One of Music's Biggest Stars Delivered a Divisive Coachella Performance. It Was Glorious.

"Coachella headlining performances are massive deals for a musician's career, earning them millions of dollars and a massive boost in cultural cachet, often cementing them as the new, or reigning, titans of the pop pantheon."

"This Coachella performance was a huge comeback opportunity for Bieber, whose most recent televised display-a Grammys showing so stripped down he did it in nothing but underwear -raised a few eyebrows."

"At the height of his teenybopper fame, Bieber was known for involved pop performances that included background dancers, a full onstage band, dance breaks, and serenades of individual lucky fans."

"When Bieber did finally take the stage on Saturday night, it quickly became clear that this would be the most divisive set at the entire festival."

Justin Bieber's performance at Coachella represented a major comeback after a hiatus due to health issues. His recent album, Swag, had garnered critical appreciation, and fans were eager to see him perform live again. However, his solo stage presence at Coachella diverged from his previous elaborate performances, leading to a divisive reception. While some fans celebrated his return, others were left disappointed by the lack of the dynamic showmanship that characterized his earlier career.

Read at Slate Magazine