- Justin Timberlake explained his
- Prince fans reacted negatively to the tribute because the late artist once described similar digital editing as "the most demonic thing imaginable."
ADVERTISEMENT
After fan backlash, Justin Timberlake explains his decision to perform with a projection of Prince at the Super Bowl
Justin Timberlake explained his controversial decision to perform with a projection of Prince at the Super Bowl halftime show on "The Tonight Show."
Justin Timberlake appeared on a live broadcast of "The Tonight Show," after his Super Bowl halftime show performance Sunday night, and explained his controversial decision to perform a Prince tribute at the show.
Timberlake drew criticism for playing Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" with a projection of the late artist on a towering sheet behind him. Though the tribute wasn't exactly the same as a reported plan for a "Prince hologram," it didn't sit well with Prince fans.
Displeased fans cited a 1998 interview Prince gave with Guitar World, in which Prince explicitly opposed using digital editing to bring a deceased artist into a performance, calling it "
ADVERTISEMENT
In an interview with Jimmy Fallon following the performance, Timberlake explained his Prince tribute by saying that the late artist was "the pinnacle of musicianship," and that doing the tribute in Prince's hometown of Minneapolis was "a moment" for him.
"
Timberlake then turned to Questlove, the leader of The Roots and the "Tonight Show" band, calling the drummer "a gatekeeper on Prince" and seeking a "thumbs up" for the performance. Questlove responded, simply, "It was dope."
Timberlake went on to describe the process of putting the tribute together: Purple Rain.'
Justin Timberlake on His Super Bowl Halftime Show and Prince Tribute
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT