Super Bowl Producer Defends Justin Timberlake’s Prince Tribute: ‘[Prince’s] Family Gave Permission!’

Published: Wednesday 7th Feb 2018 by Rashad

It’s been days since Justin Timberlake took to the Minneapolis U.S. Stadium’s field for a show-stopping Super Bowl Halftime Show, but that certainly hasn’t slowed any chatter around the event.

Beyond mixed reviews and overall backlash, the former NSYNC leader is still fielding criticism surrounding the inclusion of a Prince tribute which featured a projected image of the late music legend singing his hit, ‘I Would Die 4 U.’  While some argued the recognition was befitting given the locale of the performance, others argued it was disrespectful due to Prince & Timberlake’s turbulent history and the legend’s longstanding disapproval of use of his likeness after death.

As the critics continue to weigh in, the Halftime show’s producer – Emmy winner Ricky Kirshner – took to the defense of this year’s headliner by reminder detractors The Purple One’s family had to authorize and approve any use of his image.

See what else he said inside:

Just a day after sources took to press to indicate Timberlake was originally planning to use a hologram of Prince but nixed the idea last minute due to impending backlash, Kirshner comes through to confirm the opposite.  He denies a hologram was ever in the plans and that no last minute changes were made to Justin’s set-list or performance props.

Kirshner on hologram:

“…to refute any stories that were out there,” he stresses, “There was never an idea to have a hologram.”

Kirshner on how hologram rumors got started:

“I can’t speculate as to what someone saw, but I do know that all of our people are not authorized to talk to the press so whoever was there and saw something they shouldn’t have seen shouldn’t have been there to begin with. Justin has always said that he reveres Prince — his [2016 Netflix concert film] was dedicated to Prince — we were in Minneapolis, we thought it would be the right thing to do, and I still believe that.”

Kirshner on use of Prince’s image:

“They [Prince’s family] absolutely gave us the audio and authorized Warner Bros. to give us the footage.”

Source

*****

The story above was lifted just a day after Prince’s estate said in a statement:

“Justin Timberlake, the NFL and the City of Minneapolis used the stadium and the city to give a beautiful hometown tribute to Prince. The two pieces of footage that appeared on the screens were licensed from the ‘Purple Rain’ movie and a vintage performance in Syracuse, NY.”

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

Posted under:

Comments 16

Please Post Your Comments & Reviews

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. taustin13 February 7, 2018

    That doesn’t change that Justin Timberlakes Performance was still utter TRASH. His album is TRASH. The critics that matter says the same. His album is now projected to sell less than 300K SPS. He is an fake black wannabe washed up ugly has been that is boring and uninspired. Complete trash. He is an old hits artist now.

  2. Retribution February 7, 2018

    Even if the family authorized it, Prince himself did not like people performing with dead artists using technology and called it “demonic” so Justin Timberlake should have honored his wishes. But he did what he does best which is use more talented artists and ride off their coattails because he is mediocre. The gig is pretty much up now and his low sales and lack of recent hits are proof of that.

  3. S****** Blonde February 7, 2018

    The tribute was beautiful, that’s all.

    • NOW CONTROL THIS. February 7, 2018

      No. Prince’s song and visual was beautiful – as it was when Prince recorded it. The tribute and overall performance was lackluster, and that’s being nice about it to say the least.

  4. Ropeburn February 7, 2018

    So he “reveres” Prince now that he’s dead. And didn’t he start his solo career worshiping the ground that Michael Jackson walked on? I wonder who’s gonna be the next black musical legend this culture vulture saltine will be sucking up to.

    • BOB February 7, 2018

      Oh yeah, I forggot. You can only have 1 idol/musician you worship or looks up to. You do know that Michael Jackson called Justin to salute him on his talent right? And none of you know if there was an actual beef between JT and Prince. It’s the press!! I hardly doubt it, if the family approved it.

      • ??? February 7, 2018

        lmao stop lying, mj did no such thing lmfao.

  5. Bravo!! February 7, 2018

    The family gave permission because the money was right

    • Coco February 7, 2018

      Boom ,no lie detected.

  6. DanYiel Iman February 7, 2018

    Anything for a Prince check surely!!

  7. Mark111 February 7, 2018

    Doesn’t matter, the point still stands that he dissed him and Price didn’t want anything to do with him. We all know Prince family just want a check, if Prince wanted anything to do with JT he would have worked with him, the man only been dead for two years, not like it’s Elvis who been gone before JT was even thought of. He had decades to praise Prince, but didn’t until AFTER he died, same with Michael Jackson.

    • S****** Blonde February 7, 2018

      The lies, JT has always cited Prince and MJ among his main influences, actually FutureSex/LoveSounds was inspired by Prince, rather than MJ, like Justified was, you guys are hating just for the sake of hating.

      • BeyJayBlu February 7, 2018

        we are witnessing the downfall of the cultural appropriating white culture!

        S****** you’re next

      • S****** Blonde February 7, 2018

        I don’t appropriate black culture ??‍♂️

      • ??? February 7, 2018

        lmao but your flopping fave does, and now hes been exposed & is getting a dragging thats been a long time coming lmfaoo

      • S****** Blonde February 8, 2018

        Sorry these bootleg medication they give me at the shelter has my mind acting up. Justin’s performance was horrible and so was his album. I did not buy it because I am homeless and have no money but even if I still lived in the trailer park with a couple dollars I would spend it on something else besides my old fav Justin. I am lusting after black men now.

Recommended Posts
..**