Timberlake rules out ‘N Sync reunion at Super Bowl show

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Timberlake is returning to the halftime show 14 years after the “wardrobe malfunction” with Jackson caused a national controversy. He was not asked about the incident during the press availability.

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Timberlake was Jackson’s special guest during her performance when he ripped off a piece of her clothing and revealed her bare, pierced nipple. Jackson later described it as an unintended “wardrobe malfunction.” CBS, which aired the Super Bowl that year, drew a $550,000 fine from the Federal Communications Commission that was later overturned.

During his 20-minute press conference, Timberlake mentioned Jackson’s name when he spoke about who people thought he would invite as a guest during the halftime show. He also named Jay-Z, Chris Stapleton and ‘N Sync.

He also admitted he had a “man-crush” on Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback, complimenting his skills and hair. But when asked if he was rooting for the Patriots or the Philadelphia Eagles, he punted: “Go, Pack, go,” he said, referencing the Green Bay Packers, who didn’t make the playoffs at all.

Timberlake will be making his third Super Bowl musical appearance — a record. He first performed in 2001 when ‘N Sync performed alongside Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige and Nelly.

He praised Minneapolis-born Prince, calling the late superstar “in my opinion, the greatest all-around musician I can think of in popular culture.”

“He’s a huge influence on me. … The time that I got to spend around him, with him, talking about music — those are memories that I will take with me forever because he’s always been such a big idol of mine,” Timberlake said.

Timberlake has a new album, “Man of the Woods,” out Friday and will host a listening party Thursday night at Paisley Park, Prince’s old estate.

“There’s a lot of bucket list things that are happening this week for me and that’s definitely at the top of that list,” he said. “I get to walk the hallowed, sacred ground of Paisley Park.”

Timberlake turned 37 years old on Wednesday, and some of the media serenaded him by singing “Happy Birthday” at the Hilton Minneapolis’ Grand Ballroom.

When asked if he would let his son, Silas, perform at the Super Bowl and follow in his footsteps, Timberlake said, “I’d rather not think about it because he’s about to turn three.”

“But (Silas) did come to rehearsals yesterday and I was shocked at how quickly he could cover 100 yards,” he said.

“Speed runs in our family. I’ve been running routes, too. I just want to throw this out there to (Patriots coach Bill) Belichick, ‘If all of your receivers go down I’ll be ready, so shoot me a text.’”

Mesfin Fekadu, The Associated Press