In a notable departure from her usual high-profile stage presence, global music icon Adele was spotted enjoying a low-key evening at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The celebrated singer, aged 37, attended the event alongside her 13-year-old son, Angelo, marking a rare public outing for the mother-son duo.
A Mother-Son Date at the Festival
Opting for casual comfort over glamour, Adele was seen walking around the festival grounds in a simple black suit, paired with practical ballet flats and subtle gold earrings. Her appearance suggested a relaxed, personal occasion focused on quality time with her teenage son. Notably absent was her fiancé, sports agent Rich Paul, 45, indicating this was specifically a bonding experience for Adele and Angelo.
Background on Adele's Personal Life
Adele shares Angelo with her ex-husband, Simon Konecki, from whom she divorced in 2021. Following the split, she began a relationship with Rich Paul, and the couple were last seen together publicly in the previous year. During a concert in Munich, Germany, in 2024, Adele confirmed their engagement to fans, humorously declining a marriage proposal from an audience member by revealing her upcoming nuptials.
Justin Bieber's Controversial Headline Performance
The pair were at Coachella to witness Justin Bieber's highly anticipated headline slot on the main stage, which ultimately proved divisive among attendees and online commentators. The performance, for which Bieber reportedly earned approximately £7.5 million (equivalent to $10 million), faced significant criticism for its unconventional format.
Fan and Celebrity Reactions
Many festival-goers and social media users expressed disappointment, branding the set as "lazy" and underwhelming. Bieber, aged 32, performed a brief 12-song medley while seated on a stool, scrolling through YouTube videos of his earlier hits on a laptop. This approach led to widespread mockery, with one X user exclaiming, "Not Justin Bieber scammed Coachella out of $10 million to play songs off of YouTube…"
Adding to the controversy, fellow pop star Katy Perry, 41, who attended the show with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, posted a thinly veiled dig on her Instagram. In a video from the crowd, she quipped, "Thank God he has premium, I don’t want to see no ads," humorously referencing the YouTube-themed performance.
Logistical Challenges
The performance also faced practical hurdles, as Bieber took to the stage later than scheduled due to high winds at the desert venue. Despite the mixed reception, his slot garnered immense attention, highlighting the polarising nature of modern festival headline acts.
Adele's Enjoyment Amid the Drama
Throughout the evening, Adele appeared to be in high spirits, smiling as she strolled through the venue with Angelo. Her presence added a touch of star power to the event, even as she remained largely under the radar, focusing on her son and the music. This outing underscores her ability to balance global fame with private family moments, offering fans a glimpse into her life beyond the spotlight.
The Coachella festival, held in Palm Springs, California, continues to be a magnet for celebrity sightings and musical spectacles, with this year's edition proving no exception. As Adele and her son enjoyed the show, the buzz around Bieber's performance dominated conversations, illustrating the ever-evolving landscape of live entertainment and public perception.
