When Garth starts singing, Justin jumps and smiles like a kid meeting his hero, and we love it

In December 2014, during Justin Timberlake’s “20/20 Experience” tour stop at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, fans were treated to a spectacular surprise. Timberlake was in the middle of performing Garth Brooks’ iconic hit “Friends in Low Places” when he suddenly paused and said, “Hold on, hold on, hold on… something doesn’t feel right, Nashville. If you’re gonna do this.” This set the stage for Garth Brooks himself to appear from the back of the stage, much to the delight and astonishment of the audience.

Brooks joined Timberlake for an unforgettable duet, leading the crowd in a singalong that included the song’s “lost” verse, typically performed only at Brooks’ live shows. The synergy between the pop star and the country legend created a magical moment that resonated with fans from both genres. This remarkable performance has since garnered over 18 million views on YouTube, a testament to its impact and the seamless blend of their musical styles.

The collaboration was a result of Timberlake’s admiration for Brooks, a sentiment he has expressed openly. Timberlake, a Memphis native with deep country roots, had previously attended one of Brooks’ concerts and invited him to his Nashville show. Brooks, known for his captivating stage presence and extensive country music career, brought an extra layer of excitement to the performance.

Justin Timberlake’s transition from pop to country for this duet was a nod to his musical versatility and his respect for country music traditions. Meanwhile, Garth Brooks, who had recently come out of retirement and was touring with his wife Trisha Yearwood, embraced the opportunity to share the stage with Timberlake, creating a cross-genre performance that highlighted the universal appeal of good music.

Both artists have extensive and impressive careers. Justin Timberlake, originally from the Mickey Mouse Club, rose to fame with *NSYNC before launching a successful solo career, with hits spanning pop, R&B, and more recently, country influences. Garth Brooks, one of the best-selling solo artists of all time, is known for his dynamic live performances and numerous awards, including 22 Academy of Country Music Awards.

This Nashville performance is remembered as one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime events where two musical worlds collide, creating a shared experience that transcends genre boundaries and showcases the power of live music.