Justin Timberlake Reportedly Finalizing Deal To Perform At Super Bowl LII Halftime Show

Justin Timberlake may be the next Super Bowl Halftime Show performer for the 52nd NFL championship game.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE NEWS: SUPER BOWL LII HALFTIME SHOW

The NFL is reportedly in talks with the “Sexyback” singer, the frontrunner to headline the most-watched musical event on television. Jay-Z turned down the gig, and Timberlake is said to be waiting to finalize the deal. It’s been 14 years since Timberlake graced the Super Bowl stage alongside Janet Jackson, from whence came her infamous wardrobe malfunction.

Timberlake is currently working on his fifth studio album, to be released in early 2018. It can be assumed that if he gets the Super Bowl job, his album will come out around the same time as the game. Lady Gaga was announced as last year’s Super Bowl headliner around the same time in 2016, so a decision on the performer should be made soon.

Taylor Swift is permanently out of the running as a Coca-Cola sponsor, as the Super Bowl is a Pepsi-sponsored event. Britney Spears was another early contender, but she has also been ruled out, as per a statement from PepsiCo Head of Sports Marketing Justin Toman. Based on polls, some fans want K-Pop group BTS to perform, while others voted for Queen & Adam Lambert. The fact that the musicians aren’t paid for this gig and actually have to pay to headline the halftime show has thwarted some big names. Kelly Clarkson recently said in an interview that she wouldn’t do that. “I’m not paying, you pay me,” she told Variety.

Super Bowl LII will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Feb. 3, 2018, and will be televised by NBC. Some wonder whether the singer will be allowed to perform after his accidental misstep with Jackson, which caused the FCC to crack down on objectionable broadcast material. Many believed the former *NSYNC star had been permanently banned from the event, but only time will tell.

“We know that we will put on a spectacular show,” said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “When it is time to announce her name, we will. Or his name. Or their names.”