Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Coachella welcomed Justin Bieber back to the stage after a four-year hiatus, marking his first major performance since canceling the Justice world tour. The 32-year-old artist delivered a set that paid homage to his early career, incorporating a mix of vintage YouTube clips and home videos from his teenage years. Fans were treated to a tribute to the platform that launched his fame, with tracks like “Baby” and “Never Say Never” played through digital streams.

Bieber’s performance featured a stripped-down stage setup, where he sat before a laptop, engaging with live comments on the YouTube feed. The set began with solo performances of songs from his 2025 albums *Swag* and *Swag II*, before shifting into a nostalgic revisit of his past hits. He prompted the audience with the question: “How far back do you go?” as he navigated through his musical history.

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

A highlight of the show included a viral clip from recent months, sparking discussions about his mental health. Dressed in a hoodie and shorts, Bieber was joined by musical collaborators such as The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon. His wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity pairs like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were among the attendees.

Following his 2022 diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused facial paralysis, Bieber took a break from touring. Despite this, he made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards in February 2025 and released his album *Swag* that same month. The Coachella set contrasted with the previous night’s act by Sabrina Carpenter, who showcased a Hollywood-inspired performance complete with costume changes and intricate stage design.

Karol G will take the stage on Sunday as the festival continues its run in the California desert. The event, held at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002, attracts over 100,000 visitors each day. Bieber’s return signaled a blend of reflection and reinvention, capturing the essence of his journey from internet sensation to global icon.