SZA dismisses talk of stepping in for Justin Bieber at Coachella 2026, says ‘no one paid me a dime’
INDIO, CALIFORNIA: SZA isn’t here for the rumors and she made that very clear.
The singer directly addressed speculation on April 10 that she was secretly hired as a backup performer for Justin Bieber if he drops out of Coachella 2026, shutting it down in her own style.
SZA calls out viral rumor about Coachella backup role
The buzz started circulating online when a post claimed that SZA had been paid to stay “Coachella-ready” in case Justin Bieber dropped out of his scheduled performances.
The claim quickly gained traction, but SZA wasted no time responding.
“Lmao who made this up?” she commented under the Instagram post. “I’ve seen this 4 times now. I’m in New York no one paid me a dime. Wishing everyone the best.”
The rumor suggested that she was being paid six figures to step in if needed, but the singer made it clear there was no truth to it.
Fans still hopeful for surprise SZA appearance
Even after SZA dismissed the rumor, fans didn’t entirely let go of the idea.
Many took to the comments hoping she might still show up during Justin Bieber’s set, especially given their past collaboration.
The two artists previously teamed up on an acoustic version of SZA’s 2022 hit ‘Snooze,’ which only fueled excitement about a possible onstage reunion.
While SZA made it clear she wasn’t part of any backup plan, the possibility of a surprise cameo remains something fans are still quietly wishing for.
Justin Bieber gears up for major Coachella performances
As speculation swirled, attention also turned to Justin Bieber himself, who is set to headline the festival alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G.
The singer had earlier shared some insight into what fans can expect from his set.
“I’m gonna do the whole, both [SWAG] projects, probably,” he said during a Twitch livestream last October. “And just find a way to merge some of the old songs in where I can.”
He also noted that many of these songs haven’t been performed live yet, adding to the anticipation.
“I haven’t performed these songs live yet, and that’ll be kind of the first time I really do them all live like that,” he said.
Despite expressing some anxiety about touring, Bieber described Coachella as a comforting space.
“It soothes the soul,” he said.
Bieber fever already takes over Coachella grounds
Even before he hit the stage, Bieber’s presence was already being felt across the festival.
Kylie Jenner, a close friend of the singer, showed her support with a series of Justin-inspired fashion choices.
She arrived wearing an oversized tank top featuring Bieber’s face and later shared a look at her floral manicure inspired by his 2025 single “Daisies.”
Posting on Instagram Stories, she summed up the vibe in just a few words: “It’s giving Bieberchella.”
