Photo: Justine Trickett
Justin Timberlake’s 2013’s comeback was both overdue and exciting in equal measure. Seven years after his hugely popular second album FutureSex/LoveSounds, JT returned with the two-part 20/20 Experience. Now, embarking on a yearlong world tour, the all singing, all dancing circus steamrolled its way through The Dome in spectacular fashion.
JT emerges in a messiah-like fashion. Raised from the unknown to look over his kingdom and backed by the opening bars of ‘Pusher Lover Girl’ the sold-out venue is sent into hysteria. Looking every inch the hunk in a predictably suave looking black and white tux, the 33 year old Timberlake effortlessly dazzles his way through a highly entertaining set.
Backed by The Tennessee Kids, of which there are plenty, everything from highly-tuned sharply-dressed dancers to a horn section are all present and correct on a stage set up that was appropriately over the top. ‘Rock Your Body’ bought about the complete ‘experience’ with choreographed dance routines of the highest calibre setting the evenings tone. Not to be outdone by his backing dancers, Timberlake never misses a step, even if this does mean sacrificing his singing duties as he rattles through routines and hits like a highly charged entertainment machine.
In scenes only comparable to a West End show, it was a real master class in how to own an arena. JT rattled through his hit parade mixing old and new numbers seamlessly with the likes of ‘Like I love You’, ‘My Love’ and ‘TKO’ all standing out. It was ‘Cry Me A River’ that really showcased the talent of the former *NSYNC member though with the gospel inspired finale bringing an end to the first half of this pop extravaganza.
Dance routines which looked intent on shaming those seen on The Big Reunion continued as Justin Timberlake: The Musical Act Two picked up where Act One left off. Confidence bordering on arrogance is much needed for a show like this and Timberlake has that in abundance. Interacting with the crowd took a whole new meaning as the hydraulic stage lifted JT and co into The O2’s unknown during the infectious ‘Let The Groove Get In.’ Deafening screams filled the room as the extended stage shuffled forwards over the baying audience eventually landing near the back of the vast space.
An inspired cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and a touching rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Human Nature’ paved the way for ‘What Goes Around.../...Comes Around,’ an unexpected moment of beauty and intimacy given the occasion. With JT and his party successfully manoeuvring back to the stage during ‘Take Back the Night’ he set about riling the crowd into a frenzy with the 20-strong band still intent on making the roof come off.
An excellent version of the Kool and The Gang classic ‘Jungle Boogie’ took the near two hour set into the final stretch. With a closing trio of ‘Suit & Tie’, ‘SexyBack’ and ‘Mirrors’ the high intensity and unrivalled energy displayed throughout shows no signs of slowing down. Timberlake is a master of his craft.
Be it on piano, holding an acoustic guitar, hitting falsetto notes or dancing like no other JT manages to incorporate elements of some of pops greats to deliver a spectacle of his very own that will live long in the memory.
Below: More exclusive photos of Justin Timberlake rocking London's O2 Arena
