Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber Returns to Coachella with Nostalgic Performance

Justin Bieber made a triumphant return to the Coachella stage, showcasing a heartfelt homage to his earlier work. The 32-year-old artist captivated audiences by revisiting classic tracks like “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” performing them via YouTube clips during his set. This creative choice seemed to celebrate the platform that launched his career, as he engaged with live comments from the stream while seated at a laptop.

The performance also featured vintage home videos from Bieber’s teenage years, displayed on a large screen for fans to reminisce. These moments highlighted his journey from a young pop star to a seasoned performer. After canceling his Justice world tour due to health challenges, this gig marked his most significant live appearance in four years.

“How far back do you go?” Bieber asked the crowd, prompting reflections on his musical evolution.

Following his diagnosis with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2022—a condition linked to shingles that caused facial paralysis—Bieber took a break from touring. However, he recently released his surprise album Swag in July 2025 and performed live at the Grammy Awards in February. His Coachella set offered a stark contrast to Sabrina Carpenter’s Hollywood-themed show the prior night, which featured costumes, choreography, and intricate stage setups.

Dressed casually in a hoodie and shorts, Bieber shared the stage with collaborators such as The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon. His wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity pairs like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were spotted in the audience. The festival, held at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002, attracts over 100,000 attendees daily. Colombian pop star Karol G will headline Sunday’s event, continuing the two-weekend celebration in the California desert.