Justin Bieber made a headline-making return to the Grammys stage, his first appearance since 2022 and kept things very stripped down.
While performing “YUKON,” the “Daisies” singer went shirtless in grey boxers and matching socks, serving raw vocals and full abs with zero stage decor beyond his instruments. From the crowd, Hailey Bieber smiled along before Justin casually walked off stage to end the intimate set.
The 31-year-old earned four nominations this year for ‘SWAG’, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best R&B Performance.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles became unforgettable the moment Justin Bieber stepped onto the stage. After a four-year absence from live performances at the ceremony—his last appearance dating back to the 2022 show where he performed “Peaches” amid the release of Justice—Bieber delivered a bold, minimalist showcase that contrasted sharply with the night’s more elaborate productions. Choosing to perform “YUKON,” a sultry standout from his 2025 comeback album SWAG, he opted for vulnerability over spectacle, appearing shirtless in nothing but pale grey satin boxers, matching socks, and a purple electric guitar slung across his torso.
The performance unfolded under a single spotlight, with no backing band, elaborate visuals, or dancers. Bieber looped a simple electric guitar riff and drum sample himself—echoing the one-man-band style popularized by artists like Ed Sheeran—then layered his vocals over the sparse track. His voice, raw and emotive, carried the song’s intimate lyrics about desire, connection, and self-reflection. The camera frequently cut to his wife, Hailey Bieber, seated in the front rows, who watched with an adoring smile, nodding along and occasionally covering her mouth in quiet excitement. As the final notes faded, Justin simply set down the guitar, gave a subtle nod to the audience, and walked off stage, leaving the moment to linger without fanfare.
The choice of attire—and the lack thereof—sparked immediate conversation. Bieber’s toned physique, sculpted through dedicated fitness and a well-documented health journey, was on full display, highlighting his tattoos, including a newly visible piece on his upper back featuring a framed portrait-like design. The grey boxers and socks, reportedly from his own Skylrk clothing line, added a layer of personal branding to the look. What could have been seen as a gimmick felt intentional: a deliberate stripping away of layers, both literal and figurative, to present an unguarded version of himself. In an era of high-production numbers with pyrotechnics and choreography, Bieber’s set stood out for its restraint, emphasizing vocal delivery, emotional honesty, and the song’s sensual vibe.
“YUKON” itself marked a pivotal track on SWAG, Bieber’s seventh studio album released in July 2025 as a surprise drop that caught fans and critics off guard. The 21-track project, with three interludes, blended pop, R&B, and introspective balladry, exploring themes of maturity, love, fatherhood, and personal growth. Following the success of singles like “Daisies”—a breezy, romantic earworm that peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 27 weeks on the chart—“YUKON” offered a slower, more seductive side. Its nomination for Best R&B Performance highlighted Bieber’s genre fluidity, while the album’s broader nods underscored its critical and commercial impact. SWAG debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with “Daisies” earning Best Pop Solo Performance recognition. The Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album nominations placed Bieber in elite company, marking his third Album of the Year contention after Justice and earlier works.
This Grammy return felt like a full-circle moment for the 31-year-old. Bieber’s journey from teen idol to mature artist has been public and tumultuous: battles with Lyme disease, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (which caused facial paralysis in 2022), mental health struggles, and the pressures of fame. His marriage to Hailey Bieber, now a decade strong, has provided stability amid the chaos. The couple arrived on the red carpet in coordinated black ensembles, posing with easy affection before separating for the show. Hailey’s visible pride during the performance—smiling, swaying, eyes fixed on her husband—added warmth to the intimate set, reminding viewers of the personal stakes behind the music.
The stripped-down approach aligned perfectly with SWAG‘s ethos: confidence mixed with confession. Bieber has spoken in interviews about wanting to create music that feels authentic rather than overproduced, and this performance embodied that philosophy. No distractions, no spectacle—just voice, guitar, and presence. It was a bold statement from an artist who has spent years redefining his sound and image. Fans online praised the rawness, with many calling it one of the night’s most memorable moments. “Vocal perfection in boxers—iconic,” one viewer posted, while others noted how the vulnerability mirrored the album’s themes of shedding pretense.
Bieber’s four nominations position him as a strong contender across categories. Album of the Year pits SWAG against heavy hitters like Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos (the eventual winner in some projections), Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, and others. Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Daisies” recognize his pop mastery, while Best R&B Performance for “YUKON” celebrates his R&B leanings. Though he didn’t take home every award—losing Best R&B Performance in the pre-telecast to Kehlani—the performance itself felt like a victory, reasserting his place among music’s elite.
As Bieber prepares for his headlining slot at Coachella in April 2026, this Grammys appearance served as a powerful teaser. The casual walk-off, the lack of bows or speeches, the simple exit—all reinforced the night’s message: less can be more. In a room full of flash, Justin Bieber chose authenticity, and the world took notice. With Hailey’s smile in the crowd and his abs on stage, the return felt complete—raw, real, and undeniably Bieber.
