Justin Bieber sells out Coachella 2026, tops festival pay record

Justin Bieber has sold out six Coachella 2026 performances, with organizers paying the 31-year-old pop star more than $10 million for the headline slots. The six-date festival is set to run in Indio, California, on April 10–12 and April 17–19 next spring. Promoters announced on social media that passes for the festival had sold out, accompanied by a caption that referenced a new era for the event: “She’s gone, dance on. See you in April” set to the track Discovery’s “She’s Gone.”

An insider told Rolling Stone that Bieber negotiated the deal directly with promoter Goldenvoice, without using an agent. The outlet described the arrangement as a groundbreaking move for a headliner and said it signals Bieber’s growing control over his career. The payday reinforces Bieber’s enduring popularity and his ongoing relevance in an industry where marquee performances can set the tone for a festival season.

The news arrives amid a broader arc in Bieber’s career. He released his album Justice in 2021, which yielded chart-topping singles such as Peaches and Holy. In 2023, Bieber sold the rights to his entire catalog for about $200 million, a move that aligned with a broader push by artists to monetize catalogs and control in-and-out of touring. Earlier that year, Bieber canceled the remainder of the Justice World Tour after announcing Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that can cause facial paralysis. He had already paused dates in 2022 due to health concerns, explaining that he needed time to focus on recovery before resuming performances.

Coachella 2026 is being billed as a six-day stretch across two consecutive weekends, a format that the festival has used to heighten anticipation for headlining acts and diversify on-site scheduling. Bieber’s headline slot, if confirmed by official organizers, would position him among a small group of artists who have commanded top-dollar contracts to close out the iconic California gathering. Industry observers note that the arrangement, alongside his recent catalog move, illustrates a broader shift in how major pop stars are negotiating live opportunities and ownership. While the lineup for 2026 has not been fully disclosed beyond Bieber’s high-profile booking, promoters and talent buyers say the festival remains on track to attract a wide cross-section of fans, from longtime die-hards to younger listeners seeking breakout performances during the spring calendar.