During his performance, Bieber presented a minimalist and more intimate set, which deviated from the expected spectacle typical of major festival appearances. This very approach, though artistically thoughtful, drew criticism from part of the audience, who characterized it as insufficiently energetic or even lazy.
However, the ensuing discussion on social media quickly took on a broader context. Many users pointed out that public reactions would have been significantly harsher if a female performer, such as Sabrina Carpenter who performed before him, had delivered a similar set.
Only a mfer who’s down bad on his $1.3Mn Bored Ape purchase can come in Coachella with no set, just a mic, oversized hoodies, and a personal laptop to surf Youtube for his greatest hits… AND STILL FUCKING KILL THE SHOW That’s Justin Bieber for y’all 🦍 pic.twitter.com/wZlHUPdcP8
Another person wrote: "Fans are defending Justin Bieber's mediocre Coachella performance, saying he is 32 and it's normal not to have the same energy anymore. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga is 36," sharing a clip of the singer's energetic performance while performing the song "Abracadabra" as a headliner at Coachella 2025.
fans defending justin bieber's mediocre coachella performance, saying he is 32 and it's normal not to have the same energy anymore. meanwhile lady gaga at the age of 39: pic.twitter.com/KsM4WAmlfl
Comments in a similar style piled up on social media, with Bieber's fans attempting to defend him by claiming the performance was a "healing" experience for the musician.
"Justin's Coachella performance was much more than just the music; it was a moment of complete healing. Watching him accept his past and acknowledge that he finally has everything he ever wanted moved me to tears," stated one user on X.