Justin Bieber’s long-awaited return to Coachella turned out to be one of the most talked-about performances the festival has seen in years, and not entirely for the reasons you might expect. While some left the field feeling genuinely moved, others were baffled by what unfolded on one of music’s biggest stages.
Rather than arriving with the pyrotechnics and choreography of a traditional headline slot, Bieber took to the stage with little more than a laptop, a microphone and a YouTube search bar. He used it to pull up old videos of himself, sing stripped-back versions of his biggest songs, and share what felt like a genuinely personal moment with the 100,000-strong crowd. It was unusual. It was quiet. It was completely divisive.
DJ Diplo, who has worked closely with Bieber over the years, came out in defence of the set, saying it felt “like being at a party with him.” Critics were less convinced, with some pointing to the lack of energy or production as a missed opportunity for a proper comeback moment. Even Katy Perry had thoughts.
Katy Perry reacts to Justin Bieber using YouTube at Coachella
— @PopCrave View on X
What undeniably stole attention alongside the performance was the sight of Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton in the crowd, cementing their relationship in the most public way possible. The couple were spotted linking arms near the stage, with Kardashian in black leather trousers and a plunging black bodysuit, and Hamilton in an oversized black sweatshirt and beige trousers.
The pair had gone Instagram official the day before when Hamilton posted a video of Kardashian in his red Ferrari in Japan. They have reportedly been dating since early February and have since travelled together through Europe, the Cotswolds, Paris, Utah and Tokyo.
Kardashian’s daughter North, 12, also attended the show wearing a long blue wig and was spotted mingling with other concertgoers in the crowd. Kylie Jenner was also present with boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, and Hailey Bieber was seen watching her husband from the crowd wearing a yellow mini outfit.
Whether you loved Bieber’s stripped-back approach or found it underwhelming, one thing is clear: Coachella 2026 is not going to be forgotten in a hurry.
Written by
Elle Diaz
Elle Diaz is a freelance journalist and fitness model based in the UK. With a background in health, wellness, and popular culture, she covers the stories people are actually talking about — from viral trends and celebrity news to science, lifestyle, and human interest. Elle brings a sharp, relatable voice to every piece she writes.
📷 Follow on Instagram