A leaked promotional poster for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival's 2026 edition has sent shockwaves through the music world, and not the good kind. The purported lineup, which has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, names Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter as the event's top-billed headliners.
The image, which surfaced on social media, was quickly dismissed by many as an unconvincing fake. Critics were swift to point out its amateurish design, noting the lineup's font differed from the official Coachella branding and that Sabrina Carpenter's name was misspelled as 'Carpenter'.
Fan Fury and Online Backlash
The reaction from dedicated Coachella attendees and music fans was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Social media platforms were flooded with comments expressing profound disappointment and disbelief.
One user succinctly captured the prevailing mood, declaring the leak 'the worst lineup I have ever seen'. The sentiment was echoed across countless replies, with many questioning the star power and headline credibility of the named artists for a festival of Coachella's stature.
A History of Speculation and The Bieber Factor
Rumours of Justin Bieber headlining the iconic festival have swirled for years, making any potential announcement highly anticipated. However, this leak has seemingly backfired, with the proposed combination failing to generate the excitement organisers would hope for.
Despite Sabrina Carpenter's rising popularity following hit albums and sold-out tours, the consensus online suggests she is not yet perceived as a headline act for one of the world's most prestigious music festivals. The leaked poster has, perhaps unfairly, placed both artists at the centre of a major fan revolt.
While the authenticity of the poster remains unverified, the damage to the festival's hype may already be done. The intense negative response presents a significant PR challenge for Goldenvoice, the festival's organisers, who typically unveil their lineup with meticulous planning and fanfare.
