Biebers Coachella Crisis: Music Retreat Looms Ahead

He has toured the world after launching to stardom as a teenager. But for , headlining  festival will be a performance like no other.

It's a coveted stage for any artist, but for Bieber - who seems to have weathered a troubled few years - the Saturday night set represents not just a comeback but also a chance for him to compete with his industry peers, an insider has exclusively told the Daily Mail. 

Yes, 32-year-old Justin Bieber has been a household name for the better part of two decades, but our source claims the pop icon sees the festival as his opportunity to 'remind' fans of his achievements amid the wild recent successes of superstars like .

'He feels that he has been slightly outdone by people like Harry Styles, so he sees Coachella as his way of reminding people of his success and impact,' the insider said.

As such,  for the career-defining show with ferocity.

'He has spent weeks recording backing vocals for the live arrangements of the set list so he's been trying to stay away from sugar and because they dry out your throat and affect energy levels,' the source said.

'He knows people are looking forward to seeing him but is a little nervous but he has been leaning on his trusted friends and has been taking advice from [singer-songwriter] Odeal who he has become great friends with.'

Bieber has performed at Coachella during Ariana Grande's set in 2019 and in 2022 with Canadian singer Daniel Caesar, but he has never headlined and certainly won't be resting on his laurels the next two weekends. (The festival runs twice every year, with all the artists performing again next weekend).

Rather, our insider says Bieber has been dedicating himself to practice and is approaching the gigs as if he were an athlete.  

'He has a point to prove. He has been working on his voice religiously because he's prioritizing his R&B songs which require more skill vocally,' the source said.

'He has a few select friends he trusts and runs everything by them and everyone who has heard how he sounds can't wait for the world to hear how much he has grown vocally. 

'He's competitive and wants to prove he's number one. This is his NFL. He's attacking the show like he's an athlete.'

The emphasis on a healthy diet may not be too much of a stretch for Bieber, with a second source saying he already focuses on his wellbeing thanks to his wife Hailey and their toddler, Jack Blues Bieber. 

'Justin keeps himself in good shape physically as he is always working out, eating as healthy as possible. Being with Hailey, who always wants to be in shape herself, that helps matters because they can work out with each other and eat well together. Running around with their kid also provides another reason to stay in good shape,' our source said.

He does allow himself a few guilty pleasures: 'Apart from Coachella prep, he still partakes in some vices, weed, alcohol and all of that, but as people who have seen him can attest, he looks pretty good.'

Bieber was rocked in 2022 when he battled Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused significant facial paralysis and forced him to cancel all remaining dates on his 2023 Justice world tour. 

Our insider said: 'When he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, that threw him all over the place, but to treat that, he had to treat himself. So it might have been a blessing in disguise.'

It is also understood that fans shouldn't view Coachella as a sign of more touring to come from Bieber.

Instead, says our insider, the pop star sees the next two weekends representing more of a 'special moment' in his career.

'He knows that he has a lot to prove with this performance. He isn't interested in doing a tour, this is just a special moment for him to perform. And in the future, he will likely do small gigs, one offs, Grammys or other award show performances if needed,' our source said.

'But this is likely one of his last major concerts as he isn't interested in touring, isn't interested in doing the Super Bowl. He kind of wants to be a hermit after this.'

'He has been preparing to get into the mindset of being on stage. He knows what to do, he knows what works, he just has to deliver.'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Bieber for comment but have not yet heard back.  

Bieber is slated to make his anticipated return to the festival stage as a headliner on Saturday, April 11 as well as April 18 for weekend two.

Last minute resell ticket sales have reportedly sparked up after the singer's set rehearsal was leaked on social media - with a viral TikTok clip capturing Bieber practicing past hits such as Boyfriend and Sorry.

Sources also told TMZ that Bieber has been running through throwback songs during soundchecks on the Coachella stage.

Last year in September, it was revealed that the Baby hitmaker had become the highest paid act in Coachella history - with tickets quickly selling out at the time it was announced he would be headlining at the annual festival this year.

Most recently, resell tickets for general admission have been going for around $4,000 - with prices originally starting at $649 last year, per TMZ.