Justin Timberlake played to a sold-out crowd at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Tuesday night, Aug.12. Timberlake proved once again that he is far from those Mickey Mouse Club and boy-band member days. He is a legend in the making.
Starting off with “Pusher Love Girl,” the crowd was already on their feet. Casting his silhouette through expansive curtains, he teased his grand entrance to the stage. Although they didn’t need any help with bringing the energy, Timberlake still encouraged his fans to be interactive by clapping and singing with him.
It was Timberlake’s last show for the North American leg of the 20/20 Experience Tour. You never would’ve guessed that he had performed the show 98 times before because of the immense energy and enthusiasm he brought.
Timberlake said he also wanted to take the time to thank his friends who were in the audience that night and let them know how much he loved them.
He sang a few of his hit ballads such as “Cry Me A River,” “What Goes Around (Comes Around),” “Not A Bad Thing” and “Mirrors” but was more adamant about focusing on his uptempo songs.
Overall, he was all about keeping the movement going with his Michael Jackson-reminiscent dance moves. In remembrance of two talented stars he admires, Timberlake sang Jackson’s “Human Nature,” telling the crowd, “Sing it for Robin.” The musician had tweeted earlier that he was still heartbroken over actor Robin Williams’ death.
Keeping with the theme of covers, Timberlake also threw in a bit of “California Love,” which he said is a tradition when he plays in the city. He sang a line of “I Love L.A.” and even brought a bit of Memphis to the City of Angels by singing Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel.”
The once boy-band member grooved across the stage to his uptempo songs such as “Sexy Back,” “Don’t Hold The Wall,” “Senorita,” “Take Back The Night” and “Suit and Tie,” one of his latest singles from part one of the “20/20 Experience.”
Timberlake understands the power of a song. He incorporated many special effects, including strobe lights, lasers and graphics on the screen. However, his charisma, falsetto and dancing are what really captivated his audience.
My favorite element of the show had to be the sliding stage. I had never seen anything like it. During the second act, part of the main stage lifted and continued to slide high above the audience, giving him a chance to get closer and a bit more personal with the crowd, as he reached the back of the arena.
The crowd may have been enormous, but the singer still managed to create a sense of intimacy and connectivity with his audience. He even noticed a girl in the front row who was celebrating her 21st birthday and had a made a sign, hoping to get his attention. He asked if she had been drinking, but she said, “No, I wanted to be sober for this.” He told her that she was doing it wrong.
“No, no, no. The more you drink, the better I sound,” said Timberlake, jokingly. He also told someone to get her a drink, which was produced immediately.
She had initially refused, but eventually caved from the celeb-pressure and began drinking. The novice splashed her face in the process. Timberlake coaxed the arena into singing “Happy Birthday” to her, so I’d say her wish was still granted.
I hadn’t seen Justin live since he launched his solo career, but he was well worth the wait. He lives up to the hype and made everyone feel as though they are part of something bigger. The show really is an experience and fans will not be disappointed. If you want to enjoy the show to its fullest potential, be prepared to dance the night away for two-and-a-half hours, because sitting down is not an option.
