Former Married At First Sight 2019 contestant Ines Basic has delivered a scathing critique of Justin Bieber's controversial performance at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival this past Saturday. The 35-year-old OnlyFans creator took to her Instagram Stories to lambast the pop star's 90-minute set, which notably featured Bieber seated on stage while operating a laptop to play music.
Ines Basic's Blunt Assessment
In a series of candid video clips filmed from her car, Basic did not hold back in her disapproval. "He looked like an old man trying to be cool. You know what I mean?" she remarked, adding, "Sometimes you just need to give it up, you know what I mean? Sometimes you just got to be like, 'I'm gonna call it a day.'"
She further criticised the perceived lack of production value, stating, "The stage looked like hell... I felt very disconnected from the artist, like, it was giving nothing. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry." Basic even confessed to falling asleep during the initial portion of the performance, underscoring her disappointment with the show's energy.
Targeting Bieber's Personal Reflections
The critique extended beyond the musical delivery. Basic took issue with a segment where Bieber discussed his past experiences with paparazzi. "And then when he had to sit there and talk about his experience with the paparazzi? Go to therapy, bro. Like, I'm not joking, go to therapy, man," she advised bluntly.
She concluded this point with a pointed observation: "Like, this is proof that you can make millions and millions and millions and millions of dollars selling dense energy trauma to the planet. That's proof right there."
Visual Dismissal on Social Media
In a separate Instagram Story, Basic visually reinforced her stance. She filmed herself rolling her eyes and blowing a raspberry at the camera, overlaying the footage with the text: "Me to anybody trying to tell me Justin Bieber's set was good." She appended the message with a firm, "Stop lying to yourself."
Fan Backlash and Festival Context
Basic's comments echoed a significant wave of fan disappointment following Bieber's long-awaited Coachella comeback. The 32-year-old singer, reportedly paid a staggering $10 million for the headline slot, delivered a set that many found underwhelming. It largely consisted of him singing along to tracks searched on a laptop, a stark contrast to the high-production spectacles expected from festival headliners.
Attendees and live-stream viewers expressed their frustration online, with some branding it "the worst in the festival's history." Critics questioned the justification for his substantial fee, especially as he took the stage in casual attire like a hoodie, and called for production quality matching previous headliners such as Sabrina Carpenter.
Mixed Reactions from the Audience
While many fans were vocal in their criticism, noting a seemingly "bored" crowd and a messy, sloppy presentation, others offered a more sympathetic interpretation. Some defenders viewed the performance as a heartfelt, introspective moment for Bieber.
"I feel like Justin Bieber is healing his inner child with this Coachella performance right now and it's genuinely beautiful to see," one supporter wrote online. Another added, "Seeing him look at his younger self with nothing but love?? Like, I've never seen him this relaxed and happy performing." A further comment praised, "Justin Bieber is paying himself a tremendous tribute at #Coachella."
The Significance of the Comeback
This Coachella appearance was particularly significant for Bieber, marking a major return to the stage after he was forced to cancel his 2022 Justice World Tour due to health issues, including a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Despite the anticipation from fans hoping to hear classic hits, the setlist primarily featured snippets of songs played via YouTube clips, which contributed to the polarising reception.
The debate surrounding Justin Bieber's Coachella performance highlights the divergent expectations between a minimalist, personal artistic expression and the grand, high-energy spectacle typically associated with one of the world's premier music festivals.
