Justin Timberlake will be the host and musical guest for the March 9th episode of Saturday Night Live. NBC announced the news today; this will be Timberlake’s fifth time hosting ‘SNL.’
The appearance is likely part of the promotional campaign for his first new album in seven years, “The 20/20 Experience.” Timberlake has burst back on to the music scene in the past few months, performing at the Grammy Awards, the BRIT Awards and releasing several singles, beginning with the Jay- Z collaboration “Suit & Tie.” The new album is Timberlake’s third studio album since embarking on his solo career and is scheduled for release on March 19th.
Timberlake has proved his comedy chops, starting out as a child on “The Mickey Mouse Club” and recently starring in box office hits such as “Friends with Benefits” and “Bad Teacher.” He is one of SNL’s most popular hosts, starring in popular skits such as “The Barry Gibb Talk Show” and “Single Ladies.” Timberlake’s digital shorts musical collaborations, “Dick in a Box” and “Motherlover” with The Lonely Island (featuring SNL alum Andy Samberg) were also huge hits with fans and youtube sensations.
Timberlake has won several Emmy Awards for his previous appearances on the show. In 2011, he took home the prize for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his monologue as well as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2009, he won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “Dick in a Box.”
Timberlake enjoys working on the show as much as fans love seeing him- he even once said that he would be an “SNL” cast member if offered.
In addition to his SNL hosting duties, Timberlake will also appear for a full week on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon March 11th-15th. According to Timberlake’s Stipple page, “Justin will do a full week of performing and chatting with Jimmy Fallon on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon March 11-15!!! His visit will mark the first time any featured artist has appeared in every show during a single week!”