During the main stage performance of The Strokes on Saturday evening, an interesting sight emerged: fans, predominantly women, were seen moving through the crowd, undeterred by the indie rock band as they secured their spots hours in advance for the headlining act, Justin Bieber. The lead singer, Julian Casablancas, playfully acknowledged the crowd’s excitement, saying, “I know why you’re here … JUSTIN BIEBER!” adding humorously, “We’re happy to lube you up for him.”
Casablancas may have sensed the anxious atmosphere among the audience, as the prospect of seeing Bieber perform at a prime Coachella slot felt both anticipated and uncertain. The pop sensation, who had not taken the stage publicly in over four years after canceling his 2022 Justice World Tour due to health issues, had only offered a stripped-back performance at the Grammys and a couple of exclusive shows in Los Angeles recently. The mix of vulnerability surrounding Bieber and the memory of Frank Ocean’s problematic headlining set in 2023 heightened the stakes, especially as Saturday’s lineup broke Coachella’s record for single-day ticket sales.
Relief washed over the crowd when Bieber appeared almost on time for his 11:35 PM set, dressed in a pink hoodie and oversized sunglasses. He delivered a smooth rendition of “All I Can Take,” a catchy track from his upcoming 2025 album, Swag, followed by “Speed Demon,” which showcased his vocal prowess. The sight of him alone on stage, skillfully navigating the ethereal synths of his new material, evoked both admiration and a protective instinct among fans, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his comeback.
This performance was a significant test of Bieber’s live credibility, built largely on his exceptional vocal talent. While fellow headliner Sabrina Carpenter had dazzled the audience with a grand, ambitious show just a day earlier, Bieber’s approach was starkly minimalist, featuring only himself, a microphone, and a laptop, transforming the expansive main stage into a personal space reminiscent of his Swag-era bedroom. Depending on their level of fandom, some viewed this stripped-back performance as either deeply vulnerable or disappointingly self-focused, particularly for an artist reportedly the highest-paid Coachella headliner ever. The contrasting expectations for male and female pop stars were notably apparent.
With a simple yet captivating stage design, Bieber embarked on a gradual reveal, shedding his shades and hoodie throughout the 90-minute set, yet retaining much of his emotional armor until he finally offered a glimpse into his eyes about halfway through. For many, his rare smile, primarily directed at the new collaborators he welcomed on stage, felt like a small triumph.
As one of the most recognized figures of his generation, Bieber enjoys a considerable reservoir of goodwill from fans who appreciate his artistic journey. His heartfelt performance of “Go Baby,” where he sat on the stage with his elbows on his knees and eyes closed, created an intimate atmosphere amidst the massive crowd, inviting them to connect with him on a personal level. However, audience engagement can be unpredictable; while the new Swag albums contain some standout tracks, the collection of 11 soft, R&B-style songs posed a significant challenge for a comeback performance. In a moment of awareness, Bieber acknowledged the crowd’s energy levels, exclaiming, “I think you guys need some energy,” before launching into the vibrant track “Stay” with The Kid Laroi, which revitalized the audience and showcased the emotional depth of his voice, even in a brief collaborative piece.
However, he soon returned to a quieter acoustic segment featuring six songs from Swag. While beautifully executed, this segment leaned heavily into a preacher-like vibe, and even the most ardent festival-goers might hesitate to chant, “Coachella, Hallelujah,” in response. The performance’s highlight was Bieber’s engagement with his past, a poignant reflection on his public growth, which continues to shape his remarkable vocal abilities. In a rare display of humor, he took the audience on a nostalgic journey through his earlier music videos, harmonizing with clips of his younger self and sharing amusing moments from his childhood, such as running into a glass door. This nostalgic trip was both charming and frustrating; many in the audience longed for a more comprehensive performance that included well-loved anthems like “Where Are U Now?”
Though the nostalgic segment offered a glimpse into his past, it did not fully address the desire for a deeper exploration of his career. The remnants of his past still weigh heavily on him, but at least now, he seems to be navigating them with greater ease.
