Justin Timberlake: The Biggest Comeback Of 2013?

When Justin Timberlake publicly announced his return to music in January, we had no idea how spectacular a re-entrance it would be. The star has well and truly left no stone unturned in making sure that everybody knows he's bringing sexy back!

Justin Timberlake Suit & Tie Promo Shot Suit & Tie Promo Shot

He abandoned his music career in 2007 after releasing his multi-platinum second album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds', his last single being US top 10 'Summer Love'. He made several guest appearances on other artists' tracks such as Madonna's 2008 hit '4 Minutes' and Jamie Foxx's 'Winner' in 2010, but generally he's been focused on his acting career appearing in the likes of Academy Award winning Facebook flick 'The Social Network' and romcom 'Friends with Benefits' opposite Mila Kunis, as well as voicing the character of Arthur Pendragon in 'Shrek The Third'.

He is certainly not taking a break from film to concentrate on music though, and has a starring role in upcoming crime thriller 'Runner Runner' opposite Ben Affleck. In the movie he plays smart Princeton student Richie Furst who uses his math skills for online gambling in order to raise enough money for his studies. However, when he discovers an algorithm that cheats the players, he takes the matter up with gambling tycoon Ivan Block who enlists him into his business; though Richie has no idea how dangerous the powers are behind the organisation. The movie is set to be released on September 27th and we're expecting some intense scenes from this year's favourite superstar. 'I thought it was really well crafted', he told Collider.com. 'Then talking to Brad about it. he had all of these great visual ideas to kind of contemporize the movie.'>

Watch the trailer for Runner Runner here!

As if he's not been busy enough filming, he completed his co-headlining North American summer tour - the Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour - last month alongside Jay-Z supporting his March album 'The 20/20 Experience' and Jay's 'Magna Carta... Holy Grail'. The pair have also collaborated on a handful of tracks recently, including Justin's US and UK number 3 single 'Suit & Tie' and Jay's hit 'Holy Grail'.

But an ex-boybander turned solo superstar's work is never done and he will embark on a second tour at the end of October - The 20/20 Experience World Tour - in support of his latest album project. Dates have been announced for the US and Canada stretching through 'til February 2014, but further dates are expected to be announced with UK appearances possibly planned for the upcoming Spring.

Justin Timberlake performing at Wireless Festival 2013

Speaking of 'The 20/20 Experience', that has to be the biggest triumph in his comeback. The record, which was his first with RCA Records, became an immediate critical and commercial success, topping the charts in both the UK and the US (not to mention several other countries). As well as 'Suit & Tie', the album spawned UK number 1 'Mirrors' as well as no less than 9 non-single charting tracks. But the 'experience' is not over yet as JT is set to release 'The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2' on September 30th which will feature the song 'Murder' - another Jay-Z collaboration - and 'Cabaret' which sees Justin team up with rapper Drake. The first single from part 2 of the '20/20' project was released in July and entitled 'Take Back the Night'.

Justin Timberlake & NSYNC At The 2013 MTV Music Video Awards

So, it seems he's been filling music stores, arenas and cinema screens this year, and where else is left but the TV? This year he appeared on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' everyday for a week in March, where he not only performed some great live sessions, but also took part in some hilarious comedy sketches including dressing up as a boy scout with Jimmy and singing 'Africa' by Toto and performing 'Sexyback' in a straw hat with Jimmy's barbershop quartet, The Ragtime Gals. What's more, due to popular demand, he returned for a second round of the show in August! He also hosted 'Saturday Night Live' for the fifth time, dressing as a tofu block and doing the vegan Harlem Shake as well as doing an amusing impression of Sir Elton John. Justin was nominated again this year for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmys for SNL, having already previously won four. 2013 also saw him make at least two other high-profile TV performances; first at the 55th Grammy Awards alongside Jay-Z, and also at the MTV Video Music Awards where he himself picked up four prizes including Video of the Year and performed a much-appreciated medley with his old 90s boyband buddies 'NSync.

We mentioned filling cinema screens and, although 'Runner Runner' has not been released yet, that's not Justin's only onscreen adventure this year. He had a supporting role in the Coen brothers' music drama 'Inside Llewyn Davis' opposite Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan, playing Jim, the husband of Carey's character Jean. The movie told the story of a struggling folk musician on a journey of self-discovery through New York in the 60s. Justin's not finished there either; last year it was announced that he would star in the Peter Sollett directed flick 'The Last Drop', portraying an alcoholic restaurant critic, so it looks like Justin has got another very busy year ahead of him!

Watch the trailer for Inside Llewyn Davis here!

Justin Timberlake at the 2013 GQ Awards