In a sensational return to Studio 8H after over a decade, Justin Timberlake wowed Saturday Night Live fans with his sixth appearance, delivering a scintillating performance of his latest single, “Selfish,” and another track, “Sanctified.” Hosted by Dakota Johnson, the night was filled with laughter and nostalgia as Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon revisited past sketch characters, making the SNL stage come alive with energy.
The night kicked off with Dakota Johnson introducing Timberlake, marking his return as a musical guest for the first time in over a decade. The 42-year-old pop sensation graced the stage with the debut of “Sanctified,” featuring rapper and singer Tobe Nwigwe, setting the audience on fire.
Continuing the musical extravaganza, Timberlake unveiled the lead single from his upcoming solo album, “Selfish.” Introduced by SNL alum and close friend Jimmy Fallon, the track’s performance added another layer of excitement to the night. Fallon’s presence was felt throughout the show, including a memorable appearance during Johnson’s monologue and a humorous skit alongside Timberlake.
Adding a comedic touch to the evening, Timberlake playfully addressed his “comeback” during Johnson’s opening monologue. The singer joined the host on stage, jokingly claiming to have misinterpreted his cue after hearing his name mentioned. The banter between Timberlake and Johnson, reminiscing about their shared movie, “The Social Network,” delighted the audience.
Referencing his numerous SNL appearances in the past, Timberlake playfully questioned the term “comeback,” leading to a lighthearted exchange with Johnson. The singer’s charismatic presence and witty remarks charmed the audience, creating a memorable moment on the iconic SNL stage.
Timberlake’s return to the late-night comedy sketch show follows the anticipation sparked by teasers for his first solo album in six years, “Everything I Thought It Was,” set to release on March 15. The album, featuring a nostalgic R&B vibe, pays homage to Timberlake’s early 2000s work, with longtime collaborator Timbaland at the production helm.
In the years between albums, Timberlake delved into film, starring in four productions, including the Trolls movies. His collaboration with *NSYNC for the animated film’s third installment resulted in the release of their first song in over two decades, titled “Better Place.”
Saturday Night Live continues to captivate audiences every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, while fans eagerly await the release of “Everything I Thought It Was” to experience the full spectrum of Timberlake’s musical prowess.