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Critics slam Justin Timberlake’s ‘flat,’ ‘bleak,’ ‘meh’ Super Bowl halftime show

by Hanna Bubser

February 05, 2018

There is no debate over the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII last night. The results of Justin Timberlake's halftime performance, however, are not as cut and dry. This morning, the reviews started pouring in.

Responses ranged from strongly negative to "just kind of meh." No one really loved even the Prince tribute, many citing Prince's characterization of virtual duets as "demonic." A few select quotes:

"The show was dizzying and not in a good way. Too busy. The vocals weren't loud enough. Timberlake kept moving, but it was more about finding new settings rather than showcasing his fancy dancing." Star Tribune

"Do you like me? That’s the latent question throbbing at the center of every Justin Timberlake song, and suddenly the answer is no." The Washington Post

"Often, it sounded as if Mr. Timberlake were merely providing accent riffs to his own songs." The New York Times

"'Let me see you put your cell phones up, Minneapolis! Let’s light it up tonight,' he hollered, in what might be the bleakest stage banter I have ever heard." The New Yorker

"Timberlake’s set was not great, not terrible, and perhaps only memorable for its noticeable flop sweat. Frankly, it was just kind of meh." Pitchfork

That is only the beginning of it. Keep reading for more reviews of Timberlake's performance: the good, the bad and the ugly.

https://www.facebook.com/entertainmentweekly/posts/10156325918659701

https://www.facebook.com/ringer/posts/1983749955224785

https://www.facebook.com/theguardian/posts/10156516178676323

https://www.facebook.com/Vox/posts/836737396513864

https://www.facebook.com/latimes/posts/10156286130868010

https://www.facebook.com/PioneerPress/posts/10159984456470405

What's your verdict on the halftime show?

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.