Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgic set

Justin Bieber returned to the iconic Coachella stage for a performance that blended nostalgia with modern tech, marking his first major appearance in four years. The 32-year-old singer, who had previously canceled his Justice world tour due to health complications, used a laptop to showcase hits from his early career, including “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” while streaming them live on YouTube. This approach seemed to honor the platform that first launched his fame, with the audience captivated by the tribute.

During the show, Bieber also aired home videos from his teenage years, highlighting moments that brought him into the spotlight at age 12. These clips were displayed on the big screen, and he appeared to engage with real-time comments on the YouTube stream, adding an interactive layer to the performance. His set featured tracks from his 2025 albums “Swag” and “Swag II,” but he soon shifted to revisiting older songs, prompting the crowd to ponder how far back their memories stretched.

“It’s not clocking to you, I’m standing on business,” Bieber declared in a clip that recently gained viral attention, sparking discussions about his mental health. The line, played during his set, became a focal point of the night’s performances.

Bieber’s wife, Hailey Bieber, was among the spectators, joining other celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner in the crowd. The stripped-back stage, featuring a hoodie and shorts, contrasted with the elaborate Hollywood-themed show by Sabrina Carpenter the previous evening, which included costume changes and choreography. Colombian pop star Karol G will take the stage on Sunday, continuing the festival’s tradition of showcasing diverse musical acts.

Coachella, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, has attracted over 100,000 attendees daily since its inception in 2002. Bieber’s performance, while simpler in design, drew attention for its emotional resonance and homage to his early days in the industry. His surprise album release in July 2025 and Grammy appearance in February underscored his ongoing presence in the music scene, even as he leaned into nostalgia for this special set.