Justin Bieber Faces Backlash Over ‘Lazy’ Coachella Performance Amid Reported $10M Payday
Justin Bieber is facing criticism after what fans described as a “lazy” headlining performance at Coachella, where the singer allegedly played portions of his biggest hits from a laptop despite earning a reported $10 million for the set.
The 32-year-old pop star took the stage on Saturday night wearing a casual hoodie, shorts, and sunglasses, opting for a stripped-down approach to his highly anticipated performance that left some fans confused.
Rather than delivering a high-energy comeback packed with his most recognizable hits, the “Daisies” singer performed several tracks from his 2025 albums “SWAG” and “SWAG II” before transitioning into snippets of his classic songs.
The pop star reportedly played portions of his set using a laptop during the concert and even displayed memes on the screen.
Bieber was seen seated on a stool with a laptop, scrolling through YouTube videos of his own songs and streaming earlier tracks as part of a brief 12-song medley.
Reactions on social media were swift and critical.
“Not Justin Bieber scamming Coachella out of $10 million to play songs off YouTube…” one user wrote.
Another added, “Justin Bieber giving us one of the laziest performances of all time.”
The singer also played classic internet memes on the screen during the set, including viral clips such as “deez nuts.”
A third commenter added, “If Sabrina Carpenter did what Justin Bieber is doing right now, her career would be over.”
The comparison to Carpenter, who headlined the opening night of the California festival with a polished, high-production performance featuring celebrity cameos, further fueled the backlash.
Bieber’s set, which began at 11:25 p.m. local time, had been rumored to face delays due to desert winds, though he ultimately took the stage on time.
The visual display also included viral internet moments, such as his “is it not clocking to you” exchange with paparazzi, along with memes like “deez nuts” and “double rainbow,” contributing to what some described as a chaotic performance style.
Many social media users argued that the minimalist nature of the performance “wouldn’t be allowed for a woman.”
“Justin Bieber is the worst headliner at Coachella in history because wtf you’re just sitting with a laptop,” one viewer posted.
Another added, “Justin Bieber 2026 Coachella performance may just be the worst mass-streamed/televised performance… ever?”
However, some fans defended Bieber, noting that his use of YouTube was “a little iconic,” given that he first rose to fame through the platform.
One X user even called him a “mastermind” for the karaoke-style set, while admitting that “some won’t understand.”
Supportive fans claimed Justin Bieber was returning to his YouTube roots—the platform that originally launched his career.
In an effort to engage the audience, Bieber asked fans to “help me with the songs tonight,” encouraging them to share their favorite tracks in the livestream comments.
He then incorporated those suggestions in real time, leaning further into the improvised, stripped-down nature of the performance.
One of the most unexpected moments came when Bieber revisited his early days, playing YouTube clips of himself as a child—including a nearly two-decade-old cover of a Ne-Yo song that helped lead to his discovery by Usher and Scooter Braun.
Bieber reportedly secured his Coachella deal directly with Goldenvoice, earning $5 million per weekend without the involvement of an agent.
He is expected to return to the main Coachella stage again on April 18.
The appearance comes after his split from longtime manager Scooter Braun in 2023, ending a professional relationship that lasted roughly 15 years.
Justin Bieber is no stranger to Coachella, having previously made surprise guest appearances alongside artists such as Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper, Daniel Caesar, and Tems.
However, this marked his first time headlining the festival—and for many fans, the performance did not meet expectations.
