As a fan who grew up watching ‘N Sync dominate the music scene, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for the journey these five young men embarked upon. From their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise, they were the soundtrack to our teenage years, and their harmonies still echo in my memory.
Don’t say bye bye bye to your hopes for an *NSYNC reunion.
In the year 2023, the boy band made up of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick temporarily got back together. However, during this period, it was hinted by JC Chasez that there might be further reunions in the future.
He shared with Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek during the Nov. 26 episode of the LadyGang podcast that he wasn’t attempting to manipulate or engage in any such behavior. Instead, he emphasized that they had discussed the topic more than ever before.
However, Chasez underscored that a get-together for the band (who put out their last studio album “Celebrity” more than 20 years ago), is not imminent at this point in time. And if such an event were to transpire, the vocalist – who collaborated with the group again in 2023 on “Better Place,” from the Trolls Band Together soundtrack – would prefer it to be a natural and spontaneous process.
He went on to say, “Don’t you follow the path where inspiration leads? I must confess, I’m not good at pretending for long periods. Truth be told, whenever I’ve tried to pretend, I’ve always ended up feeling rather uncomfortable about it.
If their creativity resulted in new songs, as stated by Chasez (aged 48), they would need to strike a balance between incorporating fresh content and including some classic tunes.
He stated that everyone seems eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary band, the Rolling Stones,” he said. “Despite their lengthy career, there’s still an undying desire for ‘Satisfaction.’ As a person who values fulfilling others’ wishes, I feel compelled to give them what they ask for. Yet, I can’t deceive myself either; I must remain true to my own nature as well.
In June, Fatone too expressed thoughts about touring together as a group of five once more. He mentioned that their lives have taken different paths compared to the early 2000s.
In our younger years, none of us were married or had children. However, as we grew older, some of us got married and had kids. Yet, the challenge lies in how we navigate these changes since everyone is older and has unique personalities now. I’m not implying it’s negative; it’s just about finding harmony.
If you’re longing inside for an *NSYNC reunion to happen, here are some fascinating, lesser-known details about the legendary boy band that might help alleviate your anticipation.
Following Chris Kirkpatrick, who was 23 years old at the time, not making the cut for the Backstreet Boys (the first occasion when shrewd impresario Lou Pearlman caught boy band success), he picked himself up and informed Pearlman that he was still eager to join a band.
Pearlman was ready to provide the funds if Kirkpatrick took on the task of discovering more gifted individuals to join him. This led to sifting through numerous demos and watching countless hours of videos. Eventually, they stumbled upon The All New-Mickey Mouse Club alum and budding singer Justin Timberlake, only 14 at the time. He suggested his fellow former Mouseketeer JC Chasez, who was 19. (As Christina Aguilera recalled to Rolling Stone, “JC was the cool older guy, and Justin wanted to be just like him.”)
They persisted with their search in Orlando, and Kirkpatrick recalled Joey Fatone, who was 18 years old, someone he had known during his performances at Universal Studios. Interestingly, Chasez also knew him from his days living in Florida while working for Disney. However, they were still seeking a voice with more depth.
Howie Dorough, a member of the Backstreet Boys and an old acquaintance of Kirkpatrick, later felt a sense of satisfaction about this fortunate turn of events. In 2015, he shared with Pop Crush that the Backstreet Boys reached out to Pearlman to assist Chris in any way possible while still pursuing his dream. Later, they returned together and formed a group which eventually morphed into ‘N Sync.
2. But wait, Lance wasn’t the first fifth member of ‘N Sync!
Back in the day, I, a lifestyle enthusiast, found myself stepping into a role that was initially filled by Jason Galasso. You see, we go way back – all the way to our high school choir days! It was during those times when he was beginning to explore his talents in the singing-group realm, and out of nowhere, I received a call from my old friend.
