Latest news with #Timberlake
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Justin Timberlake tour videos leave fans appalled: What happens when stars disappoint us.
Justin Timberlake fans are worried about the tour. The world tour. Audiences at the pop star's Forget Tomorrow World Tour, are worried the singer's 50-city stretch is just that, forgetful. Fan video of recent shows depict Timberlake seemingly delivering lackluster performances, hardly delivering the vocal and dance skills the *NSYNC veteran has come to be known for over the decades. "Go girl give us nothing," one fan's text overlay read on a TikTok video showing Timberlake on stage Transylvania, Romania, earlier this month with a rain jacket hood pulled over his head as the audience did the heavy lifting of singing the words to "Can't Stop the Feeling!" The video has nearly 300,000 likes and over 11,000 comments. At another show in Dublin, Ireland, Timberlake punctuated "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by uttering lyrics like "I got this" intermittently, at one point putting his microphone on the stage and seemingly conducting the fans to sing and delivering such a low-key dance performance it felt like an ad-hoc kitchen singalong. Whether Timberlake intended to phone it in is a different story. But the uninspired performances are leaving some fans laughing. Others are feeling disappointed in a star they feel they've come to know over his many years in the spotlight. When we feel truly let down by a star, it can be a sign of a parasocial relationship — feeling like you know a celebrity when you really don't. And no one wants to hang out with a friend who doesn't want to be there. Timberlake's actions are leaving some fans feeling just so. Because we feel this parasocial closeness, we crave real opportunities for connection, Northwestern University Social Psychology professor Wendi Gardner previously explained to USA TODAY. And today's fans have come to expect a level of vulnerability and effort from stars to curate that bond. Take Beyoncé Knowles-Carter delivering '90s nostalgia with a surprise Destiny's Child reunion at her final "Cowboy Carter" concert in Las Vegas. Or Cyndi Lauper giving heart and color at her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour this summer. And the epic that was Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is not a distant memory to fans, during which fans made relationships with each other while Swift sang a powerhouse three-hour set. Tour success: Beyoncé makes history with highest grossing country tour, earning over $400 million "It's the first time I got to see you," said one disappointed Timberlake fan in a video. She shared that she waited in pouring rain all only to have Timberlake take the stage late and barely sing. "I get that you have a lot of concerts and are touring the world, or whatever, but you cannot be singing less than a quarter of a song," the fan said. Others reacted with humor, making skits that played up Timberlake's seemingly putting in the bare minimum. One acted as if Timberlake's concert "interrupted his busy day," carrying on with chores and answering phone calls between the artist's occasional words into the mic. Another rolled her eyes, donned a hooded sweatshirt and casually held a TV remote to mimic Timberlake's indication the fans should do the singing. Like Timberlake, Beyoncé, Lauper and Swift have likely sang the same songs hundreds of times to crowds so large their faces are indistinguishable. But their level of enthusiasm makes each person feel seen. Perhaps Timberlake should take a note, look in the "Mirror" reverberate what fans see in him.
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
What Justin Timberlake got wrong about touring in 2025
Justin Timberlake 's Forget Tomorrow World Tour ends today in Istanbul but, judging by the backlash, it couldn't have come to a close soon enough. What was billed as an anticipated comeback instead exposed how six years away from the road seems to have left the Cry Me a River singer out of touch with what's expected from a modern touring artist. The old assumptions – that sheer star power, a dependable setlist of hits and audiences primed to lap up whatever's presented on stage would suffice- are gone. For Timberlake, the fall was more than cancelled shows or the occasional bum note. It was about violating what has become an unspoken yet cardinal rule of live music: concerts are no longer solo performances but communal experiences, and it's the crowd that determines if a show succeeds. The Istanbul outing comes on the back of a growing catalogue of widely shared social media clips, from Dublin, Bucharest and London, showing disgruntled fans accusing Timberlake of delivering half-hearted performances. In one viral video that has received more than 460,000 likes, a Romanian fan lamented that she paid 'a lot of money' to see him, only to feel 'disrespected' by a show where he appeared to skulk around the stage in a low-brimmed hat, barely engaging with the crowd. While Timberlake isn't the first artist accused of phoning it in, the emotional, almost visceral response reveals a new faultline in the touring industry. In a concert economy where fans are spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars for tickets, merchandise and premium meet-and-greet packages, the expectation is no longer just a solid setlist. It's that the artist will show up emotionally and meet the crowd in that shared space. Timberlake didn't just deliver a lacklustre show. He did something worse: he disengaged. A glance at today's most successful tours reveals artists who understand that concerts are no longer just musical events, but shared platforms. Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, now officially the biggest and most commercially successful concert tour of all time with over $2 billion in revenue, is a case in point. More than a three-and-a-half-hour showcase of Swift's catalogue, each show was a colourful world-building exercise. Fans arrived in co-ordinated outfits, exchanged official friendship bracelets and chanted lyrics at predesignated cues. The ecstatic crowd left not as audience members, but as active participants. That same mastery of crowd choreography was on full display during Coldplay's four sold-out shows at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City Stadium. As The National 's review noted of a detail as simple but powerful as the LED wristbands: 'The Xylobands, shifting from cherry red to soft tea green, created a cascading effect as the crowd waved their arms, making it seem as though singer Chris Martin was strolling through a dark, enchanted forest.' The change in expectations also requires, at times, a counterintuitive approach from artists. Where before the ultimate aim was to deliver the best vocal performance, now making the occasional slip-up is not meant to be hidden, but to be part of the show. Singer Olivia Rodrigo, whose songs are defined by their adolescent vulnerability, leans into that communal intimacy. Her vocal stumbles, also relentlessly documented by fans online during her well-received tour, become shared moments of recognition by fans who praise her in these videos for being real. 'You feel like she's your friend, not a pop star,' one fan posted recently under a social media video of Rodrigo's Glastonbury festival performance in June. And when Oasis reunited this July after 16 years, the press and the crowd didn't care about how polished they sounded or even so much the fact that Noel and Liam Gallagher were back on stage again, but about how their presence and songs made the stadium feel. This shift in audience expectation is partly driven by economics. The fact is, we are paying more than ever for concert tickets. In North America, ticket prices soared by more than 41 per cent since 2019, according to trade publication Pollstar. While there is no regional data, The National 's coverage of UAE concerts dating back to 2013 showed a general admission to see Black Sabbath at Etihad Park starting from Dh295, while tickets to see British singer David Gray at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in October and Rod Stewart at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena are both Dh395. And yet, people are still buying while jettisoning the now outdated idea of 'fear of missing out' for 'you had to be there'. It is about the event being larger than the music itself, a catalyst for community, making friends, expressing yourself with handmade memorabilia, and sharing a memory that is resonant because it felt real and made for the occasion. That is the emotional return on investment fans are seeking. And that is what Timberlake, by all visible accounts, failed to deliver. His tour featured none of the crowd participation cues that audiences have come to view as signs of care. There was also reportedly no off-the-cuff banter, rather the shows were viewed as lacking authentic moments and spontaneity. Perhaps this would have been OK if the music critic's pen still carried weight in shaping public perception, but that mantle has now moved to social media platforms. Fan reactions, often posted while the show is running, are now the ultimate definer of whether a performance is a hit or a dud. If Rodrigo's voice cracks mid-set, it's viewed as a loving reminder of her authenticity. If Timberlake delivers a smooth yet emotionally detached version of Suit & Tie, it becomes an unflattering meme. The new, unwritten contract understandably demands much from the artist – each show needs to feel like it was made for the moment while being cognisant that it could be recorded for posterity. It's a new form of the purity test, where an artist must now be many things on stage: performer, therapist, community builder and content generator. They must be professional yet not too polished, emotionally present but always ready to strike the right pose for crowds looking for social media content. It is no wonder Timberlake has reportedly been unhappy on the road. The game has changed, but he has yet to.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Justin Timberlake's Tour Sparks Wave of Viral Jokes, Memes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Justin Timberlake's tour began in April 2024, with the singer now on its final leg. Despite being in its closing stages, the tour has begun to circulate widely on social media, with users widely meme-ifying and making jokes about Timberlake's performances. Newsweek has reached out to a representative for Timberlake outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters Timberlake's The Forget Tomorrow World Tour is his first in five years and his seventh headlining concert tour in total. Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the 5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival on July 20, 2025 in Paris, France. Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the 5th Lollapalooza Paris Festival on July 20, 2025 in Paris, France. Lyvans Boolaky/WireImage Timberlake was arrested in June 2024 for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Sag Harbor, New York. In September, he pleaded guilty to a noncriminal driving while impaired traffic violation and was fined and given community service. What To Know During recent appearances on the European leg of the tour, including stops in Romania and Ireland, the 10-time Grammy-winning singer is seen only singing parts of his songs in fan-captured footage. Some fans have also complained that he was arriving on stage late and amid the backlash there has been a wave of viral memes. Multiple clips of Timberlake performing the song from the Trolls soundtrack, Can't Stop The Feeling have gone viral. In one video, from a concert in Transylvania, Romania, Timberlake is shown performing with his hood up, partly singing the song and pointing his mic out to the crowd so that they could sing along. He then does the same thing for a number of other songs, failing to sing the whole songs himself. That video, which has the text overlay "Go girl give us nothing," has been viewed over 4 million times. Another video of him performing similarly at a concert in Dublin has been viewed over 18 million times. One TikTok, from the creator @90skid4lyfe, which has the text overlay "Imagine paying $500 for this type of energy at a Justin Timberlake