Justin Timberlake’s mission was clear:
Make this final one rely.
“Tonight is a monumental night for me,” Timberlake instructed the tens of 1000’s of followers assembled earlier than him on Saturday (Might 24). “It’s my last show in America.”
It sounded ominous popping out of his mouth, just like the pop star was speaking about his remaining U.S. present ever. However, in fact, Timberlake was definitely referencing the final U.S. gig on his huge Neglect Tomorrow World Tour — which occurred to even be the headlining occasion on Day 2 at BottleRock Napa Valley.
And, sure, certainly, he definitely made this finale rely, delighting each die-hard followers and informal listeners with a 90-minute set that was stuffed with JT classics.
Justin Timberlake performs on the JaM Cellars Stage through the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Pageant on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Instances-Herald)
It was a large triumph — one which felt fairly needed for this song-and-dance man in 2025. It’s been a troubled yr for the once-untouchable star, who’s seen his marquee worth take a success following a DUI arrest and vastly disappointing industrial reception to his newest studio album, “Everything I Thought It Was.”
But, all of that appeared far within the rearview mirror as Timberlake and his dynamic Tennessee Children band took the stage and hit the BottleRock crowd with an ideal double shot of “Mirrors” and “Cry Me a River.”
Fairly than the bloated and uneven affair we noticed from Timberlake on the SAP Heart in San Jose again in 2024, this BottleRock set was streamlined and vastly extra fan-friendly. The largest distinction was the setlist, with Timberlake going the best hits route this time round versus force-feeding followers a gradual weight-reduction plan of maddeningly mediocre materials from “Everything I Thought It Was” in San Jose.
Justin Timberlake performs on the JaM Cellars Stage through the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Pageant on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Instances-Herald)
The Memphis native was in wonderful voice — letting these famed falsetto pipes of his fly — and backed by some fantastic concord work from his band as he continued via “What Goes Around … Comes Around,” “Suit and Tie” and different favorites. His dance strikes had been additionally spot on, each grooving to his personal beats below the solo highlight and through the choreographed dance numbers together with his Tennessee Children.
He was additionally his typical charming self with the group, stopping to signal a home made Justin Timberlake jacket for one fan — whereas additionally apologizing to the remainder of the viewers for the break within the motion.
“Sorry – I will be with you in 1 minute,” Timberlake mentioned to everybody who wasn’t getting their jackets signed in the course of a live performance.
But, there are some issues he simply gained’t do — even for his followers — some extent that was illustrated when somebody threw a cowboy hat onto the stage. Timberlake made it clear he wasn’t about to place that factor on his picture-perfect hair.
“I know I am from Tennessee,” joked Timberlake, who was carrying a T-shirt that includes an image of his spouse, actress Jessica Biel. “But chill.”
Justin Timberlake sings ‘Cry Me A River’ on the JaM Cellars Stage through the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Pageant on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Instances-Herald)
The live performance hit its climax with the pairing of “Rock Your Body” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” — arguably Timberlake’s two finest up-tempo tracks — which absolutely would’ve made an ideal finale to the set.
But, JT nonetheless had extra within the tank and continued via “TKO” and “Sexyback” on his strategy to crossing the end line.
He had certainly made this one rely. And, at night time’s finish, he was already beginning to assume forward to the subsequent one.
“I’m not sure when I will see you again,” he mentioned. “But I know it will be beautiful when I do.”
Justin Timberlake performs on the JaM Cellars Stage through the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Pageant on Saturday. (Chris Riley/Instances-Herald)
The 2025 BottleRock Napa Valley competition was set to conclude on Sunday with performances from headliner Noah Kahan, Cage the Elephant, Robby Krieger of The Doorways, Flo Rida, Goose, The Battle and Treaty and others.
Initially Printed: Might 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM PDT
