After a weekend of rumors and speculation, it turns out Justin Timberlake did incorporate Prince into his Super Bowl halftime performance in the star's hometown of Minneapolis.
No hologram, but #JustinTimberlake still found a way to honor Prince. #SuperBowl
Instead of a hologram of Prince, as was rumored, Timberlake showed a projection of the late artist while he covered his hit "I Would Die 4 U."
A little homage to Prince.
The camera then zoomed out, showing the entire city paying tribute to its beloved hometown superstar.
Here's one more look, in video, at #Minneapolis paying #Prince tribute as Justin TImberlake gave outstanding halfti… https://t.co/3xxstz54lW
Some people and fellow artists were into it.
That @prince tribute was amazing!!
They called the Prince tribute "amazing."
Great halftime show! He sung live, he entertained, gave an amazing tribute to Prince, AND took a selfie with a kid!… https://t.co/6jD6NnhTsE
Prince's family, who had been vocal about opposing the use of a hologram of the artist during Timberlake's show, also seemed to approve of the cover and projection. In response to a person calling the performance a "beautiful tribute," the family tweeted "👍🏼."
👍🏽@jtimberlake https://t.co/ldBaIZxPhP
But a LOT of fans were NOT into it at all. They pointed out Prince had said he didn't want to perform after death via technology like a hologram.
Here’s the 1998 interview in which Prince said the prospect of digital duets with dead artists was “the most demoni… https://t.co/WAate1SZxK
Some also pointed out that Timberlake and Prince didn't get along, and asked why Timberlake would do such a thing after Prince's death.
Yo... Prince didn't like JT... JT didn't like Prince... It's well documented... why would you put his sprit through that.
They were not pleased.
That was bad. "What's the best way to honour Prince?" "Play his songs while I dance"
And called it "disgusting."
To honor #Prince would be to respect his wishes, not to capitalize off of him for your own name. #JustinTimberlake is disgusting.
They also made fun of it.
When I saw prince on that bed sheet
And wondered what Prince would think of it.
prince from the afterlife:
Others made jokes.
The only way this could turn out ok if if Prince’s mummified hand shoots down from space and chokes out JT on the 35 yard line
Not bad.
I would’ve brought out Chris Kirkpatrick dressed as Prince, personally
Yes.
At the Puppy Bowl they sang with a hologram of Air Bud :(
Anyway, here's Prince's iconic Super Bowl performance from 2007.
