Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

At the Coachella festival, Justin Bieber delivered a performance that echoed his early days, blending retro tracks with modern elements. The 32-year-old artist took the stage on Saturday night, showcasing a stripped-down setup where he performed many of his classic hits, such as “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” through YouTube clips. This choice sparked discussions about his connection to the platform that launched his career.

Bieber also shared home videos from his teenage years, highlighting moments that marked his rise in the music industry. These clips were displayed on a large screen, and he appeared to engage with live comments on the YouTube stream during his set. This marked his largest live appearance in four years, following the cancellation of his Justice world tour due to health complications.

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

His Coachella set included songs from his 2025 album, Swag, before he invited the audience to embark on a “journey” through his past work. Bieber repeatedly asked fans, “How far back do you go?” as he revisited older tracks. The performance contrasted sharply with the previous night’s act by Sabrina Carpenter, who featured elaborate costumes and choreography.

Bieber had to cancel his global tour after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition linked to shingles, in 2022. He later performed at the Grammy Awards in February and released his surprise album in July 2025. The festival, held over two weekends in the California desert, continues its tradition at Indio’s Empire Polo Club since 2002. Karol G will take the stage on Sunday, following Bieber’s nostalgic tribute.

Coachella attracts over 100,000 attendees daily, according to local police. Bieber’s set, featuring collaborations with artists like The Kid Laroi and Wizkid, offered a reflective yet engaging experience, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers. His wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity pairs such as Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were spotted in the crowd, adding to the event’s star power.