Justin Bieber became the centre of attention at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, delivering a performance that left audiences both captivated and perplexed. The 31-year-old singer from Yukon took to the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles wearing nothing but gym shorts, showcasing a raw and stripped-down rendition of his single. However, it was the revelation of a large new tattoo on his back that truly set tongues wagging across social media platforms.
A Striking New Inking Inspired by Hailey's Elle Cover
The tattoo in question features a detailed portrait of his wife Hailey Bieber's face, complete with angel wings and long hair, bearing a striking resemblance to her 2020 Elle magazine cover shoot. In that iconic image, Hailey posed on a beach wearing a strapless top and swimwear, with the tattoo artist seemingly capturing both her likeness and the ethereal quality of the original photograph. Fans watching the broadcast were quick to spot the new body art, with many immediately drawing parallels to previous ink that held significance in Justin's personal history.
Comparisons to Past Selena Gomez Tattoo Surface
Observant viewers noted the similarity between this new tribute to Hailey and a tattoo Justin previously had of his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez. That earlier inking, which has since been covered up, was based on a 2012 Elle magazine photo shoot and was prominently displayed on his wrist. Justin had openly discussed attempting to obscure Selena's likeness in the past, telling Billboard in 2016 that he tried to cover her face with shading but people still recognised the image. The parallel between the two tattoos – both inspired by Elle covers of significant women in his life – did not escape the notice of dedicated followers.
Social media erupted with comments highlighting the connection, with one fan remarking, "There is no way Justin Bieber got a tattoo of Hailey Bieber's Elle magazine... similarly to the one he got of Selena Gomez's Elle cover." Others recalled previous conversations between Justin and Hailey about body art, noting that he had once mentioned saving his back for something important, despite Hailey's expressed preference against tattoos in that area.
Divided Reactions to the Shirtless Performance
Beyond the tattoo revelation, Justin's choice of attire – or lack thereof – dominated online discussions following the ceremony. This marked his first Grammys performance since 2022, when he performed Peaches alongside Giveon and Daniel Caesar, and his return to the stage after limited appearances due to health issues that led to tour cancellations. The emotional performance of Yukon, a song he has revealed was written about his wife, saw cameras frequently cutting to Hailey in the audience, where she smiled proudly throughout.
Reactions on social media platform X were sharply divided regarding his nearly naked appearance. Some praised what they perceived as vulnerability and artistic expression, with one fan writing, "Such a beautiful and vulnerable performance," while another humorously noted, "Just out there in his drawls and socks…" However, critics questioned the appropriateness of the attire for the prestigious event, with comments ranging from "Justin this is the Grammys and not the beach… just embarrassing" to expressions of concern about his wellbeing. Supporters countered with praise for his commanding stage presence and raw vocals, suggesting the performance signalled a new artistic chapter.
A Significant Career Moment Amidst New Projects
The Grammys appearance comes at a pivotal moment in Justin's career, following the release of his surprise 2025 album Swag, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with over 163,000 units in its first week. The project, showcasing a more introspective alt-R&B sound, delivered his biggest streaming debut to date, with 16 of its 21 tracks charting on the Billboard Hot 100. A follow-up album, Swag II, arrived just two months later in September, bringing the total track count across both releases to 44.
Looking ahead, Justin is set to headline both weekends of Coachella later this spring in what insiders describe as a historic, self-negotiated deal reportedly worth more than $10 million – making him the highest-paid performer in the festival's history. This groundbreaking arrangement, reportedly involving fees surpassing $5 million per weekend, positions him above previous headliners like Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and Ariana Grande in terms of compensation. Industry sources suggest this marks the beginning of an exciting new era where Justin is taking full control of his career direction.
At this year's Grammys, Justin received four nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Swag, Best Pop Solo Performance for Daisies, and Best R&B Performance for Yukon. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 23 Grammy nominations with two wins to his name. The performance served not only as a musical comeback but as a visual statement that will undoubtedly fuel conversations for weeks to come, blending personal symbolism with artistic expression in a manner only Justin Bieber could deliver.
