After fevered speculation on whether or how Timberlake would salute the icon as the Super Bowl came to Minneapolis, the pop star obliged midway through his performance.

“Minneapolis, this is for you,” Timberlake told the crowd as he sat down to a piano, the field bathed in purple light.

As Timberlake slowed down the tempo for a soulful cover of “I Would Die 4 U,” footage of “Purple Rain”-era Prince shot up toward the roof of the new US Bank Stadium in a smoky haze, closing with a silhouette of The Purple One with his guitar.

But Prince, who died in April 2016 of an accidental overdose, did not “perform” in a hologram — as some fans had feared — and the segment, while memorable, amounted to a fleeting moment of the up-tempo show.

There was also no naked “wardrobe malfunction” of the type that marred Timberlake’s last appearance 14 years ago, when he joined Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl — by far the most watched US television event of the year.

While many Super Bowl performers go heavy on pyrotechnics, Timberlake instead showed off his dancing skills, opening the show in a nightclub-like maze of lasers as he sang his recent single “Filthy.”

Timberlake then strutted into the stadium with his mic in hand, leading a squad of dancers — and matching them step for step — as he sang a medley of his best-known songs including “SexyBack.”

He rose to center stage and sang “Suit and Tie” with back-up from the appropriately attired University of Minnesota marching band, who moved to the music with their instruments doubling as props.

– How to honor Prince? –

Timberlake has described Prince as a “huge influence” on him, but his Super Bowl tribute had generated controversy even before it happened.

The celebrity gossip site TMZ earlier said that Timberlake was considering a Prince hologram, horrifying many fans.

Sheila E., one of Prince’s closest collaborators, said late Saturday that she had spoken to Timberlake who voiced “heartfelt words of respect” for The Purple One — and assured no hologram.

Prince had a famously complicated relationship with technology, with the artist among the first stars to embrace the possibilities of online music but eventually becoming disgruntled over the internet’s cultural effects.

In a 1998 interview with Guitar World, Prince said he would never want to “perform” with a dead artist such as Duke Ellington through digital effects, calling such lack of artistic control for a late musician “the most demonic thing imaginable.”

In Timberlake’s last Super Bowl appearance in 2004, he entered as the surprise guest of headliner Jackson and swiped his hand across her chest — exposing one of her breasts.

A scandalized TV-watching nation saw Jackson’s nipple — well, covered with a metal nipple shield — and broadcaster CBS was fined $550,000 for indecency.

Jackson took to social media ahead of the latest Super Bowl to make clear she was not coming back for a do-over.

A representative for his management company, 21st Century Artists, confirmed his death without providing details.

Baritone Otis Williams — The Temptations’ sole surviving original member, who had at times clashed with Edwards — said he was “very sad” at the passing of “our brother.”

“We acknowledge his extraordinary contribution to The Temptations legacy, which lives on in the music. Temptations Forever,” Williams wrote on Facebook.

By the time Edwards joined in 1968, The Temptations were already major stars with hits such as “My Girl,” and were known for layered vocal harmonies as well as their finely choreographed stage moves in their dapper suits.

But original frontman David Ruffin was increasingly annoying his bandmates and management with his lavish lifestyle, including insisting on limousines and developing an addiction to cocaine — which would later contribute to his death in 1991.

Edwards, who had gained notice as the singer of another Motown group, The Contours, recalled that Ruffin, a friend, knocked on his door at 4:00 am and asked him to replace him.

“I was like, ‘Wow, replace you?’ It was quite the conversation we had. I thought he was joking. He was a little tipsy,” Edwards recalled in a 2013 interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

‘Timing and practice’

Edwards said he initially did not believe he could keep up with The Temptations’ fast footwork.

“But once I got into the group, I learned it was timing and practice, and choreography to make it look like it was really difficult,” he said.

Edwards, whose voice possessed a similar wide range but was gruff compared with Ruffin’s silkier texture, initially was quite literally in the shadow of his predecessor.

Ruffin would show up unannounced at Temptations concerts and jump on stage to join, leading the band to alert security to keep him away.

Along with “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” Edwards led The Temptations on hits such as “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)” and “I Can’t Get Next to You.”

Starting with “Cloud Nine,” Edwards’ first single with The Temptations, the Motown band began to experiment, bringing in some of the psychedelic soul and funk of rising bands such as Sly and the Family Stone.

Frictions again rose as producers pushed Edwards’ voice to the forefront of the group.

