Justin Bieber Roasted For Performing At The Grammys In His 'Underwear': 'This Is Actually Sad'

By Favour Adegoke on February 2, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST

Justin Bieber at the 2026 Grammy Awards
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Justin Bieber graced the Grammy stage again after many years away, but left fans puzzled as he performed shirtless, wearing just gym shorts and socks.

Some internet users took to social media to bash the singer, as many wondered if he didn't realize he was at the Grammys.

Body language expert Judi James explained that Justin Bieber's body language seemed to be "one of vulnerability," adding that his outfit also confirms the educated guess.

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Justin Bieber Performs At The Grammys In Just Boxers

For the first time in four years, Bieber took to the Grammy stage on Sunday night to perform his song "Yukon," but it was his choice of outfit that set tongues wagging.

The "Peaches" singer turned up for his set at the event held inside Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena, playing an electric guitar while dressed in just boxer shorts and socks.

As he performed the emotional track, which he previously revealed was written about his wife, Hailey Bieber, cameras panned towards her, showing her beaming with pride and satisfaction. Just hours earlier, the couple walked the red carpet together wearing matching "Ice Out" outfits.

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The pop star has rarely performed live in the past few years, save for his 2022 Grammy performance, when he performed "Peaches" alongside Giveon and Daniel Caesar, as well as a surprise guest spot at an SZA concert. He has also had a few private events following the cancellation of his tour due to health issues.

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Fans Drag The Singer For Wearing Underwear, Claim His Performance Was A Cry For 'Help'

Justin Bieber at the 2026 Grammy Awards
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Several netizens took to social media to share their reaction to his performance, with many calling out his outfit.

"Justin, this is the Grammys and not the beach… just embarrassing," a critic wrote.

"This is actually sad. This man is calling out for help, and no one's noticing," another user said.

A third person noted, "'YUKON' is arguably the best R&B track Justin has released in a decade, but nobody is talking about the vocals because he decided to turn his performance into a locker room shoot."

"He actually wore a suit into the Grammys and stripped to his undies to perform. Sad to see how broken he is," another critic claimed.

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Justin Bieber Received Support From Fans Who Said He Sounded Great

Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, at the 2026 Grammy Awards
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

However, the singer also received support from some of his fans who noted that he looked "healthy" and sounded great during his performance.

"There is a hugeeeee message behind the mirror and him being vulnerable," a TikTok user wrote, while another added, "he looks so healthy, and his voice sounds hydrated."

Another user said, "Obsessed with this performance, it was maybe one of the only times when he has performed that not everyone is screaming his song, he's finally singing to us."

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The Singer's Body Language Communicates 'Vulnerability'

Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, at the 2026 Grammy Awards
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Meanwhile, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Bieber's demeanor portrays one of "vulnerability," and that his "touching, pared-back performance looked emotionally telling."

"The core body language signal seemed to be one of vulnerability. Justin's walk was an amble, with his shoulders held in a self-protective hunch," she explained. "When he stood alone on stage, he adopted a fig leaf pose with his hands in a self-protective barrier ritual."

James pointed out how the audience barely saw Bieber's eyes during his performance as he "sang with them looking down or closed."

She also noted that his choice of boxer shorts and socks added to "the look of vulnerability."

"This was no body-boasting fashion statement," she explained. "So many of the celebrities had walked the red carpet in various stages of undress, but Justin didn't use his wearing of underwear as a posing boast or a showing off of his pecs and tattoos in any peacocking ritual; he just looked as though he'd slipped out of his suit as some kind of gesture of honesty and soul-baring."

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Justin Bieber Didn't Win Any Awards At The 2026 Grammys

Justin Bieber outside The League in Los Angeles
topoftheline / MEGA

The 31-year-old singer was nominated in four categories, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for "Swag," Best Pop Solo Performance for "Daisies," and Best R&B Performance for "Yukon." However, he didn't go home a winner of anything.

Bieber has earned 23 Grammy nominations across his career and has gone home with only two wins.

Following a turbulent period, in which he sparked health fears, the pop star seems to be ready to perform his music again like he used to and is set to headline both weekends of Coachella later this year.

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