Justin Timberlake stormed the pre-Super Bowl scene in New Orleans last night, taking to the stage for the first time in nearly six years (with the exception of one gig in 2011).
In town for DirecTV’s Super Saturday Night concert, the singer wore a tuxedo suit and came backed by a 10-piece band (named Suit and Tie), a firing set — and some very famous friends.
Performing for an hour, Timberlake delighted the crowd with old favorites — “Like I Love you,” “Cry Me A River” “My Love” (spliced with Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “N****s In Paris,” his new single “Suit &Tie,” and new cuts “Little Pusher Love Girl” and “Bad Girl” from his upcoming album The 20/20 Experience .
Timbaland and Jay-Z also took to the stage. Jay-Z during his feature on “Suit & Tie,” and Timbaland on the last song of the night “SexyBack.”
Timberlake also covered two songs — INXS’ “What You Need” and The Jacksons’ “Shake Your Body Down To the Ground.”
According to Vibe , guests in the audience included Paul McCartney, John Legend, Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara, and New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft.
Timberlake has been teasing his return to music for a few weeks now. His last tour in support of second album FutureSex/LoveShow wrapped in December 2007.
After releasing new single “Suit & Tie” on January 14, NME reports that the video will be helmed by David Fincher who directed Timberlake in The Social Network .
With the singer recently confirming that he will be performing at the Grammy’s on February 10, followed by the Brits on February 20, it’s clear Timberlake is back — in a big way.
Check out a few clips from the pre-Super Bowl concert last night. The 20/20 Experience lands on March 19.