Yikes. Justin Timberlake is facing criticism from fans who say the pop star’s recent performances have lacked the energy and presence expected from a global icon.
While closing out the European leg of his Everything I Thought I Was tour, Timberlake’s July 17 appearance at the Electric Castle Festival in Romania drew particular backlash. Fans who had waited hours to see him perform were left disappointed when he arrived nearly an hour late and delivered what many called a lackluster set.
Footage from the show quickly began circulating across social media, showing Timberlake frequently handing the mic to the crowd rather than singing himself. Some fans felt that the concert turned into a sing-along, with one attendee posting a video stating that the energy did not live up to the anticipation. “After waiting all day for him to show up, it felt like he barely wanted to be there,” she said.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Fans on TikTok and Reddit piled on, comparing his performance to other infamous low-effort concert moments. Others questioned whether Timberlake was phoning it in as the tour nears its final stop.
This wasn’t the first time fans voiced concern. Earlier in July, Timberlake appeared visibly annoyed during his set at the Lytham Festival in the United Kingdom. Just days later in Paris, the July 20 show also sparked chatter online, with videos showing him barely engaging during some of his biggest songs.
The Everything I Thought I Was tour was launched in support of his latest album, and is scheduled to wrap up on July 30 in Istanbul. While Timberlake’s catalog remains beloved, some fans are beginning to wonder if he’s still bringing the same passion to the stage that once defined his performances.