Bieber generosity boosts charity rival in UK song competition

Justin Bieber has a heart after all — or maybe just good PR advice.

Never mind, it's the thought that counts, and just before Christmas, Bieber has gained admiration by urging his fans in the United Kingdom to NOT make his single, Love Yourself, No. 1 on the British Christmas charts.

Instead, spread the love and vote for a rival, he urged his fans in a tweet.

Specifically, he urged them to vote for a National Health Service choir's single, A Bridge Over You, which is just a few hundred sales behind Bieber's single.

Proceeds from sales of the choir's single will go to British charities. So, Bieber said, for a week, he's OK with not being No. 1.

Because, after all, think of the season:

Bieber got a shout-out from his manager for his good deed.

This competition is a popular annual event in Britain. And the National Health Service is a widely accepted institution, depended upon by tens of millions in both the UK and in Canada, where Bieber was born.

The NHS promoted the competition on Twitter and on Facebook.

"The cut-off point for sales and streams to be counted towards this year’s Official Christmas Chart will be midnight Dec.24," according to OfficialCharts.com, which presides over the competition.

Only hours away, the race is still close, says OfficialCharts.