Super Bowl halftime show 2018: Highlights and events from Justin Timberlake’s performance

Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl 52 halftime show was almost the exact opposite of his controversial, infamous one that happened back in 2004. It was relatively bland, at least as far as Super Bowl shows go, and Timberlake just stuck to his hits.

In fact, there wasn’t even appearance from anyone — not Janet Jackson, not *NSYNC, not anyone. The only person who actually showed up was Prince in a shimmery video screen, and shortly after, most of downtown Minneapolis was cast in purple light. That was a stunning visual, no doubt.

Here’s a full recap of the half-time show, and here was my live reactions to it.

8:35 p.m.: Congrats on the selfie, kiddo. (It’ll be found on social media within 10 minutes, I’m sure.) ((And this probably isn’t an underdog story. Do you know how much money your family has to have to get floor seats?)) (((But hey, I’ve never taken a selfie with Justin Timberlake, so what the hell do I know.)))

8:34 p.m.: Timberlake closes it out with, “Can’t Stop The Feeling,” his smash hit from the “Trolls” movie. Hahahaha sorry I’m laughing at that sentence. I mean, it’s catchy, I’m not lyin’.

But TROLLS

lmaoooooo

8:30 p.m.: PRINCE TRIBUTE. I guess this was tastefully done? Who knows, but Timberlake is singing “Die 4 U.” I do think it would have felt weird if Timberlake didn’t do anything, since Prince is the King of Minnesota. But ... I don’t know. I’ll let other people figure this one out.

This is incredible. Shoutout to all of Minneapolis.

8:28 p.m.: This is a cool visual. I’m into this. FULL BAND, ALWAYS. This is an iconic moment for marching band nerds everywhere.

8:26 p.m.: “I feel like I’ve seen Justin dance better,” says someone at my Super Bowl party. “I think he’s just old,” someone else said. I mean, yeah.

He’s dancing on the field now, right on the NFL shield. They’re right. It’s not bad, but dude’s old.

8:25 p.m.: I’m sorry but there has literally nothing interesting about this stage design yet. Timberlake just rolled through “My Love” and is headed into “Cry Me A River,” though. I’M SORRY BUT LADY GAGA CAME DOWN FROM THE EFFING RAFTERS LAST SHOW. SORRY IF I’M NOT SUPER IMPRESSED.

8:23 p.m.: SEXYBACK.

8:20 p.m.: Timberlake opens up with “Filthy,” from his new album, Man of the Woods. He’s hanging out in a weird hallway underneath the stage. Yeah, put the famous superstar where no one can see him!

8:19 p.m.: It always takes a second for the stage to come up. Honestly, it’s a miracle they can put it up that quickly. Shoutout to those stage hands.

8:02 p.m.: Justin, what are you wearing.

Also, don’t crease the Jordans, damnit.

Before the show:

Justin Timberlake will make a long-awaited return to the Super Bowl halftime show, one that comes 14 years after his infamous show with Janet Jackson. Timberlake released a new album on Feb. 2, his first since 2013, but most of the conversation about his upcoming performance has been focused on the past.

It was 2004 when Timberlake — famous for his role in *NSYNC — and Jackson shared the stage, and Jackson’s accidentally-on-purpose wardrobe malfunction sparked controversies across the entire country. In the wake of the incident, Jackson took virtually all of the blame while Timberlake launched a successful solo career that might have even been aided by the controversy.

There will reportedly be no *NSYNC or Jackson reunion during halftime on Sunday, but we may see the influence of another legendary musical icon, Prince, a Minnesota native who passed away in 2016. There will apparently not be a hologram — something Prince vocally didn’t support — but expect to see some other tributes for the eclectic, flamboyant musical superstar.

We’ve seen Lady Gaga. We’ve seen Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars. No one can forget Katy Perry and Left Shark. Timberlake’s performance will be subdued compared to the 2004 fiasco, but it can still be iconic. We’ll see what he has in store for us very soon.

Just ten Timberlakes (SB Nation)

Justin Timberlake threw Janet Jackson under the bus to launch his solo career (SB Nation)

At a Super Bowl press conference, Justin Timberlake says his son ‘will never play football’ (SB Nation)

Could an *NSYNC reunion be coming at Super Bowl 52? (SB Nation)

Let’s Create the Best Super Bowl Halftime Show Ever (The Ringer)

Here’s who Justin Timberlake’s guest performers might be (CBS Sports)

Predicting Justin Timberlake’s performance (SB Nation)