Janet Jackson Shuts Down Super Bowl Performance Rumors

The idea of Justin Timberlake inviting Janet Jackson back on stage has been floating around in the days leading up to his Super Bowl performance. That's not actually happening, according to Jackson herself.

Less than 24 hours ahead of the big show, the "Rhythm Nation" singer took to Instagram to confirm that she will not take the stage. “To put to rest any speculation or rumors as to whether I will be performing at the Super Bowl tomorrow; I will not. Thank you for your support and I do look forward to seeing you all very soon.”

Last Thursday, Justin did some vague clarifying of his own at a Super Bowl press conference where he was asked whether or not he would be reuniting with Janet and his former band *NSYNC. "To be honest, I had a ton of grand ideas about special guests," he said, according to Billboard. "We talked about it a lot. There’s a whole list—I think Vegas has a lot of odds on it, I heard. From *NSYNC to Jay [Z] to Chris Stapleton to Janet, but this year I’m just excited—my band, the Tennessee Kids, I feel like they’re my special guests and I’m excited this year to rock the stage. It’s gonna be a lot of fun."

As everyone remembers, Jackson and Timberlake's last Super Bowl performance 14 years ago ended in controversy. At the show's end, Timberlake removed an article of clothing from Janet's body and exposed her breast. The infamous wardrobe malfunction (popularly referred to as "Nipplegate") has lingered around in pop culture history. Timberlake later apologized at the Grammys that year, saying, “What occurred was unintentional, completely regrettable and I apologize if you guys are offended.”