Justin Bieber’s return to the Coachella stage was met with a wave of disappointment, as fans quickly labeled his performance a lackluster “snoozefest.” The Canadian singer, headlining alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, hadn’t delivered a major festival set in years, and the anticipation was high.
The set began with Bieber showcasing tracks from his recent album, but concerns quickly arose among the audience – would he even play his classic hits? While beloved songs like “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Where Are U Now” eventually made an appearance, a surprising element took center stage: Bieber began streaming clips of his own music videos from YouTube.
Social media erupted with criticism. One user on X lamented the “karaoke” feel of the performance, expressing disappointment that the set lacked proper medleys and transitions. Others questioned how Bieber could justify a reported $10 million payday for what felt like minimal effort.
The unusual spectacle continued as Bieber played memes alongside his music, and even encountered buffering issues with the YouTube streams. One observer described the scene as “kind of incredible to watch,” while others were less charitable, calling it “lazy” and “garbage.”
Comparisons to Sabrina Carpenter’s energetic performance the previous night were unavoidable. Fans argued that Carpenter’s show was a masterclass in stage presence, while Bieber’s felt detached and uninspired. The contrast fueled further criticism and questions about the headliner selection.
Despite the negative reaction, Bieber expressed gratitude to the crowd at the end of his set, calling the night a “dream.” The performance was also witnessed by several high-profile celebrities, including Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, and even captured in a video posted by Katy Perry.
Bieber’s Coachella appearance followed a period of personal and professional challenges. He had previously cancelled a tour due to exhaustion and was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused partial facial paralysis. He also recently parted ways with his longtime manager and sold his music catalog.
His reported $10 million Coachella fee made him the highest-paid performer in the festival’s history, surpassing previous headliners like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Sources suggested this was a testament to Bieber’s independent success and a sign of a new era for the artist, one where he has greater control over his career.
The set list itself was a mix of new material and throwback hits, including covers of songs by Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. However, the unconventional presentation – relying heavily on YouTube streams and lacking elaborate production – ultimately failed to resonate with many in attendance and watching from home.
