During the last two weekends of April, Coachella headlined with Justin Bieber in California while also featuring other popular artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G. Coachella is an annual music festival that evolved into a quintessential aspect of American culture.
According to The Guardian, Justin Bieber became the highest paid headliner at Coachella with a $10 million payout. Bieber has surpassed Beyonce’s 2018 Coachella $8-10 million headliner fee.
“I heard about Justin Bieber performing and everybody kind of went crazy,” sophomore Bella Breedlove said. “I think Swae Lee performed, so those were really the two that I was stoked about.”
Justin Bieber fans have seen all of the eras from his 2010 single hit “Baby” to more recent 2025 songs like “Yukon.” Fans have been following the “2026 is the new 2016” trend online, which influenced the theme and fashion of the festival.
(Gabriella Ford)
“I liked how everybody kind of took back the 2000s style for Justin Bieber,” Breedlove said. “I’m a very big 2000s fashion girl. I think that was peak fashion.”
Fans were split on the 2016 theme and many younger fans felt that they couldn’t resonate with it because they didn’t experience the 2016 atmosphere first hand.
“I don’t like it,“ sophomore Teagan Gentry said. “It felt like something I wouldn’t do because I was like six years old.”
Although Justin Bieber was the main attraction, some Coachella followers were interested in newer, less mainstream artists that performed. According to the LA Times, Sombr put on a memorable performance for fans that incorporated his distinct alternative style which contrasted with Sabrina Carpenter’s energy.
“I like Sombr, but that was it,” sophomore Joanha Chaves said. “I like [Sabrina’s] music but it’s a little “Pick me.” Really, it’s a little too dancy and stuff for me.”
While people had mixed feelings towards the lineup of artists, Coachella 2026 brought varied performers together to appeal to the masses.
“I’m just really happy that Justin Bieber performed because it reminded everybody that he still existed,” Breedlove said. “I feel like he really showed out, so overall Coachella seemed great this year.”
