It's official: Justin Timberlake will headline the Super Bowl LII halftime show, 14 years after he and Janet Jackson were at the center of that infamous wardrobe malfunction controversy.
Timberlake made the announcement on his Twitter page Sunday night, appearing in a video with longtime friend Jimmy Fallon:
I DO have the time. Half the time...#PepsiHalftime #SBLII @Pepsi @NFL @JimmyFallon @FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/4Z4Dz29l3X
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) October 23, 2017
The singer will perform at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 4. NBC will broadcast the big game. But fans on social media are calling for Timberlake to invite Jackson onstage with him, as redemption for the unfair censuring of her career following "Nipplegate."
At the 2004 Super Bowl, Timberlake joined Jackson for her headline performance. During a rendition of his song "Rock Your Body," Timberlake tore part of Jackson's costume and exposed her right breast.
The controversial moment led to repercussions for all involved, but none more so than Jackson. The singer had her invitation to the Grammy Awards—which was broadcast on CBS a week after the network aired the Super Bowl—rescinded, and her music was blacklisted by CBS and parent company Viacom across its other platforms, including MTV and VH1. The blacklisting affected Jackson's album sales for 20 Y.O., released in 2006, and 2008's Discipline. Timberlake's career, meanwhile, did not suffer.
After news of Timberlake's headline slot broke Sunday night, Twitter reacted by suggesting he apologize to Jackson during his performance or, better yet, invite her to perform too.
Justin Timberlake officially doing Super Bowl halftime. Dream setlist:
— Jason Lipshutz (@jasonlipshutz) October 23, 2017
- "Lovestoned"
- 9-minute Janet Jackson apology
- "Gone" (w/ *NSYNC)
Congrats on getting the Super Bowl halftime show, @jtimberlake. Invite @JanetJackson for a duet. You, uh. Kinda owe her. pic.twitter.com/fqaSelN0Rj
— shauna (@goldengateblond) October 23, 2017
Unless Justin Timberlake starts his set by introducing Janet Jackson with an apology and then continues watching quietly while she does 12 minutes of her catalog solo, the Super Bowl can keep this halftime show.
— Eunice Chantilly's tacky barrette. (@RafiDAngelo) October 23, 2017
ENOUGH! @jtimberlake gets to headline the @SuperBowl #HalftimeShow?!? It’s time @JanetJackson receive a public apology! #Justice4Janet pic.twitter.com/I1ORiTXlq4
— President 46 (@RhythmNationUSA) October 23, 2017
Jackson has yet to comment on Timberlake's announcement, nor has the "SexyBack" hit-maker responded to fans' suggestions that he include Jackson in his set.
Recent Super Bowl headliners have included Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé.
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