Justin Timberlake performs 'Rock Your Body' and 'Can't Stop the Feeling' at Eurovision 2016

Timberlake sung both 2003 hit 'Rock Your Body' and his new single 'Can't Stop the Feeling' from the upcoming film Trolls

Jess Denham
Saturday 14 May 2016 22:11 BST
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Timberlake's performance has proved divisive with some critics arguing that only European artists should make use of the platform
Timberlake's performance has proved divisive with some critics arguing that only European artists should make use of the platform

Justin Timberlake has brought sexy back to the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, performing during the interval between the performances and results.

The US chart-topper sung his 2003 hit "Rock Your Body", followed by new single "Can't Stop the Feeling", that he wrote for upcoming musical comedy Trolls.

"To all of you, I know what it's like to perform a song for the first time in front of millions of people, so I know you must have been nervous tonight," he said when introduced by hosts Mans Zelmerlow and Petra Mede. "You all represented your countries so very well and you must be so very proud. Cheers to you. I'm now nervous myself!"


"Can't Stop the Feeling" was co-written and produced by Swedish songwriters Max Martin and Shellback, so helped the host nation showcase their contribution to global pop music.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision’s executive producer, praised Timberlake as “an inspiration to all of us” but some critics have commended on how his booking is an example of the increasing “internationalisation” of the event, further emphasised by Australia's inclusion in the competition for a second year running.


Some fans have complained that “Eurovision is turning into X Factor” while various commentators have argued that the interval performance should be about Europe and the host country, not chart-topping global stars. Others voiced their concern that non-European singers would begin shamelessly using the high-profile platform to promote their new albums.

Eurovision is the "Super Bowl of Europe" after all, as commentator Graham Norton was quick to note.

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