He left in 1977 but returned three years later. He also pursued a solo career but without reaching the same stardom as with The Temptations.

The British 1990s pop phenomenon — Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Horner — reunited at Horner’s house north of London, along with their former manager Simon Fuller.

The best-selling female group ever released photographs of the gathering.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful afternoon catching up and reminiscing about the amazing times we have spent together,” they said in a statement via their publicist.

“We are always overwhelmed at how much interest there is across the whole world for The Spice Girls.

“The time now feels right to explore some incredible new opportunities together.

“We all agree that there are many exciting possibilities that will once again embrace the original essence of The Spice Girls, while reinforcing our message of feminine empowerment for future generations.”

On their social media accounts, Bunton promised the “future is looking spicy”, while Horner said Girl Power was “alive and well”.

The girl group have sold 85 million albums worldwide.

Only two of their 11 singles failed to reach number one on the British charts, while their first three singles all hit the US top five.

The Sun newspaper reported that they were considering television projects in China, a new TV talent show, endorsement deals and a compilation album celebrating their greatest hits.

The five-piece, which formed in 1994, split in 2000 but reunited for a world tour in 2007-2008.

They got together again to perform at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony and were last all in the same room later that year for the launch of the Spice Girls musical “Viva Forever!”.

An expected comeback in 2016 with Brown, Bunton and Horner failed to materialise.

The TNT Music Festival at Bitec Bangna on February 17 will have performers from R&B, hip-hop, trap and EDM, including American rapper Lil Jon doing a DJ set. South Korean DJ Soda will be there, as will Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, Clinton Sparks, Willy Monfret, and Thailand’s Thaitanium and Bank Clash. Passes cost Bt2,200 at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and (02) 262 3456.

DJ Illenium at Onyx

American future-bass and trap DJ-producer Illenium will make his Thailand debut in the Odyssey Room at Onyx RCA on February 10. His debut album “Ashes” was No 1 spot on the iTunes electronic-album chart and he’s performed at Lollapalooza and Mysteryland. Illenium is best known for his remix of the Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down”, which gained 300 million views on YouTube. Book a table at (081) 645 1166.

Rockers Incubus roll an ‘8’

American rock band Incubus return to Bangkok for a concert in Central Lat Phrao’s BCC Hall on February 15. Their recently released eighth studio album, titled simply “8”, finds Incubus again pushing musical boundaries with the aid of multiple award-winning producer Skrillex. Seats cost Bt1,500 and Bt2,200 at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and |(02) 262 3456.

Let’s see the kids off

Youth orchestra Siam Sinfonietta will perform Dvorak’s beloved New World Symphony No 3 at the Thailand Cultural Centre on February 18. It’s a “bon voyage” show before they head to New York City for the Sounds of Spring International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall. The concert will also feature the Mozart Clarinet Concerto performed by Supak Wittayanukulluk. Seats cost Bt500 to Bt2,000 at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and (02) 262 3456.

Thai-Italian harmonies

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra will present new work by Italian composer Arnaldo de Felice celebrating the 150th anniversary of Italian-Thai diplomatic relations at Mahidol University’s Prince Mahidol Hall on February 9 and 10. With Alfonso Scarano conducting, the concert is part of the Italian Festival in Thailand, which includes more than 60 cultural events throughout the year. Admission to all events is free, but advance registration is required at http://www.Eventbrite.com. Learn more at http://www.Facebook.com/ ItalianFestivalThailand/

K-POP boy band Super Junior have turned an estimated 10,000 Thais into ELFs (Ever Lasting Friends) since their debut in this country at the 2006 Pattaya Music Festival, and they added another arena-full last Sunday.

Inevitably, “Super Show 7” packed Impact Arena, with tickets sold out within five minutes of going on sale. I had to wonder why they didn’t add a second show, as they’d done in the past, and, sure enough, there were a lot of disappointed ELFs griping on the social media.

“What a pity!” one of the boys, Leeteuk, exclaimed during a pre-show interview.

“We’re very grateful to know that so many Thai fans still love us. We always talk about how Thailand was the first country where we performed outside Korea. We love Thailand, especially Donghae, Siwon and Eunhyuk, who were very excited about coming back after they’d finished their mandatory military service.”

Super Junior marked their recent 12th anniversary with the eighth album “Play” and a TV reality show, “SJ Returns – Super Junior Real Comeback Story”, which covered both their past and a world tour.

