Justin Timberlake has been on the receiving end of years of bad press and backlash, but his latest sold-out tour has seen the singer move past the negativity and ‘revive’ his care

Justin Timberlake seems to be overcoming his recent years of negative press and backlash, as his latest sold-out tour has been impressing fans.

The former NSYNC bandmate experienced a dramatic downfall after the release of ex-girlfriend Britney Spears’ memoir, which detailed her relationship with Timberlake. In the best-selling book, Spears alleged that Timberlake had pressured her into getting an abortion, cheated on her, and used their breakup to kickstart his solo career

However, with his new Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which has seen him perform across the US at sold-out venues in an 86-date tour, the star appears to be winning back both fans and critics. The tour is doing so well that there are rumors he could extend it into Australia in 2025

Justin Timberlake performs on stage during his sold-out tour ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Live Nation)

Justin Timberlake has faced a backlash in recent years after Britney Spears revealed intimate details about their previous relationship ( 
Image:

Getty Images)
The Hollywood Reporter praised the tour, calling it a “revival of the reigning prince of pop”. They wrote: “At his triumphant tour stop in Los Angeles, the singer thrilled fans with a setlist of greatest hits and new material that proves the Grammy-winning entertainer is here to stay.”, reports the Mirror.

These glowing reviews are a welcome change for Timberlake, whose recent music hadn’t performed as well as his earlier solo work. His latest album, Everything I Thought It Was, was his first record since his 2002 debut Justified to miss the top spot on the Billboard 200, and also his first not to yield a top ten single.

Justin Timberlake has been receiving a wave of positive reviews, which is a significant change from the backlash he’s faced in recent years. This includes criticism over his past relationship with Britney Spears and his infamous role in Janet Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl halftime show wardrobe malfunction.

During the performance, Timberlake accidentally revealed Jackson’s breast, sparking a media frenzy and an intense Federal Communication Commission investigation.

After initially dodging blame for the incidents that negatively affected both women, Timberlake took to social media in 2021 to issue a heartfelt apology. On his Instagram, he addressed his fans: “I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond. I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.”

He went on to say: “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”

Wrapping up his statement, he added: “I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from.”