AceShowbiz - SZA has publicly refuted circulating rumors claiming she was paid a six-figure sum to serve as a backup headliner at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in case Justin Bieber cancelled his performance. The singer-songwriter addressed the speculation directly on her Instagram account on Saturday, April 11, expressing disbelief over the false report.

The rumor originated from a blind item suggesting that SZA, 36, was compensated with "six figures to keep her schedule open for both weekends [of Coachella] - just in case Justin Bieber had to drop out at the last minute." Despite Bieber, 32, being heard sound-checking ahead of the festival in Indio, California, some fans continued to entertain this theory.

Responding to this on Instagram, SZA wrote, "Lmao who made this up ? I've seen this 4 times now," and further clarified in the comments that she was in New York and that no payment was made to her for Coachella. She wished everyone the best, putting the rumors to rest with a straightforward denial.

Meanwhile, attention remains on Justin Bieber's highly anticipated two Coachella sets scheduled for Saturday, April 11, and Saturday, April 18. Prior to these major festival performances, Bieber played a more intimate show at The Roxy in West Hollywood in March, signaling a buildup to the headline slots.

Sources revealed exclusively to Us Weekly that Bieber has been intimately involved in nearly every element of his Coachella 2026 presentation. "He's been involved in everything all along, from negotiating his own paycheck to working on the show's creative direction," a source shared. This hands-on approach extends even to the merchandise, with Bieber helping design the T-shirts, hoodies, and hats that will be available during the festival.

The singer has carefully crafted his setlist to celebrate his recent musical achievements, particularly spotlighting songs from his two Swag albums released in 2025, while also including fan favorites from his 17-year career. An insider told Us, "Justin is very proud of his Swag albums, so he wants to spotlight them, but he's also packing his set with old hits that he hasn't performed in years. He knows the crowd will want to hear those too."

According to the insider, Bieber has been continuously fine-tuning the setlist, with adjustments being made as recently as the week of the festival. "It's all very fluid, but the bulk of the show is finalized and has been run through," the source added.

Aside from Bieber and SZA, other notable artists performed on the festival's opening Saturday, including The Strokes, Addison Rae, David Byrne, and Labrinth. However, the British punk rock band Lambrini Girls unexpectedly withdrew from the lineup at the last minute. Frontwoman Phoebe Lunny revealed on April 10 that she had been diagnosed with an "acute brain injury" and a fractured neck, which forced the band to pull out.

In a heartfelt message, Lunny expressed their disappointment, stating, "We have received quite a lot of messages re Coachella, we are so gutted, guys. We want to be there so badly. If it was a broken leg, I would do a Dave Grohl and play it. This isn't something we are taking lightly and we are really sad. We hope and pray there's some universe [where] we get to play next year instead ... Because it is my neck and brain, our hands are tied for now, but I'm lucky and expect a speedy recovery."

Backstage, Hailey Bieber, who has been a significant influence on her husband's decision to headline Coachella, continues to support him enthusiastically. Multiple sources confirmed exclusively to Us Weekly that Hailey, 28, was instrumental in encouraging Justin Bieber to book the prestigious festival gig.

"Hailey was a big influence on Justin's decision to headline Coachella," one insider noted, underscoring her role behind the scenes in shaping his festival plans.

Reflecting on previous years, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber enjoyed a memorable time during the first weekend of Coachella 2025. Us Weekly reported exclusively that the couple stayed at Bieber's residence in La Quinta, California, just a short drive from the festival grounds in Indio. They were seen traveling to the event together, highlighting their close involvement with festival activities.

In other festival news, Friday’s headliner, Sabrina Carpenter, issued a public apology for a remark made during her set. She had compared a fan’s zaghrouta chant—a traditional Arabic expression of joy—to a "weird" yodel. Carpenter later clarified her reaction was one of confusion and sarcasm, not intended to offend.

On her social media platform X, Carpenter wrote on April 12, "My apologies I didn't see this person with my eyes and couldn't hear clearly. My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. Could have handled it better! Now I know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out."

As Coachella 2026 progresses, Sunday, April 12, will feature headliner Karol G, alongside sets from Young Thug, FKA Twigs, Iggy Pop, Wet Leg, Kaskade, and numerous others. These artists are set to perform again on Sunday, April 18, the festival’s final day of the two consecutive weekends.

To summarize, SZA has firmly denied any involvement as a paid backup headliner for Justin Bieber at Coachella 2026, setting the record straight amid persistent rumors. Meanwhile, Bieber’s direct involvement in curating his Coachella experience, supported by his wife Hailey Bieber, highlights the meticulous planning behind one of the year's most anticipated festival performances.

With the festival continuing to showcase a diverse lineup and unexpected developments such as the Lambrini Girls’ withdrawal, Coachella 2026 remains a dynamic and closely watched event in the music world.