dailyloe.com – SZA has publicly denied rumors she was hired as a backup performer for Coachella 2026. The singer responded to an online claim she was paid a six-figure sum to stay ready. This was in case headliner Justin Bieber dropped out of his scheduled sets. Bieber is set to perform alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G.
SZA commented on an Instagram post from April 10 making the claim. The post was a joint upload by Blind Items and Music Life. It featured a picture of SZA with a headline about the alleged payment. SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, questioned the rumor’s origin directly.
“Lmao who made this up?” SZA wrote in her comment. She added that she had seen the claim multiple times. The singer stated she was in New York and had not been paid. She concluded by wishing everyone the best for the festival.
Despite shutting down the rumor, some fans hoped for a surprise appearance. One comment noted SZA’s prior collaboration with Justin Bieber. They suggested she might still appear during his Coachella set. Another fan directly invited SZA to attend the festival anyway.
Justin Bieber previously discussed his Coachella plans on a Twitch livestream last October. He said he would perform songs from both his ‘SWAG’ projects. Bieber mentioned merging some of his older songs into the set. He noted it would be the first time performing these new songs live.
The artist also shared his feelings about performing at the festival. Bieber expressed some anxiety over potential touring. He stated that Coachella felt like a safe space for him. “It soothes the soul,” Bieber said on the stream.
Anticipation for Bieber’s performance is already visible at the festival grounds. Kylie Jenner debuted Justin-inspired fashion ahead of his set. She wore an oversized tank top featuring Bieber’s face upon arrival. Jenner also showed a floral manicure nodding to his 2025 single “Daisies.”
Jenner referenced the excitement on her Instagram Stories. She used the phrase “It’s giving Bieberchella” alongside the manicure photo. Bieber’s headline performances are scheduled for April 11 and April 18. SZA collaborated with Bieber on an acoustic version of her 2022 hit “Snooze.”[]
Source: E! News
