Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

At Coachella, Justin Bieber delivered a performance steeped in nostalgia, drawing on his earlier hits to connect with fans. The 32-year-old performer used a laptop to project YouTube videos of his older songs, including “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” creating a tribute to the platform that launched his career. This choice delighted the audience, blending digital nostalgia with live energy.

Bieber’s set also featured clips from his early days, such as home videos that marked his breakthrough at 12. These moments were shared on a minimalist stage, with the star interacting with live comments from the YouTube stream. The show was his largest since 2022, following the cancellation of his Justice world tour due to health challenges.

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

A viral moment from his recent past was included, showcasing a clip that sparked discussions about his mental state. Dressed in a hoodie and shorts, Bieber took the stage alone initially, performing tracks from his 2025 albums “Swag” and “Swag II” before inviting collaborators like The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon. His wife, Hailey Bieber, and celebrity pairs such as Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were seen in the crowd.

Bieber’s health struggles began in 2022 when he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition linked to shingles, which caused facial paralysis. Despite this, he released his surprise album “Swag” in July 2025 and performed at the Grammy Awards in February. His Coachella set contrasted sharply with the previous night’s act by Sabrina Carpenter, who had presented a Hollywood-themed show with costumes and stage design.

Colombian pop sensation Karol G will headline Sunday’s session at the festival, which runs over two weekends in the California desert. The event, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio since 2002, attracts more than 100,000 attendees daily, according to local police reports.