The Hersheypark Stadium was buzzing with excitement on July 4, 2024, as fans eagerly awaited Justin Timberlake’s performance. The anticipation was palpable, and the stadium was nearly filled to capacity. As I prepared to cover the event, I found myself curious about the demographic of the audience. Would Timberlake’s appeal still resonate with the younger generation in a music landscape dominated by artists like Harry Styles and Bruno Mars? Or was he now more of a nostalgic act for millennials?
The answer, it turned out, was a resounding “yes” to both. The crowd was a diverse mix of ages, from Gen Z to even Gen Alpha, with one young fan proudly holding a sign that read, “In My 1st Concert Era.” When Timberlake took the stage with “No Angels,” the audience erupted in cheers, proving his cross-generational appeal.
Timberlake’s performance was everything his long-time fans could have hoped for. He delivered a high-energy, fast-paced show that spanned his two-decade career. His signature moves, including the Michael Jackson-style crotch grab during “Like I Love You,” were met with enthusiastic applause. He even made a heart shape with his hands in both the traditional and Gen Z styles, showing his awareness of his diverse audience.
Despite the humid July night, Timberlake’s energy never waned. “It’s hot,” he remarked, wiping sweat from his brow. “Whoo, it’s hot! But y’all look good tonight! Ready to celebrate this weekend?” His ability to maintain such a high level of performance while staying personable and charming is a testament to why he remains a star.
A pleasant surprise was the significant role played by his backing band, the Tennessee Kids. Their live brass band added a unique, relaxed, and friendly feel to the show, a contrast to the more provocative themes of some of Timberlake’s hits like “SexyBack.” The presence of the band and backup dancers made the performance feel more like a communal celebration than a typical pop concert.
Timberlake’s setlist was a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly transitioning from dance-pop to funk, gospel, and disco-infused tracks. He was just as comfortable strutting and dancing during “Summer Love” as he was picking up a guitar for a mellow rendition of “Selfish.” Regardless of the genre, songs like “Suit & Tie” and “Can’t Fight the Feeling!” had the entire stadium dancing.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Timberlake paused to thank veterans in the audience, adding a heartfelt touch to the Independence Day celebration. He closed the show with “Mirrors,” accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display, making for a perfect end to the night.
“Thank you, Hershey!” Timberlake shouted as he left the stage. “Love you so much!” His genuine appreciation for his fans was evident, and it was clear that the feeling was mutual.
So, did Justin Timberlake bring sexy back to Hershey? The answer depends on who you ask. For the millennials who grew up with his music, it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For the younger fans, it was a chance to experience a pop icon in his element. Either way, Timberlake proved that he still has what it takes to captivate an audience of all ages.
Source: Sean Adams, PennLive.com
