The 'Can't Stop the Feeling' hitmaker is close to signing a deal to return to the annual NFL game 14 years after his controversial performance with Janet Jackson.
- Sep 28, 2017
AceShowbiz - Justin Timberlake is reportedly returning to Super Bowl 14 years after his controverial "nipplegate" with Janet Jackson. According to Us Weekly, the former NSYNC boybander "is finalizing" a deal to headline the halftime show during the NFL championship in Minneapolis on February 4, 2018.
The "Can't Stop the Feeling" singer was initially rumored to be in talks for the gig along with his pal Jay-Z, but a recent rumor suggested that the rapper turned down the offer. The news came after Jay-Z dedicated his song "The Story of OJ" to football player Colin Kaepernick.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback sparked controversy in 2016 when he refused to stand up when the national anthem was being played in protest of racial injustice. He became a free agent after the season ended. There were speculations that he was snubbed due to his political views but NFL commissioner Rogert Goodell denied the rumors.
This year, more and more football players across the country have taken a knee in solidarity to end racial injustice. The silent protest was condemned by President Donald Trump, but his comments only added fire to it. The athlete locked arms and raised their fists in response to Trump's rant.
Past Super Bowl performers included the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry and Beyonce Knowles. Last year, it was Lady GaGa who rocked out the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas during the football game.
Back in 2004, Justin Timberlake caused a stir when he accidentally exposed Janet Jackson's pierced nipple when he was supposed to pull away her bustier to reveal a red lace bra during their duet single "Rock Your Body". Not only the performance set tongues wagging but it also changed the rules of the annual broadcasted sporting event. A five-second broadcast delay has since been implemented by the Federal Communications Commission to avoid any similar incidents.
