Timberlake rules out 'N Sync reunion, Janet Jackson appearance at Super Bowl

MINNEAPOLIS - Justin Timberlake was asked about a bromance with Tom Brady, a possible 'N Sync reunion and serenaded with "Happy Birthday" during a press conference to promote his return to the Super Bowl halftime show, but the superstar didn't get a question about the wardrobe malfunction that rocked the world.

Timberlake ruled out any chance his former boy band 'N Sync would join him on Sunday or other potential special guests - including Janet Jackson herself. Timberlake revealed only that his band, The Tennessee Kids, would join him onstage and predicted a show that will include things "never done before."

"We're going to take it seriously that we want everyone to have a ton of fun. That's my main objective with the halftime show," he said Thursday.

Timberlake is returning to the halftime show 14 years after the "wardrobe malfunction" with Jackson caused a national controversy.

Timberlake was a special guest of Jackson during her performance when he ripped off a piece of her clothing and revealed her bare nipple. Jackson later described it as an unintended "wardrobe malfunction." CBS, which aired the Super Bowl that year, drew a $550,000 fine from the Federal Communications Commission that was later overturned.

During his brief press conference, Timberlake admitted he had a "man-crush" on Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback, complimenting his skills and hair. But when asked if he was rooting for the Patriots or the Philadelphia Eagles, he punted: "Go, Pack, go," he said, referencing the Green Bay Packers, who didn't make the playoffs at all.

He also praised Minneapolis-born Prince, calling the late superstar "in my opinion, the greatest all-around musician I can think of in popular culture."

Timberlake will be making his third Super Bowl musical appearance - a record. He has a new album out and will host a listening party at Paisley Park, Prince's old estate.

"There's a lot of bucket list things that are happening this week for me, and that's definitely at the top of that list," he said. "I get to walk the hallowed, sacred ground Paisley Park."

On the topic of special guests, Timberlake did note that Las Vegas oddsmakers have speculated he might be joined onstage by 'N Sync, Jay-Z, Chris Stapleton or Jackson. But Timberlake said his band was "my special guest and I'm excited to rock the stage."

Timberlake turned 37 years old on Wednesday, and some of the media serenaded him with "Happy Birthday."