Justin Timberlake may be rejecting reports that he'll be including his former *NSYNC bandmates in the 2018 Super Bowl half-time show - just as he's batted down rumors of a do-over of his controversial 2004 collaboration with Janet Jackson. But the Memphis native has yet to deny word that he'll be having Minnesota legend Prince grace the stage with him at Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Stadium.
According to TMZ, there is a chance that the 37-year-old "Man of the Woods" singer is banking on technology to bring "The Purple One" to life via hologram.
Fans will recall that Prince showed out in what was one of the most memorable Super Bowl half-time shows ever, in 2007. The performance was a dramatic one that concluded with Prince Rogers Nelson putting a charge in Dolphin Stadium thanks to a timely rendition of "Purple Rain" that fans sang along to in the pouring rain.
Fans may also recall Timberlake's spotty past concerning Prince. The two music superstars traded shots back in the mid-2000's, with Timberlake catching wind of his elder stating, “For whoever is claiming they are bringing sexy back, sexy never left," during a post-Emmy Awards party in 2006. Timberlake interpreted the quote as a shot at his hit single at the time, "SexyBack."
Timberlake would respond in kind on the 2007 track, "Give It To Me," in which he sings: "We missed you on the charts last week/ Damn, that’s right you wasn’t there/ Now if se-sexy never left, then why is everybody on my s**t/ Don’t hate on me just because you didn’t come up with it."
It has become clear in recent days that Timberlake is looking to turn over a new leaf concerning his reputation as it relates to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's name. In fact, he held a listening party for his latest album at the iconic Paisley Park compound where Prince spent his final days. Now it looks like he's taking up the advice of the legend's sister, Tyka Nelson, who is said to have recommended the hologram performance in his honor.
Source: pitchfork.com
