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Justin Timberlake gets nostalgic praising Justin Bieber after Coachella 2026 and shares a throwback photo

Timberlake, who has been a mentor for Bieber, recognized the evolution of his once-young protégé

Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the 2026 Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective during the 68th GRAMMY Awards on January 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

UPDATED APRIL 21, 2026 1:17 PM EDTAPR 21, 2026, 1:17 PM EDT

Justin Timberlake was already a music icon when Justin Bieber was starting to become popular, but now that the “Baby” singer has made history in more ways than one, the former NSYNC singer is experiencing a full-circle moment after Bieber headlined one of the biggest music festivals in the world.

After Bieber closed out the Saturday night lineup at Coachella 2026 on April 18, Timberlake took to social media to reveal he was watching. “I know this has been a long road,” Timberlake wrote. “And I know it's not always a smooth ride. I'm proud of you—and you should be proud of you too. Sending love.”

Among the celebrities and stars watching Justin Bieber's performance was Elordi, who was seen fully locked into the set, singing along and wearing a “SWAG” hat, nodding to Bieber’s latest era.

Timberlake, who has been a mentor for Bieber, recognized the evolution of his once-young protégé.

A Throwback Moment Fans Didn’t See Coming

Timberlake’s words also came with a throwback video featuring him with a younger Bieber. Fans suspect that at the time Bieber only had “Baby” as a hit.

Justin Timberlake praised Justin Bieber’s Coachella 2026 performance, sharing heartfelt support and a nostalgic throwback that highlights their full-circle music connection.

Decades later, Bieber’s breakout hit “Baby” was front and center during his Coachella set. During the show, Bieber took time to reflect on his influences. “I grew up listening to Justin Timberlake and so many other beautiful talents,” Bieber told the crowd. “But I remember this like it was yesterday.”

Bieber, who started his music journey covering songs, remembered performing Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River.” During a fun fact, Biever said his “guitar was out of tune.”

Just Bieber has touched the lives of many

Timberlake helped define early 2000s pop and R&B crossover, while Bieber is among Gen-Z’s most popular artists. Bieber is no longer just the teen who broke onto the scene; he’s now part of a lineage of inspiring artists that the next wave is looking up to.

Not on good terms

While Timberlake and Justin Bieber seem to have a great relationship, Bieber and Usher’s longtime friendship seemingly hits a breaking point. The pair, who were once inseparable collaborators, reportedly had a “heated exchange” at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Oscars after-party.

Insiders say Usher approached Bieber with “energy and anger,” which led the encounter to allegedly escalate into a fistfight. It is also reported that authorities were not involved, per TMZ.

Justin Bieber and Usher, once inseparable collaborators, reportedly had a “heated exchange” at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s star-studded Oscars after-party

Usher played a pivotal role in Bieber’s early career. When Scooter Braun discovered Bieber on YouTube in 2007, he brought him to Atlanta to meet Usher, who won a “bidding war” against Justin Timberlake to sign the teen under his RBMG label.

Usher guided Bieber’s first steps in the music industry, and even collaborated on hits like “Somebody to Love” and presented him at major events, including the 2011 Grammys. Usher described himself as a “brother and protector” of Justin Bieber.