An unidentified source told Us Weekly that the ubiquitous 36-year-old pop icon – who was in hot water with the NFL 13 years ago when he literally pulled the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" – is close to signing on to helm the performance at U.S. Bank Stadium. Rumors of Jay-Z also being in on the fun still persist, too, following reports that the rap mogul turned down the offer, which the NFL in turn denied that he denied them.
JT fits the bill of a halftime act to a T: a mainstream, relatively safe megastar (never mind the "D--- in a Box" skit on "SNL") who is readying the follow-up to his last album, 2013's "The 20/20 Experience," and will likely launch a big tour once his new record is ready to drop.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Star Tribune reporter Rochelle Olson no decisions have been made on the halftime performer(s). In doing so, he managed to at once slip in a plug for the show's sponsor and throw the rumor mill off with what may be a subtle nod to talk of Taylor Swift also being a candidate.
"Along with Pepsi, we know that we will put on a spectacular show," McCarthy said. "When it is time to announce her name we will do it. Or his name. Or their names."
Super Bowl Halftime acts rarely have anything to do with the host city, but Timberlake does have loose ties to Minnesota via his wife, actress Jessica Biel, who was born in Ely. More tangentially, Timberlake might add a little local flavor into the show in another way: He's a devout Prince fan, so lets hope he would pay tribute to the late Minneapolis legend (and greatest halftime act ever).
For those who lost track after "SexyBack," here's JT's latest hit song -- which he could maybe change to "Can't Stop the Numbing" in honor of Minnesota's February weather.