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Indio Today
By the People, for the People
SZA Denies Rumor She Was Hired as Coachella Backup for Justin Bieber
The 'Good Days' singer shuts down speculation she was paid to fill in for Bieber in case he dropped out of his Coachella performance.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:33pm
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The glitz and pressure of Coachella's main stage are captured in this abstract close-up of the luxurious textures that define the festival's high-profile performances.Indio TodaySZA has denied rumors that she was hired as a backup performer for Justin Bieber's Coachella 2026 set in case the 'Baby' singer canceled at the last minute. The 'Kill Bill' singer commented on an Instagram post claiming she was paid six figures to 'stay Coachella-ready,' saying 'Lmao who made this up? I've seen this 4 times now. I'm in New York no one paid me a dime.' While fans speculated SZA may make a surprise appearance during Bieber's set, the singer confirmed she has no plans to join him on stage.
Why it matters
This rumor highlights the intense speculation and pressure surrounding high-profile music festival performances, especially when it comes to major artists like Justin Bieber. The idea of having a backup performer on standby speaks to the unpredictability of live events and the need for contingency plans, even for the biggest stars. SZA's swift denial also underscores the importance for artists to address false narratives and maintain control over their public image.
The details
The rumor originated from an Instagram post by the account Blind Items, which claimed SZA was 'allegedly paid six figures to stay Coachella-ready in case Justin Bieber dropoff.' However, SZA shut down the speculation, commenting 'Lmao who made this up? I've seen this 4 times now. I'm in New York no one paid me a dime.' While some fans speculated SZA may still make a surprise appearance during Bieber's set, given their past collaborations, the singer confirmed she has no plans to join him on stage.
- Justin Bieber is scheduled to perform at Coachella on April 11 and April 18, 2026.
The players
SZA
An American singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Good Days' and 'Kill Bill.' She has previously collaborated with Justin Bieber on an acoustic version of her song 'Snooze.'
Justin Bieber
A Canadian pop star who is headlining Coachella 2026 alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G. Bieber has expressed some anxiety over touring but has said Coachella is a 'safe space' for him.
What they’re saying
“Lmao who made this up? I've seen this 4 times now. I'm in New York no one paid me a dime. Wishing everyone the best.”
— SZA, Singer
The takeaway
This rumor highlights the intense speculation and pressure surrounding high-profile music festival performances, especially when it comes to major artists like Justin Bieber. SZA's swift denial underscores the importance for artists to address false narratives and maintain control over their public image.
