It's confirmed! Justin Timberlake will be the headlining act of the Super Bowl LII Pepsi Halftime Show happening on February 4 in Minneapolis. The singer, along with his colleague Jimmy Fallon, personally delivered the announcement in a video he posted on Sunday.
I DO have the time. Half the time...#PepsiHalftime #SBLII @Pepsi @NFL @JimmyFallon @FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/4Z4Dz29l3X
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) October 23, 2017
This will mark his first-ever participation in the most-watched musical event after his controversial Super Bowl performance with Janet Jackson back in 2004.
During their performance of "Rock Your Body" for the halftime show, the NSYNC member ripped off his co-singer's bra and exposed her bare breast on live television towards the end of their set.
Super Bowl controversy
Many believed the act was intentional although Justin Timberlake has denied these accusations. A representative of Janet Jackson explained that the plan was to reveal the singer's red lace bra that was accidentally removed along with the outer layer garment.
MTV also clarified that the "Nipplegate" incident was "unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional" and deemed the gesture "inconsistent" with the assurances they had about the content of the performance.
Meanwhile, most fans are not happy that Super Bowl has chosen Justin Timberlake to headline the upcoming music event.
Some of them took to social media to express their disappointment on the selection while pointing out how Janet Jackson is still banned from performing for the annual event.
Why is Justin Timberlake being invited to perform again when Janet Jackson is banned for life for something that was entirely his fault🙄 pic.twitter.com/5btOvDZDKq
— Oak•LAD•GSW (@legendary_hoe) October 23, 2017
As somebody who’s been a @jtimberlake fan for a long time, I hope he plays his top request in Minneapolis: An apology to @JanetJackson.
— Anil Dash (@anildash) October 23, 2017
Seriously, Justin Timberlake is trash for accepting that Superbowl Gig while Janet is still banned. No one gives a shit about black women
— Rae Sanni (@raesanni) October 23, 2017
Maybe not the best year to serve up more White/Black Double Standard and invite Justin Timberlake to Super Bowl while Janet Jackson's banned pic.twitter.com/nHmFWQuJ4V
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) October 23, 2017
Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl
Neither Justin Timberlake nor Janet Jackson has released a comment to address the backlash on the appointment.
It is also unsure who will be joining the "Not A Bad Thing" artist for the halftime performance.
Meanwhile, a source claimed NFL has been eyeing to have the former NSYNC member perform for the Halftime Show. "This is who they’ve wanted for a long time," it said. "He's the guy."
These statements came after it was rumored that Justin Timberlake was in final talks with the league about his potential participation in the event back in September.
But since his name emerged as a potential candidate to headline the annual music event, a Hollywood Life source claimed Britney Spears has expressed her desire to share the stage with her former love for the highly anticipated halftime performance.
It further claimed that the "Gimme More" singer was originally invited to perform at the Super Bowl LII Pepsi Halftime Show although things did not work out. In 2001, Britney Spears has shared the stage with NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Nelly, and Aerosmith for a halftime performance.
