Hailey Bieber Influences Justin Bieber’s Coachella 2026 Headline, Poolside Glam Highlights Production Talks
Insiders say Hailey nudged her husband toward a Coachella return, as Justin Bieber commands a record payday and plots a revival era around Swag, his two-part album project.

Hailey Bieber raised the temperature with a poolside photoshoot at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, modeling a plunging black one-piece that underscored her athletic figure. The setting—a private Hollywood hideaway with more than a century of star-studded history—provided a timeless backdrop for a shoot that kept the couple in the spotlight as rumors swirled about Justin Bieber’s headline status at Coachella 2026. The photos, captured on a sun-dappled afternoon, framed Hailey as both a fashion influence and a catalyst in the ongoing narrative around the festival return of the pop star.
The swimsuit, a daring one-piece with a deep neckline and high-cut legs, was paired with strappy stilettos, yet Bieber moved with the ease of a professional on the slim diving board, balancing and posing with the confidence that has become a hallmark of her public appearances. At times she leaned forward to adjust the neckline, then sat on the edge of the board to dangle her legs over teal-tinted water, flashing a smile that suggested she was enjoying the moment as much as the camera. The sequence highlighted her poise and athleticism, qualities frequently cited by fashion observers when discussing her impact on contemporary style.
On the same day, coverage from Us Weekly quoted an insider who said Hailey was a “big influence” on Justin’s decision to headline Coachella 2026. The source described her as someone who is always in his corner, hyping him up and reminding him that performing at the festival would be meaningful to his fans. The insider also noted that Justin had previously passed on headlining offers, but Hailey’s encouragement helped persuade him that a Coachella appearance could be a pivotal moment in sharing new music with a broader audience. The account emphasized that Hailey’s perspective comes from a long-standing belief in his artistry and the importance of his live stage presence to his legacy.
Industry observers also note that Justin’s Coachella return comes at a moment of substantial professional change. Rolling Stone reported that he secured a record-breaking payday of more than $10 million to perform over two weekends, a figure that would place him at the top of Coachella’s historically lucrative lineup. The deal is described as a direct negotiation with Goldenvoice, the festival’s promoter, bypassing traditional agency channels. Those close to the singer described the arrangement as a landmark move, enabling Bieber to exercise a high degree of creative control over the performance as part of a broader attempt to redefine his artistic identity at this stage of his career.
A key component of that new era is Bieber’s ongoing Swag project, a two-part album initiative that critics and industry insiders say played a central role in shaping the Coachella plan. Insiders say Bieber intends to showcase songs from Swag I and Swag II while weaving in older hits, creating a retrospective feel that also signals forward momentum. The plan, described by several sources as a celebration of where he is artistically now, includes the possibility of guest appearances that would elevate the festival experience beyond a standard headlining set. Those close to the project stressed that Bieber has had substantial creative freedom in shaping the Swag project, a departure from some of his past collaborative workflows, and that he views Coachella as a stage for a generational reinvention.
As the festival draws nearer, industry chatter has focused not only on the performance itself but also on its broader implications for Bieber’s career arc. An insider reflected that the two-weekend spectacle could represent a “once-in-a-generation” moment for the singer, one that sets the tone for a new era. The conversations also touch on the broader economics of the festival, with analysts noting that Bieber’s reported payout markedly exceeds typical headliner figures from recent years and underscores the evolving market for large-scale pop performances within a multi-artist platform.
The financial backdrop to Bieber’s Coachella return includes a high-profile settlement related to a long-running management dispute. Reports have linked Bieber to a settlement with Scooter Braun that, according to outlets such as TMZ, could cost him more than $30 million. The resolution is said to wrap up a chapter in which Braun’s HYBE-affiliated entities were involved in the financial and contractual elements of Bieber’s touring and business affairs. While the settlement details remain sensitive to jurisdiction and private negotiations, the public-facing takeaway is that the star’s return to Coachella arrives at a moment of renewed personal and professional consolidation, with the Swag project and a record-setting festival payday signaling a reassertion of Bieber’s independence and star power.