Dec 21
Justin Timberlake hits high note with final show of 2014 at Gwinnett Arena
By: Katie Morris
Published: December 21, 2014
DULUTH— The crowd at the Arena at Gwinnett Center erupted in cheer after Justin Timberlake informed them that Saturday’s concert was a very special show.
“It’s our last show of the year. We’ve been on the road for two years, but this is our last show for 2014,” Timberlake said.
The pop singer brought his tour back to Georgia nearly a year after playing Philips Arena. The sold-out show was the last 20/20 Experience performance of 2014. The finale will be a two-show event at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Jan. 1 and 2.
JT and the Tennessee Kids, the singer’s band, back-up singers and dancers, gave last night’s crowd more than just a show — it was an experience. There was a giant textured, projection display behind and above the stage with elaborate lights and pre-recorded movies and images flashing across it. The Tennessee Kids rose up from below the stage, which is no small feat considering it’s quite a large band, with two drum sets, a brass section, multiple keyboards, guitars and four back-up singers. JT was full of passion and energy, bringing all of his boyish charm, charisma and smooth dance moves.
It’s not surprising the pop singer recently snagged the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours List. The report included revenue from the first 10 cities on the final trek of his 20/20 Tour. The sold out performances drew more than 135,000 fans, earning more than $16 million. The tour is in support of “The 20/20 Experience” a two-part album released in 2013 that marked Timberlake’s much anticipated return to music after spending time focusing on his acting career.
The packed Arena followed suit with the tour’s previous success — there wasn’t an empty seat in the house, and everyone was dancing and singing along for the entire two-plus hour show, which included a short intermission. The crowd went wild as the Tennessee native played all his hits including “My Love,” “Suit & Tie” and “Pusher Love Girl.”
The high point of the show was during the second set when the middle of the stage levitated above the crowd, with Timberlake and his singers on it, and then traveled across the Arena. The singer danced back and forth across the moving stage, giving every section of the arena his attention.
The stage stopped at the VIP section in the back where a staircase connected to the stage, allowing Timberlake to walk down and greet his fans, shaking hands and even taking a shot.
The singer paid tribute to both the Kings during the show, playing Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” and Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Timberlake finished up the night on a high note, closing out with “Sexy Back” and “Mirrors.”