He’s back, and this time he brought more than just sexy with him.
Justin Timberlake’s last album,“FutureSex/LoveSounds” came out in September 2006. After its release he decided to take a break from music to work on his acting and producing careers and settle down with wife Jessica Biel. During that time he was featured in other artist’s songs— Madonna’s “4 Minutes” and T.I.’s “Dead and Gone” – but he did not release any solo work. Now, Timberlake is back and better than ever with his new album “The 20/20 Experience,” released March 19.
On Jan. 10 Timberlake baffled fans with a tweet stating “To whom it may concern…I think I’M READY!” and posted a video shortly after where he explained his musical hiatus, ending the video by stepping into a recording studio, putting headphones on, and saying “I’m ready.” On Jan. 14 his new single “Suit & Tie” featuring rapper Jay-Z was released, topping the U.S. iTunes charts just a few hours later. The video for the song was released on Valentine’s Day.
Timberlake also recently became the Creative Director for Bud Light Platinum. He starred in a commercial for the beer which featured his new single and was played during the 55th Annual Grammy Award on Feb. 10. Timberlake also performed at the Grammys and later that night he took over the Hollywood Palladium to support his new album.
“Mirrors,” the second single off the new album was released digitally on Feb. 11 after Timberlake’s performance at The Grammys the night before. By March 4 it was the number one song in the U.K.
To promote “The 20/20 Experience,” Timberlake hosted Saturday Night Live on March 9 and was featured on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon for an entire week, aptly named “Timberweek,” from March 12 to 16.
The singer was added to the “Five-Timers Club” on SNL to celebrate his fifth time hosting the show in a sketch with cameo appearances from other well-known members such as Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin and Tom Hanks. He brought back some of his much loved characters on the show as well, including his role in the musical duo 2:30AM with Andy Samberg.
During “Timberweek,” he starred in comedic sketches with Fallon and other guests celebrities including Steve Carell. Timberlake also performed new songs and brought back some old favorites with a barbershop rendition of his hit “Sexyback” and a medley of older songs to end the week.
But Timberlake isn’t stopping there. This summer he is hitting the road with Jay-Z on a North American stadium tour starting at The Roger’s Center in Toronto on July 17 and ending on Aug. 16 in Miami at the Sun Life Stadium.
2013 looks to be Justin Timberlake’s year. With a new album kept secret for so long and a tour to make the summer even hotter, fans can’t help but wonder what he will surprise them with next.
