Topics: Justin Bieber, Coachella, Celebrity, Music, Entertainment, Social Media, Twitter
Justin Bieber's headline performance at Coachella has prompted an array of mixed reviews from fans - with the reported payday he's getting being a big factor.
For those who missed it, in what's been dubbed 'Bieberchella,' the 32-year-old Canadian singer took to the stage in the Colorado Desert on Saturday (11 April) to deliver the first of two sets.
He'll take to the stage once again next weekend, as will fellow headliners Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, following a sold-out first round of festivities.
As for his first performance, Bieber delivered a stripped-back set with minimal production and no costume changes, which is similar to the vibe he went for at the Grammys in February.
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He belted out a setlist dominated by his new songs on albums SWAG and SWAG II before taking fans on a trip down memory lane.
The 'Baby' hitmaker sat in front of a laptop on YouTube and pulled up iconic moments, songs, and even memes from his career, while singing along to hits like 'That Should Be Me' and 'Beauty and a Beat,' with their music videos playing on a big screen in the background.
While some loved the nostalgia the long-awaited comeback set brought, others were disappointed that he sang along to music videos and didn't perform some tracks in full.
Some trolls have brutally dubbed the performance his 'worst ever' and complained about the lack of production value and simplicity of the set.
It follows reports that Bieber is being paid a whopping $10 million for both weekends - $5 million for each - and without the help of an agent.
An insider told Rolling Stone last year: "It’s a groundbreaking move for a headliner, and it’s something he built entirely on his own.
"Between headlining Coachella and the success of [his album] ‘Swag,’ it’s clear this is the start of an exciting new era for Justin - one where he’s fully in the driver’s seat."
One fan savagely penned on X: "The difference in performance quality is actually insane. You're telling me Justin Bieber is the highest-paid artist at Coachella, and this is what he delivers? Male artists really do get away with anything when it comes to performances."
While a second wrote: "Justin Bieber was the most lacklustre headliner I have ever seen on the Coachella stage. One of the worst headliners so far that Coachella has had. #BIEBERCHELLA #Coachella."
And a third questioned: "Did he rehearse at all?? Was this even approved by his team? What the actual f*** is going on?????? #Bieberchella."
However, others loved the performance, writing on the social media site: "It’s called talent, authenticity and genius, none of which need spectacle" and "He’s got the talent to back it up, that’s all he needs".
"I don’t think anyone understands the intimacy & true meaning behind this beautiful performance he did," penned a third.
While a fourth added: "Those needing flashy s*** to make their show good are just mad they can’t do this."
Some fans theorised that, because he sold a lot of his older music catalogue back in 2022, he wanted to give more attention to his newer hits.
Someone wrote on X: "In case you were wondering, Justin Bieber probably didn’t perform all his old songs in full and just his new songs because he sold his catalogue btw, and wanted to perform music he owns."
Tyla has contacted a representative for Bieber for comment.
Costing hundreds of millions of dollars to run every year, it should come as no surprise that Coachella pays out the big bucks for its headliners and performers.
Here are some of the most expensive over the years...
Over two decades ago, in 2004, the English rock band headlined Coachella and reportedly made $1 million at the time, which equates to around $1.7 million today.
The 'Slim Shady' rapper headlined Coachella in 2018, which saw him bring Dr. Dre on stage with him for a special cameo.
It was widely reported that he made $1 million for his performance.
A report by The New Yorker estimates that the 'Bad Romance' singer was paid between $3-4 million for her headlining 'Mayhem in the Desert' performance in 2025.
The Beatles legend was paid around $4 million in 2009 when he headlined the festival, according to 98FM, which equates to roughly $6 million in today's economy.
Another legend to add to the Coachella archives, the late musician was reportedly paid a cool $5 million when he headlined in 2008, which equates to roughly $7.4 million today.
The Wicked star headlined Coachella in 2019, making history for being the youngest female to ever headline.
She was also paid a very pretty penny indeed, with PEOPLE reporting that she made $8 million from her performances over the two weekends.
After headlining in 2018, which saw the festival be nicknamed 'Beychella', the pop icon's pay was disputed at first.
However, Billboard predicted she was paid somewhere between $8 and 12 million, making her one of the festival's most expensive headliners in history.
