diff --git a/lib/featureduserssection.php b/lib/featureduserssection.php
index 8dacdc332d..1b0718a05f 100644
--- a/lib/featureduserssection.php
+++ b/lib/featureduserssection.php
@@ -42,6 +42,15 @@ if (!defined('STATUSNET') && !defined('LACONICA')) {
  */
 class FeaturedUsersSection extends ProfileSection
 {
+    function show()
+    {
+        $featured_nicks = common_config('nickname', 'featured');
+        if (empty($featured_nicks)) {
+            return;
+        }
+        parent::show();
+    }
+
     function getProfiles()
     {
         $featured_nicks = common_config('nickname', 'featured');