Justin Timberlake returned to the stage for the first time since revealing his Lyme disease diagnosis. Timberlake, 45, was among the performers at the Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective on Thursday, January 29, participating in a musical tribute to Pharrell Williams. "Anybody who's come in contact with or been in the same frequency with Pharrell Williams is changed forever," Timberlake said between songs, per The Hollywood Reporter. "He came into my life at a time when I was entering my own, and funny enough, he made me feel like I belonged. Your creativity is unparalleled, your energy is infectious...you changed my life. And I will forever be grateful." Williams, 52, received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award on Thursday, where Timberlake and more artists commanded the stage in celebration of the "Happy" singer's career. 'NSync Alum Chris Kirkpatrick Reacts to Justin Timberlake's Lyme Battle Timberlake, for his part, had taken a hiatus from performing in July 2025, wrapping his Forget Tomorrow World Tour after he was diagnosed with Lyme. "As many of you know, I'm a pretty private person. But as I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour - I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me," Timberlake wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement last summer. "Among other things, I've been battling some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I don't say so you feel bad for me, but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes." He continued, "If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has - then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness." Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the Recording Academy Honors Black Music Collective. UNIQUE NICOLE / AFP According to Timberlake, he powered through the concert dates while secretly battling his illness. "I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going," he added. "Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself, but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to [myself]. I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted." Through it all, Timberlake has wife Jessica Biel in his corner. Justin Timberlake Relaxes at Home Amid Lyme Disease Diagnosis "Jessica has been extremely supportive of Justin's health and wellness," a source exclusively told Us Weekly in November 2025. "They're both strong people, and they're great at finding a good balance for both of their needs." Timberlake and Biel, 43, have been married since 2012, during which period they welcomed two sons. "She's been incredibly emotionally supportive when he needs her," the insider added to Us of the actress. "They're navigating Justin's new normal very well. ... The family cherishes their time with each other more than ever."