Justin Timberlake returned to Saturday Night Live (SNL) for the sixth time, bringing his musical talents back after over a decade. Dakota Johnson, the host, introduced the “Mirrors” singer for his first appearance as a musical guest in more than ten years. During the show, Timberlake performed a second new track, “Sanctified,” featuring rapper and singer Tobe Nwigwe, who also graced the SNL stage. The 42-year-old artist also presented the lead single from his upcoming solo album, “Selfish,” just days after its release on Wednesday.
Jimmy Fallon, a close friend and SNL alum, played a significant role throughout the night, appearing alongside Timberlake during Johnson’s monologue and joining the singer in revisiting former characters from the sketch series, including a reprisal of the Gibbs brothers.
Timberlake lightheartedly addressed his “comeback” during Johnson’s opening monologue, joining her on stage after she mentioned their collaboration in the 2010 hit drama, “The Social Network.” The banter included Timberlake offering to help in sketches, reminiscing about his previous hosting experiences, and humorously questioning the term “comeback.”
Having made numerous appearances on SNL in the 2000s and early 2010s, hosting five times and now performing as a musical guest for the sixth time, Timberlake showcased his enduring connection to the show. Teasing his first solo album in six years, “Everything I Thought It Was,” Timberlake released the lead single “Selfish” along with its music video. The album, produced by longtime collaborator Timbaland, draws inspiration from Timberlake’s early 2000s R&B style, creating a thematic connection to his iconic “FutureSex/LoveSounds” era.
In the years between his last LP, “Man of the Woods,” and the upcoming “Everything I Thought It Was,” Timberlake engaged in film projects, including two “Trolls” movies. His recent appearance on SNL, filled with banter, musical performances, and comedic revisitations, marked a notable return to the show’s stage for the accomplished artist.