The 5 Shocking Truths And 11-Song Setlist Of Justin Timberlake's 2018 Super Bowl Halftime Show
The 2018 Super Bowl Halftime Show remains one of the most discussed performances of the last decade, not just for its electrifying medley of hits, but for the controversies and massive streaming impact it generated. Even now, in December 2025, the performance by Justin Timberlake at Super Bowl LII is analyzed as a pivotal moment in his career, marking his return to the world's biggest stage 14 years after the infamous "Nipplegate" incident with Janet Jackson. The show, held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, served as a high-stakes promotional launch for his new album, *Man of the Woods*, and featured a high-tech tribute that deeply divided fans and critics.
The performance was a dazzling, 13-minute sprint through the pop star's career, combining new tracks with chart-topping classics. It was a calculated display designed to be "family-friendly" and uncontroversial, yet it still managed to spark a significant backlash, particularly over its homage to a beloved local icon, Prince. The decision to headline the event was a bold move that cemented Timberlake’s status as a global entertainer, despite the mixed reviews and the lingering questions about his past.
The Pop Prince's Profile: Justin Timberlake Biography & Career Milestones
Justin Timberlake, the sole headliner of the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show, is a multi-talented American artist whose career spans music, film, and production. His appearance in 2018 was his third time performing at the Super Bowl, a record for a solo artist.
- Full Name: Justin Randall Timberlake
- Born: January 31, 1981
- Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
- Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer, Dancer
- Notable Group: NSYNC (1995–2002)
- Studio Albums:
- *Justified* (2002)
- *FutureSex/LoveSounds* (2006)
- *The 20/20 Experience* (2013)
- *The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2* (2013)
- *Man of the Woods* (2018)
- Major Awards & Recognition:
- 10 Grammy Awards
- 4 Emmy Awards
- 7 American Music Awards
- 9 Billboard Music Awards
- 11 MTV Video Music Awards
- Super Bowl Appearances:
- Super Bowl XXXV (2001) with NSYNC
- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) with Janet Jackson (Infamous "Nipplegate")
- Super Bowl LII (2018) as the Headliner
The Full 11-Song Setlist: A Career-Spanning Medley
The 2018 performance was a masterclass in fitting an entire career into a compact 13-minute window. Directed by the veteran Hamish Hamilton, the show was a high-energy medley that seamlessly transitioned between eras, beginning with his newest single and ending with his biggest crowd-pleaser. The performance was officially titled the "Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show," and featured a massive marching band and a multi-level stage.
The show kicked off with a high-tech, underground club vibe before exploding onto the field. The full setlist was a chronological journey through his biggest hits, incorporating elements of funk, R&B, and pop:
- "Filthy" (From the 2018 album *Man of the Woods*). The performance started in the club-like tunnels beneath the stadium, immediately showcasing the new album.
- "Rock Your Body" (From the 2002 album *Justified*). This song was a controversial inclusion given its association with the 2004 incident, but Timberlake performed an abbreviated, safe version.
- "Señorita" (From *Justified*). A fun, jazzy transition that showed off his vocal range.
- "SexyBack" (From the 2006 album *FutureSex/LoveSounds*). A high-energy, dance-heavy track that got the crowd involved.
- "My Love" (From *FutureSex/LoveSounds*). This was part of a rapid-fire medley of his 2000s smash hits.
- "Cry Me a River" (From *Justified*). A dramatic, stripped-down moment that allowed for a powerful vocal delivery.
- "Suit & Tie" (From the 2013 album *The 20/20 Experience*). Timberlake moved to a piano for this segment, adding a touch of sophistication.
- "Until the End of Time" (From *FutureSex/LoveSounds*). This track was often paired with the Prince tribute segment.
- "I Would Die 4 U" (Prince Cover). The highly-anticipated tribute to Prince, a Minneapolis native, featured a massive projection of the late artist onto a sheet below the stage, illuminated in purple light.
- "Mirrors" (From *The 20/20 Experience*). A soaring ballad that showcased the scale of the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd, with fans holding up lights.
- "Can't Stop the Feeling!" (From the *Trolls* soundtrack). The grand finale, which saw Timberlake climb into the stands for a selfie with a fan, creating a memorable, viral moment.
The Controversial Prince Tribute and Lasting Financial Impact
Despite the flawless choreography and hit-packed setlist, the 2018 Halftime Show is most often remembered for two major talking points: the controversial Prince tribute and the shadow of his 2004 performance with Janet Jackson. The pressure on Timberlake was immense, with the *Man of the Woods* album having been released just two days prior, and the need to deliver a performance that was both spectacular and safe.
The Prince Homage Backlash
The biggest point of contention was the tribute to Prince, whose home city was Minneapolis, Minnesota, the site of Super Bowl LII. Rumors had circulated that Timberlake planned to use a hologram of Prince, which immediately drew outrage from Prince’s fans, as the artist had previously expressed his disapproval of holograms. While Timberlake ultimately used a large, illuminated projection of Prince on a white sheet, performing "I Would Die 4 U" alongside the image, the backlash was still swift and intense. Critics argued that the tribute felt forced and disrespectful, especially since Prince's own 2007 Super Bowl performance is often cited as the greatest of all time.
The Lingering Shadow of Nipplegate
Timberlake’s return to the Super Bowl stage was impossible to separate from the 2004 "wardrobe malfunction" with Janet Jackson, an event that became known as "Nipplegate." While Timberlake's career largely recovered, Jackson faced intense scrutiny and blacklisting. Many critics and fans, even years later, viewed his 2018 performance through the lens of this past controversy, arguing that his booking was a sign of a double standard in the entertainment industry. The choice to include "Rock Your Body" in the setlist, the song being performed during the 2004 incident, was seen by some as a subtle but unnecessary provocation.
The Financial and Cultural Aftermath
While critics were mixed—some calling the show "forgettable but flashy" and others "dull"—the financial and cultural impact was undeniable. The performance, which was broadcast on NBC and directed by Hamish Hamilton, drew a massive audience. More importantly for Timberlake, the show provided a massive boost to his music streams. Data from Deezer showed that Justin Timberlake's streaming numbers skyrocketed by an extraordinary +122% on the day of the game. This proved the Halftime Show's enduring power as a promotional platform for music artists, effectively launching his *Man of the Woods* tour into the public consciousness.
The game itself, Super Bowl LII, was a thrilling contest, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the New England Patriots 41-33, securing their first-ever Super Bowl championship. The high score and the dramatic win, coupled with Nick Foles' MVP performance, added to the memorable nature of the entire event, forever linking Timberlake’s performance to a historic sports moment.
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