Justin Timberlake Performs At The Pepsi Halftime Super Bowl Show
Since Michael Jackson's blockbuster halftime show in 1993, music's biggest superstars have entertained the world. Now, it was the President of Pop's turn.
Timberlake Takes The Stage
As the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots headed to the locker room, it was time for Justin Timberlake to take the stage. The singer kicked off his set with "Filthy," as he moved from the club to the stage he sang "Rock Your Body."
Timberlake introduced the audience to his band, the Tennessee Kids, as he performed "SexyBack" with his crew of dancers. He showcased his falsetto with "My Love" and added some dramatics and choreography for "Cry Me a River." A massive marching band joined Timberlake for "Suit and Tie."
He also performed Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" as a video of the late Minneapolis music icon performing the song played in the background. Timberlake concluded his set with a moving version of "Mirrors" with countless mirrors reflecting the stadium's lights and "Can't Stop the Feeling."
No Guest Stars
Throughout the performance, many fans eagerly awaited appearances from NSYNC, Janet Jackson, or Chris Stapleton, but by the time Timberlake ended with "Can't Stop The Feeling," the "Take Back The Night" singer kept to his word.
"To be honest, I had a ton of grand ideas about special guests. There's a whole list I think Vegas has a lot of odds on it, I heard, from NSYNC to (Jay-Z) to Chris Stapleton to Janet (Jackson). But this year, I'm just excited. My band, The Tennessee Kids, they're my special guests, and I'm excited this year to rock the stage," Timberlake told the reporters at the Feb. 1 press conference.
Timberlake's former bandmate, Joey Fatone, told TMZ last month that both he and his fellow bandmates Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and JC Chasez would not be performing with the "Say Something" singer-songwriter.
Man Of The Woods
Timberlake's performance at the National Football League's championship game comes two days after the Wagon Wheel actor released his fifth studio album, Man of the Woods. The album reunited Timberlake with his longtime time collaborators Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Chad Hugo.
The album, which had collaborations with Chris Stapleton and returning The Voice coach Alicia Keys, divided critics. While Rolling Stone and the Independent called the album "average," USA Today added that Timberlake was not the pop music innovator he once was.
An Upcoming Tour
Timberlake is scheduled to promote his album with his latest North American tour. He is expected to start the Man of the Woods tour at Toronto's Air Canada Centre on March 13. Timberlake will return to the United States on March 18, where he will play at Washington, DC. Other cities that are expected to welcome the Man of the Woods tour include Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Orlando.
Timberlake has tentatively decided to conclude the tour on May 30 with a performance in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
