Justin Bieber was lauded for his stripped-down FIFA halftime show performance on Sunday as Spain triumphed over Argentina 1–0 to win its second World Cup.

The 32-year-old singer–songwriter – whose behind-the-scenes feud with Madonna erupted at the World Cup – delivered a stirring rendition of his acoustic song Everything Hallelujah at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where big-name acts including Madonna, Shakira and BTS also took the stage.

After the show, Matt Van Swol wrote on X, ‘Justin Bieber with JUST his singing voice and an acoustic guitar smashed every single other performer.

‘Wasn’t even a close contest, was clearly the best. Just him and a guitar… super impressive.’

And many viewers agreed, with someone else calling Bieber ‘the real deal’ as he relied on his raw, live talent, ‘while everyone else used backup recordings.’

Another fan referenced the pop star’s faith, wife Hailey Bieber, and their nearly two-year-old son Jack, writing online, ‘It’s amazing what is possible with Jesus, a strong wife and having babies. I love Justin Bieber. Such a talent.’

Matt Van Swol wrote on X, ‘Justin Bieber with JUST his singing voice and an acoustic guitar smashed every single other performer’

Another person weighed in, ‘Yep. Refreshing with no dancers swarming around or other distracting nonsense. Less is more. And I don’t even like his music.’

A different social media user gushed, ‘Justin is an amazing talent. And he has survived the vile, abusive culture of the industry.’

‘He sounded great and looks healthy. So nice to see,’ raved another Belieber.

There was also someone who admitted, ‘Honestly never knew much about him but his voice was impressive!’

The Canadian music artist wore a pair of his SKYLRK sneakers for the performance, along with a one-of-one deconstructed green shirt layered over a boxy white polo.

He complemented the look with baggy, indigo blue jean shorts and a pair of slouchy white socks.

Earlier this month, Bieber was announced as one of several World Cup entertainers, along with Burna Boy and K-Pop group BTS.

The show supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which raised $100 million to help children access education and soccer.

Someone else called Bieber ‘the real deal’ as he relied on his raw, live talent ‘while everyone else used backup recordings’

Another fan referenced the pop star’s faith, wife Hailey Bieber, and their nearly two-year-old son Jack

Another person said it was ‘refreshing’ that the singer didn’t enlist background dancers ‘or other distracting nonsense’

A different social media user gushed, ‘Justin is an amazing talent’

‘He sounded great and looks healthy. So nice to see,’ raved another Belieber

There was also someone who admitted, ‘Honestly never knew much about him but his voice was impressive!’

Some World Cup fanatics branded FIFA’s controversial first-ever halftime show a ‘disaster,’ with the spectacle dividing viewers around the world.

Argentina and Spain superstars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal were forced to share the stage as the Super Bowl-inspired performance got underway, leaving fans both furious and enthralled in equal measure.

The futuristic segment began with Madonna, 67, singing her 2000 hit song Music, accompanied by giddy Brazilian World Cup legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho.

Bieber drew a stark contrast as he stepped out, subbed onto the pitch by Jason Sudeikis, who was in character as his manager alter-ego Ted Lasso.

Shakira returned to the World Cup stage as she flaunted her toned abs in a pink and yellow sequined bodysuit to perform her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy, while BTS regaled the crowd with their song Dynamite.

As well as a halftime show, the World Cup final also included a closing ceremony that featured performances and appearances from Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini.