Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set
At Coachella, Justin Bieber delivered a performance steeped in nostalgia, marking his return to a major stage after a four-year hiatus. The 32-year-old artist captivated the audience by revisiting his earlier hits through a unique setup, showcasing YouTube clips of his older songs like “Baby” and “Never Say Never.” This approach seemed to pay homage to the platform that launched his career, as he also displayed home videos from his teenage years and engaged with live comments on the YouTube stream.
Return to the Spotlight
Bieber’s set included a mix of tracks from his 2025 albums *Swag* and *Swag II*, but he soon shifted focus to his past work. During the show, he asked the crowd, “How far back do you go?” and invited them to relive moments from his early days. The performance also featured a viral video he recently shared, in which he addressed a photographer with the line:
“It’s not clocking to you, I’m standing on business.”
Health Challenges and New Projects
Following his cancellation of the Justice world tour due to health issues, Bieber made a triumphant comeback at Coachella. His 2022 diagnosis with Ramsay Hunt syndrome—a complication from shingles—had forced him to take a break. However, he recently released his surprise album *Swag* in July 2025 and performed live at the Grammy Awards in February. The gig represented his first major stage appearance since those events.
Stage Design and Collaborations
For the performance, Bieber opted for a stripped-down stage, wearing a hoodie and shorts. His set was punctuated by musical guests such as The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon. The show also saw the presence of his wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity pairs like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. This contrasted sharply with the previous night’s act by Sabrina Carpenter, whose Hollywood-themed performance included costume changes and intricate staging.
Festival Overview
Coachella, held in the California desert, attracts over 100,000 attendees daily. The event has been taking place at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002. Tomorrow’s headliner will be Colombian pop star Karol G, continuing the festival’s tradition of showcasing diverse musical talents across two weekends.
