Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Coachella welcomed Justin Bieber as its headliner, marking his return to a major stage after a four-year hiatus. The 32-year-old artist performed a set steeped in nostalgia, showcasing tracks from his early career while engaging fans in a unique digital interaction. During the Saturday night event, he sat beside a laptop, singing to pre-recorded YouTube videos of his older hits like “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” creating an immersive tribute to the platform that launched his fame.

Bieber’s performance featured musical guests such as The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon, adding dynamic energy to his stripped-down stage. The star also shared home videos from his 12-year-old days, projected onto the big screen, and appeared to respond to live comments on the YouTube stream of his set. This marked a significant moment in his career, as it was his largest live show since canceling the Justice world tour due to health challenges.

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

Bieber had previously announced the cancellation of his tour after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a complication of shingles, in 2022. Despite the setback, he released his surprise album *Swag* in July 2025 and later performed live at the Grammy Awards in February. His Coachella set contrasted sharply with the previous night’s act by Sabrina Carpenter, whose Hollywood-themed performance included costume changes and intricate staging.

The festival, held in the California desert at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002, draws over 100,000 attendees daily. This year’s event spans two weekends, with Colombian pop star Karol G set to headline on Sunday. Bieber’s wife, Hailey Bieber, was spotted in the crowd, joined by celebrity pairs Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, adding a touch of personal connection to the spectacle.