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SZA Denies Being Paid Coachella Standby for Justin Bieber
Singer says rumors she was on call to replace Bieber at festival are false.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:00pm
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The dazzling, high-stakes world of music festival performances is often fueled by unsubstantiated rumors and speculation.NYC TodaySZA has denied claims that she was allegedly paid a six-figure sum to be on standby in case Justin Bieber dropped out of his Coachella performance. The 'Kill Bill' singer jumped into Instagram comments to refute the rumor, stating she was in New York at the time and was not paid anything.
Why it matters
This story provides insight into the high-stakes world of major music festival performances, where artists are often required to have backup plans in case of last-minute cancellations or issues. The denial also sheds light on the prevalence of unsubstantiated celebrity rumors circulating online.
The details
Justin Bieber's Coachella set made headlines, with the singer performing a mix of songs from his recent albums as well as old YouTube covers. While some critics felt the performance was 'lazy,' others saw it as a clever acknowledgment of Bieber's early internet fame. Amid the discussion, an Instagram post claimed SZA was allegedly paid six figures to be a standby replacement for Bieber, in case he was unable to perform.
- Justin Bieber's Coachella performance took place in April 2026.
- SZA denied the standby rumor in an Instagram comment on April 13, 2026.
The players
SZA
An American singer-songwriter known for hit songs like 'Kill Bill' and her collaboration with Justin Bieber on the 'Snooze' remix.
Justin Bieber
A Canadian pop star who headlined the 2026 Coachella music festival, performing a mix of new and old material.
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 story highlights the prevalence of unsubstantiated celebrity rumors and the need for artists to proactively address false claims, especially around high-profile events like major music festivals.
