In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, DJ Khaled shared his enthusiasm for Justin Bieber’s recent performance at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Speaking to the publication at the VCARB Livery Launch Party ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Khaled expressed his admiration for the pop superstar, particularly highlighting their collaboration on the track “I’m the One,” which they released in April 2017.
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Seated on a yacht en route to the festivities, the acclaimed music producer reflected on their relationship and collaborative efforts. “Justin Bieber, that’s my brother,” he stated, adding that it’s always a pleasure to create music alongside him. Khaled revealed his excitement when Bieber chose to perform their collaborative track during his headline set, stating, “He picked the one that we did together and my phone blew up.” This choice seemed to resonate deeply with Khaled, who expressed a genuine fondness for Bieber, saying, “It just put a big smile on my face.”
The collaboration on “I’m the One” proved to be a significant milestone in both artists’ careers. The single, which features additional contributions from Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and Quavo, has been particularly successful, earning a diamond certification from the RIAA in December 2024. This achievement marked a first for Khaled, Chance, and Quavo, while it also designated Bieber his fourth diamond record and Wayne his third. The track is notable for being Khaled’s first No. 1 single to debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Bieber’s Coachella set included a range of hits from his latest albums, “SWAG” and “SWAG II,” and he surprised audiences with nostalgic performances of older tracks such as “Baby” and “Never Say Never.” While some fans appreciated the walk down memory lane, others perceived the stripped-back nature of his performance—relying on YouTube clips and lacking the high-energy choreography typically associated with his shows—as a downside. Nonetheless, for some, the performance was a poignant moment, connecting Bieber back to his younger self and highlighting the evolution of his career.
Khaled took time during the event to express his excitement about the upcoming Formula 1 race weekend in Miami. A self-proclaimed fan of F1, the Miami native fondly recalled last year’s event, saying, “I had the best time, and my kids had the best time.” He praised Red Bull for their ability to throw extraordinary events, commenting on the vibrant new livery that was inspired by the Red Bull Summer Edition Sudachi Lime.
The VCARB Livery Launch Party served as a celebration not only for the Formula 1 festivities but also as a platform for Khaled to share his musical journey alongside Bieber. He hinted at the potential for further collaborations in the future, expressing gratitude for their shared experiences in the music industry. “I’m very grateful for everything that we’ve done together, and I’m excited to do more,” he stated optimistically.
Overall, DJ Khaled’s insights into Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance and their ongoing musical relationship underscore the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two artists. Their partnership has yielded impressive achievements and continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians alike. As the music and motorsport worlds collide during the Formula 1 weekend in Miami, Khaled’s appreciation for the celebration and the possibilities ahead seems particularly palpable.
The anticipation for this year’s Grand Prix is palpable, and Khaled’s presence at the event only amplifies the excitement surrounding both F1 and the music scene. Fans will be keen to see what comes next for Khaled and Bieber as they continue to shape their paths in the entertainment landscape.