Justin Bieber has come under fire after fans took to social media to slam his “lazy” headlining gig at Coachella. The singer was reportedly paid an estimated USD 10 million, the highest ever paid to a performer at the event. However, fans seemed rather unimpressed as he took to the stage for his set and performed his hits off a laptop in a pair of shorts and a hoodie. The siger also ditched a band, background dancers for a laptop with a simple light show.Fans call out double standards in IndustryMuch of the backlash also centred on the alleged ‘double standards’ in the industry, with fans drawing comparisons to Sabrina Carpenter who hit the stage on Friday, and was reportedly paid just USD 5 million. “If Sabrina Carpenter did what Justin Bieber is doing right now, her career would be over,” read one comment, while another added, “Justin Bieber playing songs from his laptop on stage while Sabrina Carpenter delivered multiple outfit changes, visuals, choreography and vocals. These pictures speak louder than words.”Several users highlighted differences in expectations placed on male and female performers. “Female artists give full effort — flying, high notes, fireworks, outfits. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber, the most expensive Coachella performer, just sits in a plain tee, plays YouTube, no makeup, and still gets a pass? Switch the roles and a woman would get dragged immediately,” one post read.Justin Bieber’s performance slammed as ‘disrespectful’Others described the performance as lacking energy and professionalism. “He doesn’t give a single [care], playing videos and music from his laptop… it’s disrespectful to do something like this as a headliner,” another user wrote. A separate comment stated, “The difference in performances is actually insane. Men really get away with anything. Sabrina delivered a full-on show while he just stood there in a hoodie with a mic and laptop.”Fans slam Justin’s USD 10 million paychequeSome also took aim at reports of Bieber’s fee, with one post reading, “I can’t believe he was paid $10M… for sitting on the floor for 20 mins,” while another added, “This might actually be the worst performance I’ve ever seen… zero effort, just pure laziness.”The backlash comes amid comparisons to previous high-profile Coachella headliners such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, both of whom were widely praised for their elaborate and high-energy sets while taking a considerably lesser paycheque for their shows.
