Justin Timberlake's Attempt at a Super Bowl-Sized Prince Tribute Fell Flat

The Super Bowl halftime show is always one of the most carefully-watched live musical performances of the year, and no matter how talented the star in the spotlight may be, it can be incredibly difficult (near-impossible, even) to live up to the highest of expectations and the past performances of some of the greatest artists who have ever lived. Justin Timberlake took up that difficult task this year, and while much of his showing was...fine, it’s the moment he wanted to be the sweetest that ended up leaving a sour taste in everyone’s mouths.

From the outset, Timberlake was in a somewhat odd position. He had to tribute the late, great Prince in some way, but how? Had he ignored the man while playing the biggest stage in the world (located this year in his hometown) and after hosting an album listening session at his hallowed home just days prior, he surely would have been skewered, but that doesn’t mean that he had to take things as far as he did.

Timberlake clearly wanted to do something big and obvious, but in going that route, he disappointed millions who had tuned in and tainted the rest of his perfectly adequate live showing in the process.