Justin Bieber Delivers a Stark, Shirtless Performance at the Grammys 2026
A bare-bones rendition of “Yukon” turns the Crypto.com Arena silent as the pop star strips back both sound and spectacle
Justin Bieber stunned audiences at the 2026 Grammy Awards with one of the most minimal and emotionally charged performances of the night, appearing onstage nearly bare as he delivered a stripped-down version of his 2025 track “Yukon.”
The 31-year-old pop icon, nominated across multiple categories at Sunday night’s ceremony in Los Angeles, stepped onto the Crypto.com Arena stage wearing little more than silver shorts, dark socks, and a guitar slung over his shoulder. Shirtless and unadorned, Bieber’s tattoos were fully visible, reinforcing the raw, vulnerable tone of the performance.
From the opening moments, the staging emphasized introspection over spectacle. Bieber paused in front of a mirror positioned onstage, staring at his own reflection as the song began—a visual cue that underscored the song’s somber mood and reflective lyrics. The arrangement was intentionally sparse, allowing his vocals and presence to carry the moment without distraction.
Throughout the performance, cameras frequently cut to Hailey Bieber, who watched from the audience as her husband performed. As the song reached its close, Bieber placed his guitar gently on the floor and walked offstage without a word. The broadcast again focused on Hailey, who applauded from the crowd as the audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation.
As the applause continued, Grammys host Trevor Noah acknowledged the unexpected and powerful set.
“Wow. Justin Bieber, what a captivating performance. Keep it going for Justin Bieber, everybody,” Noah said. “The feeling in the room was amazing.”
The appearance marked another chapter in Bieber’s long history with the Grammys stage. He first performed at the awards in 2011, singing early hits “Baby” and “Never Say Never.” He returned in 2016 with “Where Are Ü Now,” and again in 2022 to perform “Peaches” from his Justice album.
Over the years, Bieber has earned multiple Grammy nominations and wins, including Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Where Are Ü Now” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “10,000 Hours.”
At the 2026 ceremony, his 2025 album Swag received several major nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Daisies,” and Best R&B Performance for “Yukon.”
With his shockingly pared-back Grammys performance, Bieber reminded audiences that even in an industry defined by excess, sometimes the most powerful statement comes from taking everything away.
