He is best known for songs like SexyBack but the blazing temperatures in the Phoenix Park meant that Justin Timberlake was presumably more concerned with a sweaty back as he danced the night away at his first Irish gig in six years.

The Memphis man is on tour to promote his new album The 20/20 Experience, and a young, predominantly female crowd made their way to the concert grounds past Áras an Uachtaráin to see their idol. Carmel Smith (27) had travelled from Cavan with friends to attend the concert. "We came down to see one of our favourite singers, have a few drinks in the sunshine and have a good night," she said, adding that she had also bought tickets for this weekend's concerts by The Killers and Mumford and Sons.

Last year's X Factor winner James Arthur was first on stage at 6.30pm, and drew a sizeable crowd for his overwrought rock-laced pop.

Crowd-pleasing Dublin band The Coronas valiantly stepped in to fill the second support slot when London singer Jessie J was pulled from the bill at the eleventh hour after losing her voice.

The sun was still shining by the time the dapper Timberlake took the stage, but his brand of slinky r 'n' b-style pop wasted no time in creating a club atmosphere with songs like Cry Me a River, Mirrors and My Love sending the sun-smouldering crowd ablaze.

Step aside, Mr Presley. For a new generation of pop fans, at least, it seems like Memphis has a new musical king.