Timberlake apologizes for revealing Super Bowl
CBS: Apology was requirement for him to appear at Grammys
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No surprises this time: Justin Timberlake performs during the Grammy Awards.
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LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A week after he pulled the covering off Janet Jackson's right breast during the Super Bowl halftime show, singer Justin Timberlake apologized again as he accepted the Grammy for best male pop vocal performance.
A statement from CBS said Timberlake's apology was a requirement for his participation in the broadcast. The network said Jackson declined the invitation to appear and apologize.
The incident loomed in the background of the show. CBS placed the program on a five-minute audio and video delay.
Timberlake, in accepting the award for "Cry Me a River," addressed the brouhaha.
"Listen, I know it's best a rough week on everybody," Timberlake said. "What occurred was unintentional and completely regrettable, and I apologize if you guys were offended."
At the end of their duet last Sunday, Timberlake snatched off part of Jackson's bustier on stage, briefly revealing her breast to an estimated 89 million viewers. Jackson's spokeswoman, Jennifer Holiner, said a red lace garment was supposed to remain when Timberlake tore off the outer covering.
After the performance, both Jackson and Timberlake apologized, saying it had been planned only after final rehearsals. They said MTV, which had produced the halftime show, and CBS, which broadcast it, were unaware of the plan.
Timberlake said winning the Grammy "has been a dream of mine."
"This is officially the greatest moment of my life," he said.
The CBS statement said the network "had serious reservations" about allowing Timberlake and Jackson to appear on the show.
"However, we respected the Recording Academy's wishes to produce the program they originally intended," CBS said. "Ms. Jackson and Mr. Timberlake were invited to participate in the show as long as they agreed to apologize on the air for what happened during the network's broadcast of the Super Bowl halftime show.
"Ms. Jackson declined the invitation. Mr. Timberlake accepted."
Timberlake performed twice during the show. Jackson was originally scheduled to take part in a tribute to Luther Vandross.
