Justin Timberlake Reacts to Justin Bieber Performing “Cry Me a River” at Coachella

It is a Justin moment.

Justin Timberlake shared his reaction after Justin Bieber performed “Cry Me a River” during his Saturday weekend 2 headlining set at Coachella. In a new Instagram post on Monday April 20, Timberlake posted a throwback video of himself meeting a young Bieber.

“I know this has been a long road,” Timberlake wrote in his Instagram caption. “And I know it is not always a smooth ride. I am proud of you and you should be proud of you too. Sending love @lilbieber.”

Along with the old clip of the two meeting, Timberlake also included a short moment from Bieber’s Saturday performance. In the video, Bieber speaks to the audience before starting the song, saying, “You know, I grew up listening to Justin Timberlake and so many other beautiful talents, but I remember this like it was yesterday.”

Behind him, a massive screen shows a video of his younger self playing guitar and singing “Cry Me a River.” The original clip, which is still available online, was uploaded to Bieber’s YouTube in February 2008 under the title “Cry me a River Justin Timberlake cover Justin singing Justin Bieber.” Bieber went on to release his debut single, the Billboard Hot 100 hit “One Time,” the following year.

“Guitar was out of tune,” Bieber says before performing a duet with his younger self. The video Timberlake shared ends with Bieber turning back toward the screen to continue the song before it cuts off just ahead of the pre chorus.

“Cry Me a River” served as the second single from Justin Timberlake’s debut solo album Justified. The song reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 20 weeks.

There has been a long connection between the two artists, as Timberlake once attempted to sign Bieber early in his career. However, the young Canadian star and his manager Scooter Braun ultimately chose to work with Usher instead.

Watch Justin Bieber’s full original 2008 cover of “Cry Me a River” below.