The dos and definitely do nots of the Super Bowl half-time show

That's a lot of eyes. Timberlake does of course know this - he's no stranger to the NFL event (see below), and he's been hard at work perfecting his performance with rehearsals at the stadium.

It could be a career-defining moment for the singer. He'll want people to be talking about it for years to come, but he'll also want it to be memorable for all the right reasons.

So JT, here's a handy guide to doing just that...

DON’T forget costumes can be an issue

Super Bowl singers will probably want the millions of viewers to focus on their voice, their moves and their pure talent, but probably not their nipples.

Providing one of the most talked-about moments in half-time show history, Janet Jackson was the victim of a wardrobe malfunction which left her nipple exposed on live television.

This moment in history has special significance for Justin Timberlake because he was the one to unintentionally expose it.

Timberlake and Jackson received 540,000 complaints for ‘Nipplegate’, so just remember if you want the performance to be your legacy and not a problematic outfit, avoid any risque costume reveals.

DO be careful where you place your guitar

Prince's 12-minute set at Super Bowl 41 (2007) was one for the ages. It featured all the flair and flamboyance you'd expect from the master musician, yet his elaborate guitar somewhat diverted the focus from his performance. 

The huge silhouette looming over fans at Dolphin Stadium in Florida did make for excellent television, but it did also mask his guitar as a different type of instrument...

At the time it caused controversy, and whether or not it was intentional has been debated since - but one thing's for certain: people still rate his half-time show as one of the best ever. 

DON’T extend your middle finger to millions of Americans

British rapper M.I.A. decided to show off her rebellious side during her guest appearance at Madonna’s 2012 halftime show - by displaying her middle finger at a cameraman.

A moment in time quickly forgotten, you might think. But no - it set off a legal battle as the NFL attempted to sue the singer for $16 million for the finger reveal. Two years later and it was settled in private.

DO move around the stage

Lady Gaga leaped off the stage in 2017. Michael Jackson popped up in five different places at once in 1993. The Black Eyed Peas however, strolled a few yards to the left (and on occasion, right) during their 2011 performance in Texas. 

The hip-hop group put on a futuristic lights display during the Super Bowl 45 halftime show, and although their striking outfits added some element of creativity, the performance was far from what people expected to see in the Super Bowl.

For 12 minutes they mainly were seen standing in a stationary position while stomping their feet from time to time. At one point, Usher popped up as a guest musician, giving a much-needed boost of energy - but his appearance was fleeting. 

Some people don't look back at the show with fondness.

Still, some people liked it.

DO have back up dancers with character

You're a dancer and are lucky enough to perform your art on one of sport's biggest stages. So how are you going to make the moment count? If you're Left Shark at Katy Perry's 2015 performance, it's by dancing out of time to your colleagues, giving the impression you didn't quite concentrate enough in rehearsals. Do this and you and the singer you're supporting go viral. Then, three years later...

People are still talking about you and tracking you down for interviews...

You and the singer in question still tour together and people still squeal with excitement when you come on stage... 

And footage of you is projected onto buildings to make political statements...

So there you have it, Justin. Dance, make sure your clothing has suitable stitching and ensure any instruments you play aren't phallic. Job done.