Justin Timberlake Speaks On Contentious Super Bowl Prince Tribute

Timberlake reminisces about his most watched performance ever.

BYDavid Saric
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Justin Timberlake paid a visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss his much-anticipated set during Sunday's Super Bowl. The Man of the Woods crooner reveals some inside information regarding the Prince tribute that saw the city of Minneapolis light up the colour purple during his performance. 

Speaking with Fallon, Timberlake admits that being able to perform "I Would Die 4 U" on a piano during his medley of hits was a honour and huge moment for him as a musician. Timberlake believes that Prince was "the pinnacle of musicianship," which made his tribute to the "Purple Rain" legend a career milestone. The "Can't Stop the Feeling" hitmaker spoke about the special bond between performing a Prince classic in the singer's hometown, and the unique synergy and serendipitous bond that fuelled the performance beyond his own starpower. 

Timberlake then reveals that he felt it was his duty to the people of Minneapolis and Prince himself to create a special homage to what he deems the "GOAT" of musicians. 

While his set may have received a mixed response from audiences and critics alike, Timberlake was thankful to have been given a blessing from  Questlove over his performance. The singer points out Questlove's encyclopedic knowledge of music, especially pertaining to Prince's oeuvre, and how it is a great prestige to have his approval, noting how "if I got the thumbs up from Quest, I'm good." The Roots drummer simply exclaims that the tribute was dope, as the audience chimes in with applause. 

Peep the interview below:


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