Justin Bieber's Longtime Collaborator Praises His 'Coachella His Way' Approach

DJ Tay James says he's proud of Bieber's journey and how he's headlining the festival on his own terms.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:50am

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An extreme close-up photograph of sparkling sequins and shattered glass, creating a high-contrast, glamorous texture that evokes the celebratory mood of a major music festival performance.The glitz and energy of Justin Bieber's Coachella headlining set is captured in this abstract close-up of luxury textures.Indio Today

Justin Bieber's longtime collaborator and friend, DJ Tay James, says he's proud of the singer for headlining Coachella 'his way.' James, who has been on the road with Bieber for nearly two decades, says this is something the 32-year-old 'Daisies' singer has 'always wanted to do' and that he's doing it on his own terms. James kicked off the day at the Absolut Hottest Brunch: Desert Edition just steps from the festival grounds, which he says was 'the best way to kick off the big day' before witnessing one of his 'best friends gracing the stage.'

Why it matters

Bieber's Coachella performance marks a significant milestone in his career, as headlining the iconic music festival has long been a goal of his. James' comments provide insight into Bieber's mindset and approach to this career-defining moment, highlighting the singer's desire to do things 'his way' and the pride his longtime collaborator feels in witnessing Bieber's journey.

The details

DJ Tay James, who has been Bieber's tour DJ since 2009, says their friendship has evolved into a 'brotherhood' over the years. James kicked off his Coachella weekend by DJing the Absolut Hottest Brunch: Desert Edition event near the festival grounds, calling it 'the best way to kick off the big day' before seeing Bieber perform. James says he's 'only here for Justin' and that he's 'just honestly proud of him and the journey that he's been on.' The Baltimore native says that 'everything I've always wanted to do, I've been able to do,' thanks in part to his close relationship with the 'Daisies' singer.

  • Justin Bieber made his first of two Coachella headlining performances on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Justin Bieber

A 32-year-old singer who headlined the Coachella music festival in 2026, fulfilling a long-held goal.

DJ Tay James

Bieber's longtime collaborator and friend who has been his tour DJ since 2009. James says their relationship has evolved into a 'brotherhood' over the years.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just honestly proud of him and the journey that he's been on. And for him to actually do this the way that he wanted to do, I'm just super proud.”

— DJ Tay James, Bieber's Longtime Collaborator

“I'm only here for Justin. If he wasn't gracing the stage, I'd be at home.”

— DJ Tay James, Bieber's Longtime Collaborator

The takeaway

Bieber's Coachella headlining performance represents a significant milestone in his career, as it's something he has long aspired to do. His longtime collaborator and friend DJ Tay James' comments provide insight into Bieber's mindset and approach, highlighting the singer's desire to do things 'his way' and the pride his inner circle feels in witnessing his journey.