The tour’s name, “Super Show 7”, refers to the fact there are only seven members at the moment – Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae and Siwon. Ryeowook and Kyuhyun are in the army for a year or two.

Shindong and Eunhyuk pulled double duty as co-producers of the Bangkok concert.

“We decided the stage looked too spacious,” said Eunhyuk. Shindong promised the show, then moments away, would be “full of our stories – and the Thai fans are our main characters, our actresses”.

Siwon said the return to Thailand was “like coming back to someone I love. It’s a feeling of excitement I can’t explain in words.”

Heechul said he’d been fretting about pain in his left leg slowing him down during the Thailand show, but he felt fine.

“We’re like princes and all the Thai fans are our princesses,” Leeteuk said.

Tens of thousands of teenage girls and young women can make a hell of a noise when they’re screaming in unison, but Impact Arena somehow withstood the impact as Super Junior hit the stage in black suits and drove into “Black Suit” and “Scene Stealer”.

Those two came from the new album, and the next two, “Mamacita” and “Shirt”, from the 2014 release “Mamacita”.

The lads took turns saying hello in Thai while they admired the signs held up by audience members in response, carrying messages like “Miss you!” and “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you”.

The concert kicked off on one stage at one end of the arena and a pair of catwalks connected it to a second stage in the centre. That’s where the boys headed next, splitting into two groups as they sang the ballads “Girlfriend”, “This is Love”, “Too Late” and “It’s You”, on the last of which Heechul demonstrated his drumming skills.

Then, just as Shindong had said before the show, the story of Super Junior began to unfold. It turned out to be a romance-and-action “mini-series” starring the seven young men, usually relaxing or waxing philosophical between concerts. It began with “The Story of Chandelier”, moved on to an emotional “One More Chance” featuring Donghae on piano, then “Memories” and “Stars Appear”, another tear-jerker.

Laughter replaced weeping when the band transformed into Power Rangers for a set of rousing tracks including “Super Ranger”, “Rokuko”, “Runaway”, “Too Many Beautiful Girls” and “Magic”.

Super Junior never let the momentum come to rest. Siwon played DJ before joining his band mates for a medley of danceable hits such as “On and On” and “Super Duper”, followed by “Sorry Sorry”, “Mr Simple” and “Bonamana”. As if the crowd wasn’t frenzied enough, actual fireworks started going off.

The spotlight illuminated Leeteuk alone as he read a heartfelt statement to the Thai ELFs before the group sang “Marry U”, “I Do”, “The Lucky Ones” and “Shining Star”. “We’re like mobile phones and the fans are our chargers,” Leeteuk said.

Super Junior next performed “Devil” – which reminded me of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” – and “Spin Up”, before finishing up with “Miracle” from their eponymous debut 2005 album “Twins” as the encore. Up went the signs – “SJ + ELF = Miracle”.

Leeteuk was asked by a fan at one point how Super Junior has thrived for so long.

“It’s because of you, ELFs, with your unchangeable love,” he replied. “It’s been 12 years we’ve had good memories together. Most importantly, we all still keep looking handsome all the time!”

This year, Kolour In The Park promises to be the most impressive event to date, dedicated to delivering a full immersive experience combining music, art, sport, interactive daytime activities and top class night-time party vibes.

The artist line-up showcases a broader variety of music including more alternative live performance acts, while retaining a strong lead in House and Techno. Mat.Joe, German duo Matze and Johannes, Nakadia, the Berlin-based Thai techno icon, Pomo, Canadian multi-instrumentalist and producer, and Youngr, a solo outlet for Dario Darnell, a songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist, are among the stars.

Participants will get to enjoy Kolour lifestyle activities which include lake swimming, games, arts & crafts and free massages. The open layout at Thai Wake Park will be turned into a festival ground with two stages: a new 180-degree formation with multiple platforms where fans can experience the main acts from different heights and interact, and a second lake side stage.

Tickets are Bt2,300 for two days and Bt1,800 for a single day available at http://www.KolourInThePark.com/#Tickets.

The Recording Academy, which is comprised of 13,000 music professionals who vote on the industry’s most prestigious awards, said it was setting up an independent task force to examine the role of gender in the awards.

The task force will “review every aspect of what we do as an organization and identify where we can do more to overcome the explicit barriers and unconscious biases that impede female advancement in the music community,” the Academy’s president and CEO, Neil Portnow, said in a statement.

“We will also place ourselves under a microscope and tackle whatever truths are revealed,” he said.

