Bieber fever is an incurable disease. It comes in waves, but always lingers. You think you’ve recovered as the years go by and life moves on, but then Mr. Bieber does something to cement his place in the industry and in our hearts. And just like that, you wake up thinking about Justin Bieber again.
Coachella 2026 is what reignited the fire within me.
Instead of costume changes, elaborate lighting and backup dancers, Bieber walked out alone with only his MacBook in hand. Throughout the set, he searched old YouTube videos of himself for a crowd of tens of thousands of Beliebers. Critics called it “lazy,” saying he “scammed” the festival. Others suggested he’d been paid $10 million to host a YouTube viewing party.
Here’s what I have to say to that: you simply don’t understand what you had the privilege to witness.
The young star was discovered after music producer Scooter Braun stumbled upon his YouTube videos and helped turn him into a global icon. But let’s be honest, it was Bieber’s hard work, talent and dedication to his craft that led to his fame, not Braun. Point aside, he started on YouTube.
The industry has been taking from him since he was a teenager. At 16, he was already selling out arenas. Most notably he sold out the iconic Madison Square Garden in 22 minutes, performing night after night while the world consumed him whole. He gave audiences their childhood while sacrificing his own.
I do want to correct misinformation I’ve been seeing on Reddit threads and among the fan base. In 2023, he sold his entire back catalog of over 290 titles to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for over $200 million. This deal included publishing copyrights, master recordings, neighboring rights and artist loyalties. Rumor has it, Bieber performed a “stripped set” using YouTube videos to avoid paying royalties to Hipgnosis.
However, festivals like Coachella hold blanket licenses that cover live performance royalties for all artists, meaning no legal loophole was needed to perform his old hits.
However, the style of his set at Coachella was still extremely symbolic in more ways than one. He reclaimed his sound and his talent as his own through the platform that he started on. Bieber walked onstage with his voice and a MacBook to remind the world of his true self before the industry got his hands on him.
If you couldn’t appreciate that, maybe you need to rethink your status and question whether you are a true belieber.
I also need to address Hailey Bieber. Yes, as Beleibers we all have complicated feelings towards her. Jelena remains a topic of conversation and I will not be tackling that beast. But Hailey Baldwin was a fan, just like us. She just got really lucky. She’s a successful entrepreneur, she’s a girl’s girl, as demonstrated by her pushing Billie Eilish onto the stage for Bieber’s iconic “One less Lonely Girl” bit, and most importantly, she’s good for him. I won’t stand for Hailey Bieber slander.
As a self-proclaimed certified Belieber, here’s my ranked album list, from best to worst, stated with full “Confidence” and zero “Sorry” (puns intended).
- “Journals” (2013)
He knew exactly what he was doing with this one. This album told us that we were no longer idolizing an adorable countertenor. He was growing up and taking risks, and it worked out for him.
- “My World 2.0” (2010)
This is where it started for most of us. His first studio album was the one that made us all think we had a real chance. Before performing “One Time” and other iconic pieces from this collection, he asked the Coachella crowd “how far back do you go?” And I go way back.
- “Purpose” (2015)
No argument needed. Post-pain, post-growth, undeniably good.
- “Believe” (2012)
This was peak fandom for many of us. His voice deepened and somehow got better, allowing him to pull off slower tracks like “Fall.” His collaborations with big names like Drake and Nicki Minaj only further proved that this kid was going places.
- “SWAG” & “SWAG II” (2025)
After four years of silence, this album blew us all away. This drop was the first one since he became a father, which he referred to in several of his hits on this record. Songs like “Mother in You” and “Dadz love” prioritized his family and faith over everything, and I’m here for it. After telling the Coachella crowd “see you soon” and updating his official website, tour rumors are already swirling. I’m planning on selling everything I own.
- “Justice” (2021)
As we get further down the list, I struggle to order these more and more because every album is great in its own way. This album was raw, vulnerable and honest about the loneliness and isolation that came with COVID-19 and growing up in front of the entire world. I can’t help but giggle at the irony of his duet with Benny Blanco, given that he is now, of all people, married to Selena Gomez.
- “Changes” (2020)
A hard watch and a hard listen at times, but it was the middle of the pandemic so let’s give him a break. “Yummy” remains the one exception to my unconditional love. This album also showed us the endless support he received from his wife, throughout all of his hardships —another reason why I will always defend her.
- “Under the Mistletoe” (2011)
It feels odd to even include this as a part of my list, because it’s exclusively a Christmas album. However, that’s not to say I’m not blasting “Drummer Boy” as soon as November rolls around.
To every Belieber reading this: I see you. He raised us and now we’re watching him raise his son. We all grew up together, that’s what’s so beautiful and devastating about it. Stay strong. Take your vitamins. Stay hydrated. And save your money for those tour tickets. I’ll see you there.
