Fans criticise disparity between Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella performances and pay

Justin Bieber made his return to live performance at Coachella 2026, but his low-key approach has sparked heated debate online. The Canadian singer, who reportedly earned $10 million for his headline slot, delivered a minimalist show largely centred around him singing along to pre-recorded tracks from his laptop, wearing a casual hoodie and skipping elaborate production. Many attendees branded the performance as underwhelming and even ‘lazy’, contrasting sharply with Sabrina Carpenter’s creative set the previous night, which featured complex staging, costume changes, celebrity cameos and strong vocals. Reports suggest Carpenter was paid only half of Bieber’s fee, prompting fans to accuse the music industry of persistent sexism and double standards that favour male artists. Social media users argued that a female performer could never afford such an unpolished presentation without severe backlash, citing Carpenter’s meticulous and high-energy show as proof of gender bias in professional expectations. Others, however, defended Bieber, interpreting the minimalist concert as a personal, self-reflective expression and a symbolic reconnection with his younger self. The performance featured both new material and nostalgic classics from his early career, creating an emotional narrative of growth and continuity. Still, the debate continues over artistic freedom, fair pay, and gender inequality within the live music scene.