Justin Bieber is poised to make a significant return to live performances at this year’s sold-out Coachella festival, although the forecast of rain could pose a challenge.
The Canadian artist will take the stage for the first time since he canceled his 2022 tour due to health issues, specifically citing “full paralysis” on one side of his face after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. At that time, he expressed, “I wish this wasn’t the case, but obviously my body is telling me I need to slow down.”
In the previous year, Bieber described the prospect of touring again as “super daunting” and indicated that he did not intend to embark on a formal tour in the near future. However, he assured fans via Twitch, “I’m putting on a hell of a show for you guys for Coachella, getting ready, and getting inspired.”
The renowned music festival, held annually in California’s Coachella Valley, is expected to attract roughly 125,000 attendees daily, featuring seven stages with a diverse lineup, including other headliners like Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G. The festival will also showcase artists such as Moby, Geese, David Byrne, Addison Rae, the Strokes, Sombr, Iggy Pop, Ethel Cain, and Labrinth over its two-weekend run.
Tickets for the event sold out in just three days, reflecting strong fan enthusiasm, following a less favorable sales performance in 2024.
Coachella will also mark the return of The xx, who are set to perform at their first major festival in eight years, coinciding with the anticipation of their first album since 2017. Recently, the band surprised fans with a performance in Mexico City, which they announced as the beginning of a new chapter together.
Sabrina Carpenter, who headlined Coachella in 2024, has declared her upcoming set will be the “most ambitious” she has ever orchestrated. “It’s probably the most time I’ve ever had to actually sit down and talk about a show as I’m building it,” she shared in a recent interview with Marc Jacobs.
On Sunday, Colombian artist Karol G will make history as Coachella’s first Latina headliner. In a recent Playboy interview, she revealed concerns about expressing anti-ICE sentiments due to potential visa repercussions. “You become bait, because some people want to show their power,” she commented, adding she is “willing to say” ICE but must protect herself.
This week’s lineup also welcomed Jack White as a surprise addition, while the punk duo Lambrini Girls will not perform after guitarist Phoebe Lunny announced on Instagram that she is dealing with “an acute brain injury.” Additionally, Manon from the girl group Katseye will miss the festival as she focuses on her health and well-being during her hiatus.
After last year’s Coachella experienced record-high temperatures reaching 102°F (39°C), which resulted in increased hospital visits for heat-related issues, this weekend’s weather forecast suggests potential rain. Although earlier warnings of thunderstorms have been downgraded, attendees can expect a significant contrast to the heat experienced in 2025.
