Justin Bieber’s Coachella Performance Faces Criticism
Justin Bieber has come under fire from fans who labeled his headlining show at Coachella as “lazy.” The pop star’s performance featured him singing some of his biggest hits through his laptop during a highly anticipated payday.
The 32-year-old, who is said to have earned $10 million for the gig, took the stage dressed casually in a hoodie, shorts, and sunglasses. This laid-back approach left many attendees puzzled about what they were expecting from such a prominent performance.
Rather than delivering a high-energy comeback filled with familiar tracks, Bieber opted for a few songs from his upcoming 2025 album, “SWAG II,” before transitioning to classical music.
During the show, he sat down with his laptop, playing a brief 12-song medley that included streaming some of his earlier music from YouTube.
The online response was swift and packed with disappointment.
One viewer remarked, “Justin Bieber didn’t scam Coachella out of $10 million to play his songs from YouTube…” while another chimed in, “Justin Bieber gave the laziest performance ever.” Comparisons to Sabrina Carpenter, who had headlined the festival’s opening night with a polished, engaging show, intensified the backlash.
Bieber’s set began at 11:25 p.m. local time. Although there were rumors of delays due to winds, he was on time. The video screens also showcased viral clips, including memorable moments like his infamous clash with paparazzi and popular memes, which contributed to the performance’s chaotic vibe.
Comments ranged from critiques on his performance style to disbelief at what fans were witnessing. One viewer even suggested, “Justin Bieber’s 2026 Coachella performance could be the worst mass-streamed/televised performance ever…?”
In a bid to engage his audience, Bieber encouraged fans to help him choose songs by commenting during the livestream, adding a more improvisational element to the show.
One of the more surprising aspects involved him sharing childhood YouTube clips, including a cover of a Ne-Yo song that ultimately led to his discovery by Usher and Scooter Braun.
Bieber reportedly struck a deal directly with Golden Voice for Coachella, netting him $5 million for the weekend without the assistance of an agent—a change that follows his parting ways with his longtime manager in 2023.
Having previously surprised audiences with guest appearances alongside various artists, this marked Bieber’s first time as a headliner, and reactions suggest that many fans felt it fell short of expectations.