Portnow, a music producer and label executive who has headed the Recording Academy since 2002, caused a furor on Sunday in a customary press appearance after the awards.

Portnow said that the music industry needed to show a “welcome mat” to women and increase mentorship to new professionals — but he raised eyebrows as he explained how female artists could win more awards.

“I think it has to begin with women who have the creativity in their hearts and their souls who want to be musicians… to step up, because I think they would be welcome,” Portnow said.

Pop singers Katy Perry and P!nk were among the prominent women who took Portnow to task for his remarks.

“Women in music don’t need to ‘step up’ — women have been stepping since the beginning of time,” P!nk, who performed at the Grammys, said in a handwritten note she posted on Twitter.

Portnow, revisiting his remarks in his latest statement, said “I understand the hurt” caused by “my poor choice of words.”

“I also now realize that it’s about more than just my words. Because those words, while not reflective of my beliefs, echo the real experience of too many women,” he said.

Only one woman, Lorde, was nominated for the most prestigious Grammy of Album of the Year at the latest awards and none were in the running for Record of the Year, which recognizes best song.

Funk revivalist Bruno Mars won in both categories.

The spat comes amid rising scrutiny over the treatment of women in the entertainment and other industries in the wake of allegations of systematic sexual abuse by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

The chart-topping singer arrived in the capital Dakar where she on Friday will join the Global Partnership for Education talks co-hosted by Senegalese President Macky Sall and French leader Emmanuel Macron.

Rihanna, the fourth most followed person on Twitter with 86 million followers, took to social media to urge Macron, British Prime Minister Theresa May and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to ensure specific funding levels.

In her tweet to Macron, Rihanna — who met with him in Paris in July — thanked the French leader for leading the conference but pressed him to commit firmly to 250 million euros ($313 million) for the effort.

Some 264 million school-age children and youths are living without any education owing to poverty, conflict and social barriers including bias against girls, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund.

The Dakar conference, which brings together governments and the private sector, aims to raise $3.1 billion over the coming three years to support education for 870 million children.

The conference in turn asks partner countries to devote 20 percent of public expenditure to education — a level that can be particularly difficult for countries battling jihadists or civil conflicts.

Rihanna, who serves as an ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education, will meet in Dakar with government officials as well as educators and students, representatives said.

The Barbados-born singer — whose hits include “Diamonds” and “Only Girl (In the World”) — has set up the non-profit Clara Lionel Foundation, which includes a scholarship fund for students to learn at US universities.

British DJ, producer and presenter Henry Hacking comes to Insanity Nightclub on Sukhumvit Soi 11 tonight for a show that will see him spinning from 10 until late. Best known as one-half of the DJ duo The Beat Thiefs with music released on Ministry of Sound, Defected Records and EDX’s record label Sirup Music, he divides his time between the Camelia Lounge in Hanoi and the Sky Garden in Bali. Tickets cost Bt400 for men and Bt300 for women with one drink. For more information and table reservations, call (082) 731 8885.

Sonic in a trance

Sonic Dreams – the event series created by Belgium-based psytrance label Dacru – is taking over Whiteline on Silom Soi 8 tomorrow night from 8 to 3am. One room will play host to “Chill-Out” with melodic and deep-house music featuring Sam Linden, Richie and Some Like It Deep, while the other will present “Main” with full blasting psytrance featuring 1200 Micrograms by DJ Chicago, joined by Japan’s Taku and Thai DJs Nanin, Goa Gummy and Puffer P & Jack The Jackal. Entry is Bt500 and the first 100 to come get a free Dacru Records CD.

Book now at (087) 061 1117.

Double Dutch on the Level

Dutch DJ and production duo Lucas & Steve returns to Levels Club & Lounge on Sukhumvit Soi 11 next Thursday for a night of bass & deep house, Top 40, Future House and EDM. They’ll be joined by 15 DJs and live musicians on two floors. The fun starts at 8 and continues until late.

Get your table by calling (082) 308 3246 from 2 to 9pm or (095) 248 3897 after 9.

French grooves

French Open Format DJ and producer R-Wan performs at Insanity on Sukhumvit Soi 11 on February 9 from 10pm until late. R-Wan is well known for his ability to seamlessly mix urban music with EDM. His collaborations include “Turn Up” with Snoop Dogg.

Find out more at (087) 804 9542 or (082) 731 8885.

