Justin Bieber has earned the right to perform however he wants
We’ve all seen or at least heard about Justin Bieber’s headlining Coachella performance: a blank canvas of a stage, minimalist production, a few lights here and there, and singing along to some of his greatest hits via YouTube.
For some, it was intimate—a moment when a superstar who’s been in the limelight since he was 15 took a stroll through memory lane alongside his adoring fans. For others, it was healing, particularly for him to reminisce on his greatest hits despite being known to have greatly struggled with fame and substance abuse throughout his career. It also marked Bieber’s steady return to the stage, following the cancellation of his Justice World Tour in 2022 after he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS), which left him with temporary facial paralysis.
On the flip side, not everyone thought that sitting on stage, browsing on YouTube, and practically singing karaoke constituted a performance worthy of his rumored $10 million paycheck—particularly when compared to other headliners who delivered the usual stage-worthy set.
We hear both sides, and there are merits to both arguments. But frankly, just because he can perform however he wants doesn’t mean everyone else can.
Warranted or not?
Not to compare or place the two in the same category, but conversations surrounding Bieber’s Coachella stage bear similarity with the praises and criticisms being directed at BTS’ recent comeback and ongoing world tour.
Why? At least by K-pop standards, BTS has significantly reduced their choreography compared to what many have come to expect from them over the years. Rather, they’ve opted to switch things up by moving stages, a mass of backup dancers, and by going around the stadium and interacting with their fans, instead of simply dancing to every song.
In a conversation with Billboard, Hybe chairman Bang Si-Hyuk disclosed that this switch in performance intensity was a conscious decision they made behind the scenes. “[BTS] already [possesses] the kind of aura that can command a stage just by existing. For artists like [them], standing still can be more than enough.”
With albums such as “My World,” “Purpose,” “Justice,” and “Swag,” Bieber has undeniably reached a similar, if not higher, level where his music can stand on its own. For artists like him, choreography and production design are welcome but not necessary. Spectacle doesn’t enhance; it distracts.
Earned privilege versus expectation
Some have pointed out that support of Bieber’s Coachella performance is a symptom of ingrained sexism in the music industry. As some comments have said, if Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, or any other top female artist did the same, they wouldn’t be receiving the same praise Bieber is getting.
On one end, there is truth in this. Particularly in K-pop, perceived laziness onstage is widely frowned upon—with artists such as Blackpink having received their fair share of criticism over the years. On the flip side, when male performers are lackadaisical, it is seen as nonchalant or even sexy.
That said, this wouldn’t really be applicable to Bieber’s case because he is, in fact, receiving flak for it. I wouldn’t be writing this article to begin with if that weren’t the case.
But ultimately, it’s a matter of artistic expectation above anything else. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, or even Sabrina Carpenter—a name frequently brought up because she was also a Coachella headliner—have built their careers with the expectation of massive set pieces and high production value in their concerts. Had they suddenly shown up to Coachella with none of those, it would have undoubtedly raised eyebrows because it isn’t something they’re known for.
Meanwhile, although Bieber has previously danced onstage throughout his career, he isn’t necessarily known for it nowadays. In fact, didn’t he just show up in boxer shorts for his Grammy 2026 performance?
If anything, sitting onstage and browsing YouTube felt on-brand for the singer.
Outside celebrity performances, festivals such as Coachella are all about bringing people together through music. Seeing thousands of fans singing in unison to “Baby” and “Beauty And A Beat,” it’s safe to say that Bieber did exactly that.
And seeing all the posts, engagement, and conversations surrounding it—from Coachella’s point of view, that $10 million was definitely worth it.
