Justin Timberlake’s ‘TKO’ At CMA Performance Could Lead To Country Album

Justin Timberlake took the stage at a country music awards show, and he impressed the audience (and critics) with his strong blues-based performance, E! Online reported Thursday.

Timberlake looked at ease in a performance with Chris Stapleton, an artist who won three CMA awards on Wednesday night and is considered to be a rising-star in the country genre. Timberlake joined the singer on his popular song, “Tennessee Whiskey,” before the country singer and Justin Timberlake sang, “Drink You Away,” originally vocalized only by Timberlake.

The article gave many reasons why Justin Timberlake should consider making a country album. Outside of numerous tweets from fans offering support in the venture, Timberlake could also bank on pulling in new fans from the millions of country listeners. Timberlake has proved he’s talented enough to pull off the album by excelling in a diverse entertainment career by singing, dancing, rapping, acting and playing several instruments.

More importantly, Justin Timberlake would command attention in one of the most popular genres of music today. Not only would there be curiosity about any songs he would perform, Timberlake could potentially bring in many household names in the country music industry today. Duets with Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean are all in the realm of possibility for Timberlake.

There’s evidence Justin Timberlake could pull in major country artists for potential collaborations. In 2007, the “Take Back The Night” singer joined Reba McEntire to perform, “The Only Promise That Remains,” on an album the red-headed singer produced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKf-Vmba3zk

Beyond that, the album would be the first new music from Justin Timberlake since 2013 when he released a two-part compilation titled, The 20/20 Experience. The album produced numerous hit songs, including “Suit & Tie,” “TKO,” and “Not A Bad Thing.”

Justin has been away from music as he and his wife Jessica Biel welcomed a new child into their family earlier this year. Biel — who looks to have recovered her figure after having their first child — and Timberlake have lived in the “Mirrors” singer’s native state for some time, a Tennessee homeland that’s launched countless music careers in several different genres.

His next move may not be to release music, however. The former member of boy band NSYNC has also had a prolific acting career, with movies such as Friends With Benefits, In Time, The Trouble With The Curve and Runner, Runner to his credit. Currently, Timberlake recently wrapped up his role on Trolls, an animated film where he lends his famous vocals to bring a character to life.

E! Online wasn’t the only media outlet that recognized Timberlake’s country album crossover potential. The New York Times also highlighted the appeal of Justin Timberlake — a Memphis-born singer with country roots — switching genres for his next album. Despite perceptions or opinions, Stapleton enjoyed the performance.

“Some people might want to burn me at the stake for it, or burn him at the stake for it. Who knows? But we’re going to have a good time.”

The idea of Timberlake moving toward country isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. Taylor Swift, one of the most popular music artists performing today, has been involved in a cross-over from country to pop, bringing with her numerous fans who crossed over just for her music. Swift has even covered a few Disney songs during her most recent tour, the Inquisitr reported this week.

Would you buy a country album by Justin Timberlake? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images]