Phatfunk takes a bow

Phatfunk – Bangkok’s premier drum & bass club night – is back at the brand-new underground music venue De Commune at Liberty Plaza Thonglor on February 10. The line-up features DJ Will, DJ Azek, and DJ DeLorean plus drum & bass pioneer and owner of the Flexout Audio record label, Retraflex. Entry is Bt150 and the spins start at 10.

Call (061) 717 4365.

The industry seized on its annual gala to rally on behalf of the growing women’s movement against sexual harassment, with pop singer Kesha delivering a fierce performance about her own abuse story.

But for the awards, the feel-good Mars carried the night.

He won the top prize, Album of the Year, for “24K Magic” as well as Record of the Year, which recognizes top tune, for the title track — a tale of good times with beautiful women set to 1980s-style synths and rhythms.

The Recording Academy, the body of 13,000 music professionals, also gave him Song of the Year, which awards songwriting, for another track on the album — “That’s What I Like,” an old-school ode to making love in high style.

The 32-year-old singer, sporting a bright smile and sunglasses, recalled how he first performed as a child for tourists in his native Hawaii.

“I remember seeing it firsthand — people dancing that had never met each other from two sides of the globe, dancing with each other, toasting with each other, celebrating together,” he said.

“All I wanted to do with this album was that,” he told thousands of industry players at Madison Square Garden in New York, where the Grammys temporarily shifted after 15 years in Los Angeles.

Anti-climax for rap

Mars won all of the awards for which he was in the running on what was expected to be a major night for hip-hop, which for the first time dominated nominations for the major categories.

But the industry either preferred Mars, or the vote for rappers split.

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who had led with eight nominations, ended the night empty-handed.

Kendrick Lamar for the second time swept all rap categories but failed to win the general prizes.

His five awards included Best Rap Album for “DAMN.,” a turn to a classic hip-hop sound.

Lamar opened the televised gala with a frenetic show, spitting out his verses as he was joined by U2 frontman Bono amid a sea of kung fu dancers who later fell to the ground as if struck by bullets.

No longer ‘pretend-winning’ in shower

Alessia Cara, who rose from making YouTube videos in her bedroom to becoming a socially conscious pop singer, won the closely watched award of Best New Artist.

“I’ve been pretend-winning Grammys since I was a kid in my shower,” the 21-year-old from suburban Toronto told the gala.

“I just wanted to encourage everyone to support real music and real artists because everyone deserves the same shot,” Cara added.

Cara has quickly found her voice as a singer with singles such as “Here,” which describes the dread of forced emotions at a party, and “Scars to Your Beautiful,” a call for healthy body image.

Rallying for women

Amid rising attention to gender discrimination in the entertainment industry following revelations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, top stars — notably Lady Gaga — walked the red carpet wearing white roses in solidarity with abuse victims and in an appeal for equality.

Kesha — whose pleas to break a deal with her producer, whom she accused of rape, initially fell on deaf ears in the industry — brought some audience members to tears with her deeply personal song “Praying.”

Her face intense and her voice ferocious, Kesha sang the autobiographical lyrics: “After everything you’ve done / I can thank you for how strong I have become.”

A clutch of female vocalists including Cyndi Lauper offered her both symbolic and literal support, with Kesha embracing the group in a bear-hug as she finished.

Singer Janelle Monae, introducing Kesha, said that the music industry needed to address its own abuse problems.

“To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time’s Up!” Monae said, using a slogan for the movement launched on New Year’s Day by hundreds of prominent women in the entertainment industry.

Rapper Logic added his own voice later on stage, telling women: “Stand tall and crush all predators under the weight of your heart that is full of the love they will never take away from you.”

The Grammys also featured a tribute to music fans killed in attacks in Las Vegas and Manchester last year with country stars Eric Church, Maren Morris and Brothers Osbourne together performing Eric Clapton’s mournful “Tears in Heaven.”

Trump skewered

The Grammys didn’t hold back from more light-hearted political commentary.

Noting President Donald Trump’s reported disdain for reading — and the Grammy award for spoken word — host James Corden introduced a video of famous names reciting from “Fire and Fury: Inside The Trump White House,” the sensational account of the tycoon-turned-president’s first year in office.

Musicians known for their criticism of Trump started reading from the book including John Legend, Cher and — smoking from his trademark joint — Snoop Dogg.

The video ends with Hillary Clinton, who lost to Trump in the bitter 2016 election.

“The Grammy’s in the bag,” quips Clinton, whose confidence during her race against Trump proved ill-advised.