concert in 2025," has been viewed over 20 million times. Another video, shared by the creator @snarkymarky, starts with the creator saying, "You can't do this to me, this is going to ruin the tour," with the text overlay "Justin Timberlake when he was getting arrested last year." The TikTok then cuts to a clip of @snarkymarky with the audio from the performance of Can't Stop The Feeling, and has the text overlay "The tour in question." This a reference to something that Timberlake allegedly muttered when he was arrested last year. An anonymous source told Page Six at the time that when Timberlake was arrested, he mumbled: "This is going to ruin the tour." The policeman replied "What tour?" to which Timberlake responded "The world tour." What People Are Saying @farrelhegarty posted a TikTok, viewed 7 million times, with the text overlay: "Justin Timberlake's concert interrupting his busy day." @sarcasticmommy4 wrote on X: "I wasn't even at Justin Timberlake's concert & I'd like a refund." @ladypositive, in a TikTok viewed over 750,000 times with the text overlay: "POV: Justin's concert is interrupting his breakfast." What's Next Timberlake's tour is scheduled to conclude on July 30 in Turkey.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Justin Timberlake faces backlash on tour for poor performance amid claims he's 'in a rut'
Justin Timberlake is reportedly 'in a rut' as fans criticise his ongoing Forget Tomorrow World Tour for 'lazy' performances and lack of energy. According to insiders, the pop star 'knows he's lost his mojo' and is struggling with declining morale during the tour. The backlash intensified after a viral video from England's Lytham Festival showed Timberlake lashing out at his crew over sound issues. Concertgoers in Romania and Ireland further accused him of lip-syncing, minimal vocal effort, and being disconnected from audiences, prompting many to walk out mid-show. A source told the Daily Mail that Timberlake 'wants to create new music' and is weary of performing his old hits repeatedly. Fans online have also expressed disappointment. Timberlake reportedly appeared late on stage and sang only a few words of each song, wearing sunglasses throughout and moving listlessly. His wife, Jessica Biel, is said to be concerned about the toll the tour is taking on his mental and physical health. 'Jessica thinks Justin has aged years since he started the tour,' a separate source revealed, adding that he's become 'short-tempered both on and off stage.' While Timberlake has yet to publicly respond, many fans are urging a return to form, suggesting an NSYNC reunion might help lift spirits and restore energy to his performances.
New York Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Justin Timberlake slammed for barely singing during Romania concert: ‘I want a refund'
Can't stop the backlash. Justin Timberlake is facing criticism online for his lackluster performance at the Electric Castle festival in Romania last week. A fan in the audience took a video of Timberlake, 44, barely singing the words to his 2016 smash hit 'Can't Stop the Feeling.' Advertisement 9 Justin Timberlake performs on his tour in New York City in Oct. Live Nation The Grammy winner pulled up the hood of his jacket as it started raining while he was onstage, before he gestured to the crowd to sing the majority of the next verses of the song. At the end of the clip, Timberlake walked towards his band and told the audience: 'Sing, c'mon.' Advertisement 9 Justin Timberlake performs onstage at the Electric Castle festival in Romania. alexandraandora2/Tiktok 9 Justin Timberlake during his concert in Romania. alexandraandora2/Tiktok In a different video, Timberlake told the crowd: 'I'm trying to stay warm. Is the rain always like this in the summer? No? So y'all cooked this up for me? Thanks.' The fan who shared the first viral clip of Timberlake wrote on the footage, 'When you pay for a concert but get a mute singer.' Advertisement The TikToker added in the caption, 'dude took a day off on stage.' 9 Justin Timberlake performs at the Lollapalooza Festival in Berlin, Germany on July 12. Action Press/Shutterstock More critics roasted Timberlake in the comments section. Advertisement 'This performance could've been an email,' one fan wrote. 'The audience ft. Justin Timberlake,' another person quipped. 9 Justin Timberlake sings onstage at Lollapalooza Berlin. Redferns 9 Justin Timberlake during his concert at the Lollapalooza Festival in Berlin. Action Press/Shutterstock A different fan wrote, 'I want a refund and I didn't even go.' 'This is awful! People paid to be there and he just couldn't be bothered,' someone else commented. 'So basically you paid your ticket to listen to yourself,' another fan said. The Post has reached out to Timberlake's rep for comment. Advertisement 9 Justin Timberlake in a selfie with his wife Jessica Biel. jessicabiel/Instagram Timberlake is currently on the European leg of his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour that began in April 2024. The tour is set to wrap in Istanbul, Turkey on July 30. Earlier this month, Timberlake was caught screaming at his stage crew during a show at the Lytham Festival in Lytham St Annes, England. In a fan's TikTok video, the 'SexyBack' singer got upset with two crew members who appeared to be telling Timberlake about the sound issue that interrupted his set. Advertisement 9 Justin Timberlake performs for fans in Paris on his tour. Best Image / BACKGRID Once the technical difficulty was resolved, Timberlake continued on with his concert. Timberlake also faced backlash in Feb. for abruptly canceling his final tour stop in Ohio after coming down with the flu. The *NSYNC alum said he was 'heartbroken' that he had to cancel the concert and promised refunds, but fans still slammed him for the last-minute notice. Advertisement 9 Justin Timberlake on a yacht with his wife Jessica Biel. jessicabiel/Instagram In the early months of the tour, Timberlake was arrested for suspicion of DWI in Sag Harbor, Long Island, in June 2024. The pop star ended up pleading guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired in September and gave a public apology for the incident.
