Photos by: Ilya Mirman
Review by: Annemarie
Show photos: HERE
Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience Tour has proved that he is an artist that can do just about anything. He is a singer, dancer, actor, and exceptional entertainer. Timberlake appeared on the TV show Star Search and The All-New Mickey Mouse Club as a child. In the late 1990s, Timberlake rose to fame as one of the two lead vocalists and the youngest member of NSYNC. I like to think that I grew up with Timberlake, though it was actually growing up with stacks of NSYNC CDs and Teen Beat Magazines. I was a fan from the moment “Tearin’ Up My Heart” debuted on MTV. I have seen Timberlake throughout his years of performing as a boy-bander, solo artist, and actor. The TD Garden is where I first saw him perform with NSYNC. Some aspects of Timberlake’s performance have changed since first seeing him take the stage in the 90s, and others remain the same. He continues to display steadfast confidence on stage with intoxicating charisma that still makes women weak in the knees. However, now as a solo artist, he is able to show the world his true originality and versatility as a performer.
On July 19, Timberlake performed for a stadium of roaring fans at Boston’s TD Garden. The audience went wild when he was slowly elevated from below the stage. Beginning the night with “Pusher Love Girl,” “Rock Your Body,” and “FutureSex/ LoveSound,” Timberlake took a moment between songs to gaze around the venue sporting a smile that made me grateful I wore my earplugs into the pit. What makes Timberlake so appealing is his ability to interact with the audience and make each fan feel like he is singing only to them. Backed by the Tennessee Kids, he swooned Boston with a performance that showed he is not only a talented entertainer, but that he genuinely loves performing. During a twenty-eight song set list, Timberlake never lost stamina during his choreographed dancing, running across the stage while carrying a perfect tune, or playing his guitar with dancing intervals. He never missed a beat performing hits “Lovestoned,” “Señorita,” “Cry Me A River,” and even incorporating Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” into “What Goes Around,” and covered Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison.” A crowd-pleasing moment of the night was when Timberlake and four backup singers soared above the crowd on a hydraulically lifted platform. They traveled over the main floor singing “Let the Groove Get In,” and in between dance numbers, Timberlake ran side-to-side serenading the balcony’s audience. He ended the night on a perfect note with “Suit & Tie,” “Sexy Back,” and “Mirrors.” It appeared Timberlake didn’t even break a sweat throughout the entire performance. Justin Timberlake gave the audience what he promised; an unforgettable experience.
Many people have compared Justin Timberlake to Michael Jackson for a number of reasons, and he has been hailed as the “President of Pop.” I can understand why people have made this comparison, though I personally would not compare Timberlake to Jackson. Timberlake has truly solidified his own identity and originality. Through hard work, creativity, and determination, Timberlake successfully overcame the general public’s boy-band perception of him, and he has become a powerhouse and one of the truly great performers of our generation.
Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience Tour at TD Garden – MA
