Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake in 2004 HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 1: Singers Janet Jackson and surprise guest Justin Timberlake perform during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXVIII between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers at Reliant Stadium on February 1, 2004 in Houston, Texas. At the end of the performance, Timberlake tore away a piece of Jackson’s outfit. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

The NFL is reportedly coming close to locking up a deal for the halftime show at Super Bowl LII. According to a report from Us Weekly (which is probably the first time this site has ever cited Us Weekly in its nearly two years of existence), the league and Justin Timberlake are “finalizing” a deal for the halftime show in Minneapolis.

Justin Timberlake is getting back in the game. Thirteen years after his controversial Super Bowl halftime performance with Janet Jackson birthed the term “nipplegate” the 10-time Grammy winner — who’s currently working on his fifth solo album — has been asked to take the stage at the NFL championship in Minneapolis on February 4.

An insider reveals the 36-year-old “is finalizing” his deal, and though reports suggested the dad of 2-year-old son Silas (with wife Jessica Biel) might perform with onetime collaborator Jay-Z, the insider says, “as of right now, it will just be Justin — no surprise performers.”

Last week, a report surfaced stating that Jay-Z had declined an offer to perform at the halftime show, which seemingly agrees with the blurb that Timberlake wouldn’t be joined by any surprise performers (including Jay-Z) in February.

At the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in Houston, all hell broke loose when Timberlake, accidentally or not, revealed Janet Jackson’s breast during the performance. That led to the NFL eschewing modern acts for the next seven events before eventually reversing course at Super Bowl XLV, when the Black Eyed Peas performed.

As for Timberlake performing solo without any special guests, it’s not out of the norm. Last year, Lady Gaga took the reins of the show alone without any other performers, and tore the house down.

Update: It’s official.

[Us Weekly]

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.