Justin Bieber headlined Coachella on Saturday, April 11, 2025, in a performance that was both praised and criticized by fans. His set was stripped-down and minimalist, featuring him playing his old hits from a computer on a large screen livestream. According to The Guardian - World, Justin Bieber described touring again as 'super daunting' and said he isn't planning an official tour soon, but he prepared a show for Coachella. This comeback followed a hiatus of over four years, since he canceled his 2022 Justice World Tour amid health issues related to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. According to research, his only performances since that hiatus were a stripped-down Grammys performance and two selective LA warm-up shows, making the Coachella appearance a significant return to the spotlight.
Financial details from the festival highlighted disparities among headliners. Justin Bieber was reportedly paid $10 million for his Coachella headline performance, according to several American media reports. In contrast, Sabrina Carpenter headlined Coachella on Friday, delivering a star-filled set with a Hollywood-inspired concept called 'Sabrinawood', including outfit changes, visuals, choreography, and vocals, as reported by major media. Sabrina Carpenter was reportedly paid half of Justin Bieber's fee for her Coachella headline performance, though the exact amounts for both artists have not been officially confirmed, with reports citing 'up to $10 million' or 'reportedly $10 million' without verification.
Fan reactions to Bieber's performance quickly turned to critiques of perceived double standards and industry sexism. Fans called out 'double standards', claiming Justin Bieber got away with a low-energy set while female artists like Sabrina Carpenter would face career backlash for similar performances. This sentiment spread on social media, with many noting that Carpenter's elaborate, high-energy production contrasted sharply with Bieber's minimalist approach, yet she earned a lower fee. The debate underscored ongoing concerns about gender equity in the music industry, where male artists are often afforded more leniency and higher pay for less strenuous performances.
I know why you're here ... JUSTIN BIEBER! We're happy to lube you up for him.
The context of Bieber's performance hiatus added layers to the discussion. He had not performed publicly in over four years, since canceling his 2022 Justice World Tour amid health issues, specifically Ramsay Hunt syndrome. According to research, his only performances since then were limited to a stripped-down Grammys appearance and two selective LA warm-up shows. The full extent of his current health status remains unclear, and how it may have influenced his Coachella performance is not specified, beyond general descriptions of the set being stripped-down or vulnerable. This background contributed to the polarized reception, with some fans viewing the performance as a vulnerable comeback and others as underwhelming.
Despite the controversy, Bieber's Coachella appearance had a tangible impact on his music streaming numbers. According to Luminate and Spotify data, Justin Bieber's music streams increased by 54% in the U.S. and 250% globally on Spotify after his Coachella performance. This surge indicates that the performance, regardless of its minimalist nature, successfully reignited interest in his catalog, particularly his older hits featured in the set. The data suggests that the strategic focus on nostalgia and simplicity resonated with audiences, driving significant digital engagement across platforms.
Behind-the-scenes revelations further complicated the narrative around Bieber's performance. Hailey Bieber shared behind-the-scenes videos of Justin Bieber rehearsing his Coachella set, including the 'impromptu' YouTube scrolling moment, which was actually rehearsed, as reported by major media. This insight showed that what appeared spontaneous was part of a carefully planned production, blending authenticity with performance art. According to The Guardian - Main UK, Julian Casablancas described the anticipation, saying, 'I know why you're here ... JUSTIN BIEBER! We're happy to lube you up for him,' highlighting the buildup to Bieber's set.
Touring again was 'super daunting' and he isn't planning an official tour soon, but he prepared a show for Coachella.
In other Coachella news, Offset performed at the festival in a wheelchair days after being shot outside a Florida casino, but stood for parts of the show, according to major media. His dramatic appearance included a social media post where he stated, 'U ain't buss nun,' defiantly addressing the incident. The performance showcased his resilience, with fans cheering as he navigated the stage despite his injuries, adding a layer of raw emotion to the festival's lineup.
Conflicting accounts emerged about Lil Tjay's alleged involvement in Offset's shooting. Police allege Lil Tjay directed a fight that led to Offset's shooting, and one of Lil Tjay's group members pulled out a gun and shot Offset. However, Lil Tjay's attorney denied Lil Tjay was involved in the shooting or charged with it, calling such reports false. This dispute leaves the circumstances of the shooting unresolved, with law enforcement and legal representatives presenting opposing narratives that have yet to be fully clarified in public records.
Coachella 2025 overall was a massive success, selling out in three days and hosting around 125,000 people daily with seven stages and headliners including Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, according to major media. The official attendance numbers beyond these reports are not confirmed, though it set a single-day ticket record, reflecting its enduring appeal as one of the world's premier music festivals. The scale of the event, with multiple stages and diverse acts, underscored its cultural significance and economic impact on the entertainment industry.
U ain't buss nun
Karol G made history as Coachella's first ever Latina headliner, but her booking came with political concerns. According to major media, she has been warned not to make anti-ICE statements over visa concerns. The details of this warning, including who issued it and the specific consequences mentioned, remain unknown, adding uncertainty to her participation. This situation highlights the intersection of music and politics, where artists' expressions can face institutional pressures, particularly in high-profile international events.
Uncertainties persist regarding Bieber's payment and performance decisions. The exact amount he was paid for his Coachella performance is not officially confirmed, with reports varying. Additionally, the specific reasons behind his minimalist performance style at Coachella are unclear, beyond general descriptions of it being stripped-down or vulnerable, leaving room for speculation about artistic intent versus practical constraints.
Unknowns also surround Bieber's health and festival attendance details. The full extent of his current health status and how it may have influenced his Coachella performance is not specified, and official attendance numbers for Coachella 2025 beyond reports of around 125,000 people daily are not available, though the event reportedly set a single-day ticket record.
Unresolved questions remain about the warnings to Karol G. The details of the warning given to her about anti-ICE statements, including who issued it and the specific consequences mentioned, are not publicly disclosed, creating ambiguity around the conditions of her historic headline slot. These unknowns reflect broader tensions in the music industry regarding artistic freedom and geopolitical sensitivities.