Coachella 2026: Karol G Headlines Day 3 After Justin Bieber's Divisive Laptop Set

The Colombian superstar makes history as the first Latina artist to headline the festival.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:52pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the divisive reaction to Justin Bieber's Coachella performance.The glitzy, high-fashion textures of Coachella's celebrity culture are shattered by the divisive reaction to Justin Bieber's unconventional festival set.Indio Today

Justin Bieber made a surprise return to the Coachella stage on Saturday night, setting up a MacBook onstage and letting YouTube commenters vote on his setlist in real time. The stripped-back performance divided fans, with some calling it 'lazy' and a 'snoozefest' while others defended it as a personal moment from the artist. On Sunday, Karol G will headline the festival, making history as the first Latina artist to do so.

Why it matters

Bieber's unconventional Coachella set has sparked debate about the role of technology and audience interaction in live performances, while Karol G's historic headlining slot represents a significant milestone for Latin music and female artists in the industry.

The details

Bieber's set featured him streaming his own music videos on the big screen behind him as YouTube viewers voted on the songs. Critics panned the performance as 'the worst in festival history,' while others saw it as a unique, personal moment from the artist. Meanwhile, Karol G is preparing for her highly anticipated headlining set, which she has said will include a focus on representing the Latin community.

  • Justin Bieber performed on the Coachella Stage on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Karol G is scheduled to headline the Coachella Stage on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Justin Bieber

A Canadian pop star who is making his first-ever billed appearance as a Coachella headliner this year.

Karol G

A Colombian superstar who will make history as the first Latina artist to headline the Coachella festival.

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What they’re saying

“Thank god he has YouTube Premium, I don't wanna see no ads.”

— Katy Perry

“Tonight's been beautiful guys. It's been a dream of mine to perform here.”

— Justin Bieber

“I don't want to just say 'ICE Out' and have nothing come from it. … I'm probably going to go a little harder than that. I just want to represent my community. But what I'm telling you is that, as a human being, I want that to mean more. I'm not saying that I'm not going to do it; what I'm saying is that I would do it and will do it with my soul. But I want to sit down and understand, in my head: Here's what that meant.”

— Karol G

What’s next

Karol G's highly anticipated headlining set on Sunday night will be a major moment, as she makes history as the first Latina artist to headline Coachella.

The takeaway

Justin Bieber's divisive Coachella performance has sparked debate about the role of technology and audience interaction in live music, while Karol G's historic headlining slot represents a significant milestone for Latin music and female artists in the industry.