Behind the Scenes: Why Anna Kendrick Was So Nervous to Sing with Justin Timberlake While Sick

In a candid reflection on her collaboration with Justin Timberlake for the 2016 animated film Trolls, Anna Kendrick shared how her experience of performing with the pop superstar was complicated by a particularly bad cold. In an interview on Today with Jenna & Friends on March 25, 2025, Kendrick spoke openly about the challenges she faced while recording with Timberlake, particularly the nerves she felt and how her illness affected her performance.

A Challenging Studio Session

Kendrick, best known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and A Simple Favor, was tasked with singing several duets for Trolls, including the energetic track “Move Your Feet” alongside Timberlake. In a 2016 interview with People, Kendrick revealed that she was “really sick” during much of the recording for the film. “I had a really bad cold, and my voice was kind of shot,” she recalled. “So, I was like, ‘Oh, great, this is going to be awful.’ But then, when I heard the final product, it sounded fine. So, that was a relief.”

This comment highlights the challenges Kendrick faced during the session, as recording for animated films often requires actors to deliver their performances under unique and sometimes difficult circumstances. Though Kendrick’s illness had made her self-conscious about her vocal performance, she was relieved when the final cut of the track sounded far better than she had anticipated.

Nervousness and Intimidation

While the technical difficulties of being sick were significant, Kendrick also revealed that performing with Timberlake made her nervous for another reason: his immense musical talent. As a seasoned pop star and former *NSYNC member, Timberlake’s impressive vocal range and stage presence created a natural sense of intimidation for Kendrick, who had primarily built her career as an actress with some singing roles.

In an interview with Access Hollywood, Kendrick admitted, “I was so nervous because he’s Justin Timberlake, and he’s amazing. But he was so nice and made me feel comfortable.” Her nervousness stemmed from Timberlake’s well-established reputation as a musical icon, especially in contrast to Kendrick’s own self-perception as an actress with singing ability, rather than a professional singer. In another interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kendrick confessed, “He’s so talented, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, he’s going to hear me sing.’ It was terrifying.”

This anxiety, which was already heightened by the pressure of her illness, made the recording session feel particularly challenging. Performing with Timberlake, someone with years of experience in both acting and music, left Kendrick feeling self-conscious about her own performance, which was a significant departure from her usual comfort zone.

A Different Kind of Collaboration

Despite her nerves, Kendrick found comfort in Timberlake’s kindness and professionalism. She described him as being incredibly gracious and supportive, which helped her overcome her self-doubt. Kendrick also mentioned that recording alongside Timberlake in the studio was an unforgettable experience, highlighting how much she admired his talent. “Justin and I did record together for some of the songs. It was amazing to be in the studio with him,” she noted in a 2016 interview with Billboard.

Timberlake’s encouragement helped Kendrick push through the session despite her discomfort, making the collaboration a memorable moment in her career. Their performances in Trolls, particularly the joyful “Move Your Feet,” were lauded for their energy and chemistry, and Kendrick’s experience recording under challenging conditions only made the final product more remarkable.

Reflecting on the Legacy

Looking back, Kendrick’s recollection of performing with Timberlake while sick underscores the unpredictability of working in the entertainment industry, where health and nerves can sometimes play an unwelcome role. But it also highlights the professionalism and mutual respect between the two artists, who made their collaborative effort a success despite the personal hurdles Kendrick faced during the recording process.

As of March 27, 2025, Kendrick’s recollection remains a charming glimpse into the making of Trolls, reflecting both the challenges and rewards of working with an artist of Timberlake’s caliber. Her nervousness, fueled by the unique circumstances of being sick and performing with a musical icon, ultimately contributed to a performance that has since become a standout moment in the Trolls soundtrack.