SZA Denies Rumor She Was Hired as Coachella Backup for Justin Bieber SZA has publicly dismissed rumors that she was hired as a backup performer for Justin Bieber during his Coachella 2026 set, clarifying that she was not paid to stand by in case the singer canceled at the last minute. The "Good Days" artist responded to an Instagram post by the account Blind Items, which claimed she was allegedly paid six figures to "stay Coachella-ready" in case Bieber dropped out of his performance. SZA sarcastically addressed the speculation, writing, "Lmao who made this up? I've seen this 4 times now. I'm in New York, no one paid me a dime." She emphasized that the rumors were baseless and reiterated her current location in New York, where she has no plans to participate in any Coachella-related activities. The rumor gained traction amid heightened anticipation for Bieber’s Coachella performances, which are scheduled for April 11 and April 18, 2026. Bieber, who is headlining the festival alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, has expressed mixed feelings about the event, calling it a "safe space" for him despite his anxiety about touring. Fans speculated that SZA might make a surprise appearance during Bieber’s set, given their past collaborations, including an acoustic version of her song "Snooze." However, SZA confirmed that she has no intention of joining him on stage, further distancing herself from the false narrative. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and speculation that often accompany high-profile music festivals, particularly when major artists are involved. Having a backup performer on standby is a common contingency plan for large-scale events, but the idea of such a role being tied to a high-profile artist like Bieber sparked widespread discussion.#justin_bieber #sza #coachella_2026 #blind_items #snooze
Coachella 2026: SZA Clarifies Rumors of Being a Stand-In for Justin Bieber SZA recently took to her social media platforms to address persistent rumors that she had been hired as a backup performer for Justin Bieber during the 2026 Coachella festival. The rumors, which gained traction online, suggested that she had been paid to step in if Bieber was unable to perform. In a clear and humorous response, SZA dismissed the claims, stating, “Lmao who made this up?” She emphasized that she was in New York at the time and had not received any compensation for the alleged gig. Despite the clarification, fans remained intrigued by the possibility of a surprise collaboration between the two artists, though no official confirmation has been made. The 2026 Coachella lineup featured a star-studded roster, including headliners like Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, and Justin Bieber. Bieber’s participation in the festival had already generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating his performance. However, rumors emerged suggesting that Bieber had faced challenges in securing his slot for the event. Some posts claimed he had nearly pulled out of the festival, prompting speculation about whether SZA had been lined up as a replacement for his April 11 and April 18 performances. These rumors quickly went viral, sparking debates among fans and media outlets. SZA’s official response to the rumors came in the form of a social media comment, where she directly addressed the misinformation. While she did not confirm any collaboration with Bieber, her lighthearted tone underscored her frustration with the unfounded speculation. Fans, however, continued to speculate about the potential for a surprise appearance, highlighting the enduring interest in the dynamic between the two artists.#social_media #music_festival #justin_bieber #sza #coachella_2026
SZA on Justin Bieber Coachella Performance SZA has dismissed rumors that she was hired to serve as a backup performer for Justin Bieber at Coachella 2026, clarifying that she has no connection to the speculation. The “Good Days” singer took to Instagram on April 10 to address the claim, which suggested she was paid to prepare for a potential no-show by Bieber during his headlining sets on April 11 and April 18. In a lighthearted tone, SZA responded to the rumor by asking, “Lmao who made this up?” She emphasized that she has seen the claim multiple times and reiterated that she is in New York, not at the festival, and has not received any payment for the alleged role. The rumor originated from a joint post by Blind Items and Music Life, which featured a photo of SZA with the headline, “SZA ALLEGEDLY PAID SIX FIGURES TO STAY COACHELLA-READY IN CASE JUSTIN BIEBER DROPOFF.” Despite the sensationalized claim, SZA’s response underscored her lack of involvement in the matter. She also wished fans the best, signaling her disinterest in engaging further with the speculation. Justin Bieber, who is set to headline Coachella alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, has not publicly confirmed any surprise appearances for his performance. However, he previously shared details about his setlist during a Twitch livestream in October 2025. Bieber mentioned that he plans to perform songs from both of his recent projects, including unreleased tracks, and noted that he has not performed these songs live before. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to debut the material but also acknowledged some anxiety about touring. Bieber described Coachella as a “safe space” for him, stating that it “soothes the soul.#justin_bieber #sza #coachella_2026 #blind_items #music_life
SZA Covers Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” Amid Notable Career Milestones SZA has continued to make waves in the music industry with a recent cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ classic “Iris,” which has drawn attention from fans and critics alike. The artist, known for her introspective lyrics and genre-blending style, has been in high demand in 2026, marking a year of significant achievements. Her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the track “Luther” earned her a Grammy for Record of the Year, a testament to her growing influence in the industry. Beyond her Grammy win, SZA has remained active in the entertainment world. Last month, she contributed an original song titled “Save the Day” to the soundtrack of Pixar’s animated film Hoppers, further expanding her reach beyond music. This marks another milestone in her career, as she continues to diversify her creative output. SZA’s discography has also seen notable developments. Her 2023 album SOS was followed by a deluxe edition titled SOS Deluxe: Lana in 2025, which included four new tracks. These additions featured collaborations with artists like Don Toliver and showcased her evolving sound. The deluxe version’s release highlighted her ability to maintain relevance and push creative boundaries. The cover of “Iris” adds another layer to her artistic exploration. While the original song is a staple of 90s rock, SZA’s interpretation likely reflects her signature blend of pop, R&B, and soul. The track’s inclusion in Pitchfork’s coverage suggests it resonates with contemporary audiences, bridging generational gaps. Fans and critics have taken notice of SZA’s consistent output and versatility. Her ability to balance commercial success with artistic integrity has solidified her position as a key figure in modern music.#pixar #goo_goo_dolls #sza #kendrick_lamar #hoppers
