Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Some attendees criticized the performance, describing it as “lazy,” while others defended it, praising the singer’s minimal, stripped-back comeback after being away from the stage for several years.
Justin Bieber’s much-anticipated Coachella performance on Saturday quickly sparked debate online, with some viewers calling it the “worst performance” of the festival.
After stepping away from touring for several years, the 32-year-old “Daisies” singer—reportedly earning $10 million for the appearance—returned to the stage in Indio, where reactions were sharply divided.
Early in the set, Bieber performed songs from his recent projects Swag and Swag II before shifting into a more unconventional segment that heavily incorporated YouTube videos.
Addressing the crowd while seated behind a table with his laptop, he described the night as special and said he wanted to take fans on a “journey,” asking if they remembered some of his older hits.
He then played tracks such as “Baby,” “Never Say Never,” and “Beauty and the Beat” through YouTube videos while singing along as they appeared on screen.
The format drew attention online, with some viewers criticizing the approach. One social media user called it “pure laziness,” while another said it was the worst performance they had ever seen, arguing that it lacked effort and production value. Others also questioned the reported multimillion-dollar fee for the set.
Some celebrities and fans reacted more lightheartedly, including Katy Perry, who joked about the setup in a social media post, commenting on the use of YouTube Premium during the performance.
Despite the backlash, other fans praised the stripped-down nature of the show, saying they appreciated the nostalgic, minimal approach and Bieber’s vocal focus rather than elaborate staging.
The performance marked his first major live appearance since the end of his Justice World Tour in 2022. Reports from Rolling Stone noted that the singer secured a high-value deal to headline the festival, marking a significant return to large-scale performances.
Bieber’s return comes after a period in which he has been open about his personal struggles and emotional growth on social media. In recent posts, he has reflected on feelings of imperfection, vulnerability, and self-improvement, while also discussing themes of love, forgiveness, and honesty with his audience.
