Justin Bieber's highly anticipated headlining performance at Coachella on Saturday night drew mixed reactions from fans and critics. The 32-year-old singer, who was reportedly paid $10 million for the slot, delivered an unconventional set that included playing songs from his laptop via YouTube. While some praised the stripped-down, intimate vibe, others criticized the lack of production and absence of his biggest hits.
Core Facts
Bieber took the stage at 11:25 PM, dressed casually in a hoodie, shorts, and shades. He began with lesser-known tracks from his recent albums, "Swag" and "Swag II," before transitioning to a segment where he played music videos from YouTube, singing along to songs like "Baby" and "Never Say Never." Katy Perry, who was in the audience, joked about Bieber's use of YouTube Premium to avoid ads, a moment that went viral.
Fan Reactions
Reactions to the performance were polarized. Some fans appreciated the raw, unfiltered nature of the set, while others expressed disappointment, calling it "lazy" and questioning the high fee reportedly paid to Bieber. Social media was flooded with memes and critiques, with some fans noting that the crowd appeared bored during the livestream. Others defended the performance, highlighting Bieber's vocal ability and the unique approach to his comeback.
Context and Background
Bieber's Coachella performance marked his first major concert since a years-long hiatus due to health issues, including Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The event was dubbed "Bieberchella" by fans, who had high expectations for a polished comeback. In contrast, Day 1 headliner Sabrina Carpenter delivered a more traditional, high-energy performance. Bieber's set also coincided with a rare public appearance by Adele, who attended with her son Angelo.
Additional Details
The festival also saw other celebrities, including Love Island stars and supermodel Heidi Klum, who attended in disguise. Klum's outfit, featuring a black wig and cheeky ensemble, went viral. Meanwhile, the festival continued with a mix of high-profile performances and star-studded appearances.