Entertainment

Justin Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow Tour Lights Up Downtown Orlando

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2024

Orlando, FL (FNN) – The energy in downtown Orlando was off the charts last Saturday, November 9, as Justin Timberlake brought his Forget Tomorrow Tour to a sold-out crowd at the Kia Center. Despite the convergence of three major events in the city that evening—soccer, the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), and the Timberlake faithful—the streets were packed early with fans eager to catch the pop superstar in action. And this crowd was undeniably electric from start to finish.

Fans had already begun gathering hours before doors opened, anticipating the night of non-stop hits and unforgettable performances. DJ Rhymes had the crowd in a full-blown frenzy by the time he took the stage promptly at 8:00 PM. From old-school classics like “California Love” and “Return of the Mack” to modern-day bangers like Jay-Z’s “Gimme That”, the playlist catered to a truly diverse crowd. The audience was on its feet as they sang along to everything from ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” to Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control”, Beyoncé’s “Uh Oh”, and iconic yet catchy dance song “Macarena”.

By 9:00 the crowd—so hyped by the DJ set—barely noticed that it was time for Timberlake to take the stage. But when the DJ ended his set and the lights dimmed there was no mistaking it: the “Man of the Hour” was about to make his grand entrance.

Let The Show Begin

Opening the show with a cinematic edge, Justin Timberlake’s intro was nothing short of captivating. The stage was dark, with a vintage TV flickering on-screen. Timberlake, sitting in front of it, was watching a grainy clip of Ed McMahon from the old Star Search days. As the screen flashed the lyrics, “You gon’ be a star, they say”, the audience was instantly taken back to Timberlake’s roots—and just how far he’s come since those early days.

When the lights finally exploded, there he was: Justin Timberlake, emerging from the stage amid dramatic visuals, flanked by his incredible Tennessee Kids band. Clad in black with crisp white sneakers, Timberlake was every bit the showman fans expected. The energy was immediate—and the crowd was hooked from the first note.

The Ultimate One-Man Show

It’s clear Justin Timberlake is a master of his craft. With a band that was as tight as ever, and backup dancers who kept the crowd moving, the set was a flawless blend of old school hits and new favorites. The energy was high-octane for much of the night, but it was the slower ballads—like a stunning rendition of “My Love”—that truly showcased Timberlake’s versatility and vocal range. A full-on guitar solo from Aaron and a saxophone solo from Leon sent the crowd into a frenzy, and it was clear this wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-on musical journey.

Timberlake’s connection to the audience was palpable. He took time to share the personal significance of Orlando in his career, joking that he probably knew half the crowd from his days on the Mickey Mouse Club. That hometown vibe infused the night with a sense of nostalgia, making the concert feel more like a homecoming than just another stop on the tour. Fans held up signs, cheering on their local hero, and Timberlake’s warm, down-to-earth demeanor only made the experience that much more special.

Hits, Surprises, and Big Moments

About 30 minutes into the set, Timberlake slowed things down with “Cry Me a River”, reigniting the crowd’s energy and sparking a massive sing-along. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, “Senorita”, saw Timberlake at the keyboard, proving that he still has the chops to make every note shine. The centerpiece of the night, however, was the massive floating jumbo screen—an awe-inspiring visual element that twisted and turned, displaying larger-than-life graphics and images of Justin, making the entire show feel like a living, breathing masterpiece.

In a true moment of fan interaction, Timberlake descended from the main stage to a smaller, center stage, where he made lucky audience members feel like part of the show. Fans screamed, and Timberlake, ever the professional, made eye contact and some handshakes with those lucky enough to be close enough to feel the magic.

A Night to Remember

Timberlake’s setlist was a perfect mix of upbeat dance tracks and soulful ballads. As he ran through classics like “Suit & Tie” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”, the crowd was more than just spectators—they were part of the performance. Whether it was Timberlake’s seamless transitions from R&B to rock or the bluesy vibe he brought to the table, every genre felt like it was given a place in the show.

As the night drew to a close, Timberlake wrapped up the concert with hits like “Selfish”, “Dance, Dance, Dance”, and “Dance With Me”, leaving the crowd with sore feet, full hearts, and an unforgettable experience. And in the crowd, former bandmate Joey Fatone was spotted enjoying the show, a subtle reminder of Timberlake’s incredible journey from *NSYNC to solo stardom.

What Justin Timberlake proved once again on his Forget Tomorrow Tour is that he’s not just a pop icon—he’s a musical force of nature. With his undeniable charm, impressive vocal range, and ability to connect with fans, Timberlake remains one of the best performers in the game. Orlando, you were lucky to have him back, and if this tour is coming to a city near you, don’t wait—Get your tickets now. This is one concert experience you’ll regret missing.

_________________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News

kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.

HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP

This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.

Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard

FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES

Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.

In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.

A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.

TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE

Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.

With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.

Entertainment

Orlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase

Published

5 days ago

April 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando International Fashion Week

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.

As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.

PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.

“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”

John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.

Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.

DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY

In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.

Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:

Avant-garde concepts
Artistic storytelling
Bold, experimental design

Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.

FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM

For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.

Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.

What’s Next for OIFW?

The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.

Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:

Expanding fashion as a cultural platform
Strengthening cross-industry partnerships
Elevating emerging and diverse designers

Entertainment

Trick Daddy Threatens Tiffany Moore Russell Mayoral Race After AKA Show Shut Down

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.

The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.

The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.

Conference Performance Ends Early

Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.

Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.

However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.

Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.

“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”

Trick Daddy’s performance during an Alpha Kappa Alpha conference was shut down early due to “disrespect for our organization and our brand” pic.twitter.com/AX8xsELyP4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 4, 2026

Viral Video Fuels Online Debate

Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.

In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.

The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.

Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.

Questions About Booking and Vetting

The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.

Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.

Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.

Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.

Trick Daddy Responds: “They Booked Me, Trick Daddy Dollars” [VIDEO]

Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.

Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.

the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.

He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”

The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.

What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction

For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.

For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.

Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.

For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.