Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

At the heart of Coachella’s weekend lineup stood Justin Bieber, whose performance on Saturday night was a celebration of his early career. The 32-year-old performer leaned into a retro vibe, showcasing older hits like “Baby” and “Never Say Never” via YouTube clips during his gig. This approach, which featured him seated before a laptop and singing to pre-recorded videos, drew comparisons to the platform that launched his fame.

Bieber also shared home videos from his teenage years, highlighting moments that first brought him into the spotlight. These clips were displayed on the main screen, and he seemed to engage with live comments from the YouTube stream. The show marked his largest live event in four years, following the cancellation of his Justice world tour due to health complications.

In February 2025, Bieber made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards, where he performed tracks from his newly released album Swag. The Coachella set, however, took a different direction. For much of the concert, he performed solo on a largely empty stage, revisiting his 2025 album before inviting the audience on a “journey” through his past work. He repeatedly asked fans, “How far back do you go?” as part of the nostalgic theme.

“It’s not clocking to you, I’m standing on business.”

Bieber’s performance included a clip that recently sparked debate about his mental health. The video, in which he confronted a photographer, became a viral moment. Dressed casually in a hoodie and shorts, he was accompanied by musical collaborators like The Kid Laroi and Tems. His wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity duo Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were seen in the crowd.

After being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome—a shingles-related condition—in 2022, Bieber paused his global tour. His Coachella show contrasted sharply with the previous night’s performance by Sabrina Carpenter, who dazzled with Hollywood-inspired staging and choreography. Colombian pop star Karol G will take the stage on Sunday as the festival’s next headliner.

Coachella, held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, attracts over 100,000 attendees each day. The event has been a cultural staple since 2002, with this year’s edition spanning two weekends. Bieber’s return to the stage felt both personal and reflective, blending past memories with present-day artistry.