The NFL has picked Justin Timberlake to headline the Super Bowl 52 Halftime Show on Feb. 4, 2018, at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The league said in a press release: “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show is the most-watched musical event of the year. Last year’s show was the most-watched musical event of all-time across all platforms and the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime performance in history through broadcast and digital channels, reaching more than 150 million unique people, garnering more than 80 million views and totaling 260 million minutes watched.”
The multiple Grammy and Emmy-winning artist last appeared on the Super Bowl stage with Janet Jackson during her infamous “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004. While performing the song “Rock Your Body,” Timberlake sang the lyric, “I’m gonna have you naked by the end of this song,” before ripping open the top half of Jackson’s costume and exposing her breast to millions of fans.
Jackson later explained that Timberlake was only supposed to remove the bustier she was wearing, not her red lace bra. They both apologized to everyone they may have offended. The Federal Communications Commission fined all the institutions involved, including the NFL, CBS, and MTV, who helped choose Jackson for the headlining event. The incident led to a delay in all future live broadcasts.
Timberlake also took the Super Bowl stage in 2002. His 2018 appearance will be his third performance at the event. It will mark the most number of halftime show performances by an individual artist.
Timberlake announced the news on Twitter on Sunday. He posted a video of himself joking about “having the time” with “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon. At one point, Fallon gushes excitedly, “You’re doing the halftime show at the Super Bowl?” and Timberlake raises an eyebrow before he and Fallon start jumping up and down.
Timberlake is planning on releasing a new album at the beginning of the new year. He recently celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary with actress Jessica Biel.
Other popular stars who’ve appeared during the halftime show include Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Prince, The Who, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Rolling Stones, and U2.
