Crítica «FutureSex/LoveShow»: Columbus

Timberlake brings ‘Sexy Back’ to Columbus

Only a few short weeks had passed since Justin Timberlake performed in Ohio. Since his Cleveland performance, he has performed at this year’s Grammys, added two of the prestigious awards to his resume, released a ten minute epic video for his third single, «What Goes Around,» and his most famous ex made national headlines by channeling «G.I. Jane.»

None of these recent events seemed to faze Timberlake as he hit the Schottenstein Center’s stage Monday night for the latest show of his «FutureSex/LoveShow» tour.

Timberlake’s show can best be described as a night club scene on acid and the production values of the show were superb.

The massive stage stretched into the lower bowl on two sides and gave fans an up-close look at the megastar, including one female who managed to run her hand up his calf. The stage filled the arena’s space, instantly upgrading what would’ve normally been considered not-so-great seats into a superstar experience.

Timberlake threw out the pyrotechnics seen in almost every pop show and traded them in for a savvy use of lighting and three sheer screens that projected images of himself thrown through different psychedelic backgrounds.

Timberlake, equipped with more sex appeal (he is bringing it back, right?), thrust and sang his way through the entire disc and selected hits. The former ‘NSYNC-er traded the bubblegum pop moves of his past for more suave and more sexually suggestive choreography, including a dancer’s lapdance during «Damn Girl» that sent the men wild.

A highlight of the show was the reimagined, rock-tinged version of one of his biggest hits, «Cry Me A River,» which drove the crowd (mainly comprised of women) insane, from his solo debut, «Justified.»

The nearly two-hour set went well into what would’ve been the curfew of his fan base five years ago. After slowing down the set with a medley, which painfully weighed down his dance-heavy show, Timberlake immediately picked things back up.

Timberlake’s superb smash, the club-friendly «SexyBack» was barely audible over the screams of the girls and guys.

Although ticket prices were steep (the highest being $500), a majority of the fans skipped the nosebleed section and treated themselves to the standing room only floor and lower bowl seating.

Timberlake and special guest Pink pulled off the big – budget show that only artists of their caliber could.