On Feb. 4, 2018, U.S. Bank Stadium will be hosting not only the two best football teams of the season, but also Justin Timberlake.
Timberlake made the announcement with his good friend and late night TV-show host Jimmy Fallon on Twitter Sunday, Oct. 22.
I DO have the time. Half the time…#PepsiHalftime #SBLII @Pepsi @NFL @JimmyFallon @FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/4Z4Dz29l3X
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) October 23, 2017
Timberlake has been setting the precedent for pop music since 1995, when his first band *NSYNC was formed.
In 2002, Timberlake broke into independent music stardom with the release of his single, “Like I Love You.”
Since then, Timberlake’s hits have been numerous: “Cry Me A River,” “Rock Your Body,” “SexyBack,” “What Goes Around … Comes Around,” “Mirrors” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” to name a few.
In total, he’s released four studio albums as a solo artist and three with *NSYNC. Timberlake also revealed that he’s working on his fifth studio album, inspired by his home city Memphis, Tennessee.
Minneapolis won’t be Timberlake’s first Super Bowl experience.
In 2001, *NSYNC performed alongside Britney Spears and Aerosmith. Three years later, Timberlake performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII, when the infamous “Nipplegate” occurred.
Performing alongside Janet Jackson, Timberlake was supposed to tear away part of Jackson’s clothing as part of a costume reveal that corresponded with the lyrics. Timberlake was supposed to tear off a portion of the rubber bustier and reveal a red lace bra, but instead Jackson’s breast was revealed.
In the aftermath of the incident, Timberlake put his music career on hold and began his foray into acting.
On Sunday, Oct. 22, Justin Timberlake announced via Twitter that he would be performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Minneapolis.
His first role was in the 2005 film “Edison.” After that, Timberlake went on to star in “Friends with Benefits” and the animated film “Trolls” (which was accompanied by his Academy Award nominated hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling”). He also acted in Golden Globe-winner “The Social Network.”
However, Timberlake’s return to the Super Bowl stage hasn’t been celebrated by everyone, as the announcement has garnered some criticism from Janet Jackson fans.
“If Janet Jackson can’t ever perform at the Super Bowl again then Justin Timberlake shouldn’t be able to either,” said Twitter user @Pic_Nikk.
“Alright if Justin Timberlake gets to come back and get a second chance at the Super Bowl so should Janet Jackson,” @alyssabfisher tweeted.
Supposedly, after the 2004 incident, Janet Jackson was banned from the NFL. However, the organization has denied this and refused to comment on guests, saying so in a statement released Oct. 23 to “Entertainment Weekly.”
“There’s no ban,” an NFL spokesperson wrote. “We are not going to comment on any speculation regarding potential guests. There may be no guests.”
Jackson hasn’t commented on Timberlake’s announcement.
No information has yet been released on tickets for the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show.