times before
Then wound up at your door
My stupid heart...
The song's lyrics seemed to hit a chord with everyone. Even though it's about love and frustration, people smiled, some even swaying along to the music. As I finished, the room erupted into applause. It felt good to share that moment with the people who mattered most.
The party wound down peacefully. Families started gathering their things, hugging us goodbye. The kids, tired from running around, were carried out by their parents. Mark and Jaden stayed a bit longer, playing one last round of hide-and-seek before they too had to head home. Scooter and Pattie exchanged a few words about upcoming plans, and soon it was just us in the house again. The lights outside twinkled against the quiet Hollywood night.
But what we didn't know was that one of the guests wasn't who they seemed. Somehow, a reporter had slipped into the party, posing as a guest. We had no idea at the time, but by the next morning, everything changed.
Every major news outlet ran with the story. Headlines like "Justin's Exclusive Christmas Party Exposed!" splashed across newspapers and TV. Pictures from inside the house made their way onto gossip sites, with detailed stories about the guests, my performance, and even Pattie's private conversations with Scooter. Some networks ran stories on morning shows, breaking down every little detail of the party as if it was a national event. I couldn't believe it. What was supposed to be a private, intimate celebration became tomorrow's gossip, and the invasion felt even more personal after everything we'd done to keep our lives private.
Not long after Home Alone became a massive hit, 20th Century Fox immediately started planning a sequel. The studio saw the potential for another blockbuster and quickly invited Chris Columbus, the director, and John Hughes, the writer and producer, to a meeting to discuss ideas for Home Alone 2. They wanted to keep the momentum going while the buzz around the movie was still fresh.
During the initial brainstorming sessions, Hughes came up with the idea of expanding the scale of the film—moving beyond Kevin's house and taking him to an entirely new environment. That's how they landed on the idea of Kevin getting "lost in New York." The idea felt exciting because New York offered so many iconic locations and opportunities for new comedic scenarios. Hughes loved the idea of Kevin navigating a massive, unfamiliar city, using his wits to outsmart the two thieves from the first movie, Harry and Marv, who would also return. This setting also allowed for an expansion of the characters' antics, making the stakes higher and the traps even more elaborate.
Hughes had already signed a six-picture deal with 20th Century Fox, so once the concept was locked in, the project moved forward rapidly. By November end, he had finished writing the script for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and the studio approved it almost immediately.
The budget for the sequel doubled compared to the first movie, from $20 million to $40 million. The success of the original film justified the increase, with part of the budget allocated to securing big-name locations like Rockefeller Center and the World Trade Center. Chris Columbus and I received a significant chunk of that budget—$10 million combined—reflecting the growing demand for our involvement. As for Harry and Marv, the bumbling thieves, they each received $1 million for reprising their roles. After their comedic chemistry in the first film, their popularity soared, and audiences were excited to see them again.
Their roles became even more iconic after the first movie. Fans adored their ridiculous plans and how they were constantly outwitted by Kevin, turning them into cult-favorite characters. Their slapstick humor and physical comedy made them not just villains but part of the charm that made Home Alone a holiday staple. By the time Home Alone 2 was announced, Harry and Marv were as much a part of the story's appeal as Kevin himself.