Los Angeles, CA – November 17, 2025 – Pop sensation Justin Bieber, the 31-year-old Grammy-winning artist behind hits like "Peaches" and "Sorry," has candidly shared details of a recent accident that left him grappling with excruciating rib pain. The incident, which occurred during a casual ride on his Onewheel electric skateboard, has thrust the singer into a grueling recovery period just months before his highly anticipated headlining slot at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Despite the setback, Bieber's determination shone through during a raw, four-hour Twitch livestream on November 14, where he powered through a full rehearsal set, wincing but unwavering.
The mishap unfolded in the days leading up to the stream, when Bieber took a tumble from his Onewheel—a self-balancing electric skateboard featuring a single large central wheel that riders control through subtle body shifts. Known for reaching speeds up to 20 mph, the device has gained popularity among thrill-seekers and celebrities for its blend of skateboarding and snowboarding vibes. However, its unforgiving nature was on full display in Bieber's case. "Chat, I fing fell on my side on that Onewheel and landed on my [hip]," the singer confessed to his viewers, his voice laced with frustration as he clutched his midsection. The impact jarred his ribs, turning everyday actions into ordeals. "My ribs hurt so fing bad, bro," he groaned, elaborating that the pain spikes with any movement. "That s***, bro, is hurting me bad. I’m trying to play it cool, but this s*** is f***ing with me. Even singing, laughing, everything hurts."
Bieber, no stranger to physical and emotional trials, didn't sugarcoat the toll. Diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2022—a rare neurological disorder causing facial paralysis that forced him to cancel his Justice World Tour—he's spent years rebuilding his stamina. This latest injury, described by the star himself as "gnarly," echoes those vulnerabilities, amplifying concerns among fans who've watched his journey from teen idol to resilient family man. During the livestream, he paused midway through a break with his bandmates, twisting uncomfortably on a couch. "Bro, that fall the other day? It hurts to laugh, talk," he admitted, stretching gingerly while holding his side. Viewers, tuned in for what was billed as an intimate rehearsal peek, flooded the chat with messages of support, turning the stream into a virtual support group.
Yet, true to form, Bieber refused to let the agony derail his momentum. The Twitch session doubled as a live run-through for his Coachella debut, where he'll headline the Saturday nights of both weekends—April 10-12 and 17-19, 2026—at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The festival, a cornerstone of global music culture since 1999, announced its lineup in September 2025, featuring Bieber alongside heavy-hitters like Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, Young Thug, and Laufey. Passes sold out almost immediately, underscoring the Bieber effect: his return to major stages after a three-year hiatus has electrified the industry.
Clad in a casual hoodie and jeans, Bieber dove into a nearly hour-long setlist heavy on nostalgia. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his 2015 album Purpose, he belted out fan favorites like "What Do You Mean," "Love Yourself," and "Sorry," his voice steady even as he winced through high notes. Bandmates flanked him, providing a low-key vibe that felt more like a garage jam than a high-stakes prep. "The show must go on," he seemed to embody. By stream's end, he'd not only survived the set but joked about the irony—rehearsing festival anthems while nursing a festival-threatening bruise.
This Onewheel tumble isn't Bieber's first brush with adrenaline-fueled mishaps. Onewheels, invented in 2012 by California engineer Kyle Doerksen, have surged in celebrity endorsements, with riders like Ryan Sheckler and Tom Schaar praising their innovation. But safety concerns loom large: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued warnings in 2023 after dozens of reported injuries and fatalities from unexpected "nosedives," where the board abruptly halts, catapulting riders forward. Bieber's fall aligns with these risks, landing him hip-first on unforgiving pavement—a reminder that even stars aren't immune to the device's perils.
Offstage, Bieber's life has been a whirlwind of milestones that contextualize his grit. Father to 14-month-old son Jack Blues Bieber with wife Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin), the couple welcomed their first child in August 2024 amid a media frenzy over their relationship. Hailey, a Rhode skincare founder and vocal supporter, reportedly played a pivotal role in nudging Bieber toward the Coachella gig. The pair's bond, tested by public scrutiny—including a viral "awkward" red carpet moment at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards—remains an anchor. Bieber recently reflected on the "tense" dynamics during Jack's birth, crediting his paternal instincts for navigating the chaos.
Professionally, 2025 has been a renaissance. Bieber dropped SWAG and its sequel SWAG II, earning four 2026 Grammy nods: Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best R&B Performance. These accolades cap a year of subtle teases about new music and spot-date tours, where he eyes two-night stands in select cities rather than a grueling multi-year commitment. "I really wanna do a spot-date where I pick a city and do a couple of shows and not commit to a whole two years," he shared during the stream, hinting at family priorities. Fans speculate tracks from SWAG could anchor his Coachella spectacle, blending EDM-infused pop with introspective ballads.
As recovery unfolds, medical experts emphasize rest for rib contusions, which typically heal in 4-6 weeks with ice, compression, and anti-inflammatories—plenty of time before April. Bieber, ever the optimist, wrapped the livestream on a high note. Social media buzz, from fan clips dissecting his every grimace, underscores a narrative of triumph over adversity.
Bieber's story resonates beyond headlines—it's a testament to vulnerability in an era of curated perfection. From Lyme disease battles to mental health advocacy, he's redefined stardom on his terms. As Coachella looms, one thing's clear: the Biebs isn't backing down. With five months to heal, expect a set that doesn't just perform—it roars back.
