Before the Super Bowl began this past Sunday, there were early reports that Justin Timberlake was “100 percent ready to use the hologram” for his Prince tribute during his Super Bowl halftime show performance. Turns out, however, he backed out at the very last minute.
It was those same early reports that caused social media backlash for Timberlake from both users and Prince fans. Prince’s longtime pal Sheila had also reaffirmed there would be no hologram in the tweet below.
Family, I spoke w/Justin 2nite and he shared heartfelt words of respect for Prince & the Purple fans. I look 4wrd 2 seeing what I’m sure is going 2 be a spectacular halftime show. There is no hologram. 🙏🏽💋 pic.twitter.com/mhVXBfBa1B
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) February 4, 2018
Sheila had also hinted on an interview on Entertainment Tonight that she had nixed the idea personally. She had stated, “I just said no. I just felt that it was too soon” & “The hologram was weird, and Prince did tell me to make sure nobody ever does a hologram of him. He thought it was very demonic and that’s his spiritual beliefs.”
A source close to Timberlake however had also stated “There’s no way Justin would ever disrespect Prince’s legacy. He didn’t change his performance.” Timberlake ultimately decided to go with the performance seen on Sunday, which consisted of a duet with Prince projected on a massive curtain.
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.”