Once they nailed the performance of Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road”, that was the decisive moment for him, as he had already become a part of the yet-to-be-named group. He recollected, “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, Justin is young!'” However, upon hearing him sing, he quickly realized, “It doesn’t matter how old he is, he can belt out songs amazingly well.
Meanwhile, even as a bass singer, Galasso was part of a three-person group called Unreal. As a result, he’s been grappling with the decision about which path to take in his musical career. Reflecting on those days, he said, “I’m still trying to figure out, you understand, what I want for myself, where I want to head musically, which group I should join.” Galasso, currently in the mortgage loan business, recollected how Lou Pearlman had introduced new music to them, considering the kind of music they would be producing. Given his roots in R&B, hip-hop being his passion, he confessed, “That’s where my love lies, that’s what I’m all about.
When Pearlman arrived with “European-style techno”, my response was something along the lines of “Interesting, I’ll give it a listen.” Later on, he and the other members of Unreal journeyed to Atlanta to record a demo. He felt that the outcome was exceptional.
As a lifestyle expert, let me share an interesting tidbit from the past. Back in the day, ‘N Sync was shaping their unique style and contemplating the creation of a showcase for Disney’s Pleasure Island. They even made a visit to Shaquille O’Neal’s residence in Orlando to peek at his home studio. However, it’s important to note that they hadn’t recorded any music yet, and more significantly for me, they hadn’t signed any contracts either.
In no time, both parties made attempts to get him to put his name on the dotted line. Galasso mentioned that he had brought the conflicting contracts to a legal professional, and while the agreement with the trio followed typical practices, Pearlman had inserted himself as a sixth member into the ‘N Sync contract, which was as thick as a telephone directory. He believed that the other members of ‘N Sync were more enthusiastic about the deal than he was – this was accurate, as they all ended up signing it, regardless of whether they fully grasped its implications or not.
So Galasso ultimately went with the group that wasn’t ‘N Sync.
3. Besides Timberlake’s mother praising their harmony by saying they were “in sync,” the group’s name, which can be written as NSYNC or *NSYNC but we’ll refer to it as ‘N Sync for this discussion, is a clever play on the last letters of their first names: Justin, Chris, Joe, Jason, and JC.
It appears that the members of ‘N Sync playfully suggested Lance change his name slightly to maintain the group’s theme. For a while, they referred to him as Lanceton, but it was mostly in jest. In 2015, he explained to EW.com that the name didn’t last long, as it faded away once they signed their deal and released their music. Instead, he was also known as Landon during this period.
4. After several years with their most significant fanbase in Germany, early adopters of Max Martin’s songs like “I Want You Back” and “Tearing Up My Heart” found themselves on magazine covers across Europe (as Bass remembered, “In Europe, we were everywhere on the cover”). However, it was only when the Backstreet Boys rejected an offer for a “Disney Channel Concert” that ‘N Sync seized their opportunity to make it big in the United States.
Instead, the concert of NSYNC titled “NSYNC in Concert” was released in 1998. Surprisingly, Disney Channel frequently broadcasted it, which had a significant impact on our career. As Bass shared with 20/20, “The Disney Channel concert truly transformed our career. It was amazing, and that one performance, as I see it, is what propelled us to fame in America.
5. When they were all in Miami for their charity basketball game, the team decided on room service instead of venturing out just before a press conference. Joey Fatone arrived at least 15 minutes late because he was waiting for a fresh burger – it seemed that the one he initially received had a bite taken from it! However, Bass clarified on the “Inside of You With Michael Rosenbaum” podcast, it wasn’t served that way; Timberlake had already taken a bite out of it as a prank on his friend.
“It was so funny. I’ve never seen Joey get so upset about something like that,” Bass said. He “was probably tired or something,” but “we make fun of him all the time for that outburst. All the time.”
6. Fatone might have exploded due to an only partially consumed burger, but Bass confessed that he didn’t always embody calmness. He explained to Rosenbaum that he would occasionally lose his temper when Kirkpatrick would excessively play the clown during interviews. “Chris,” Bass said, “he’s quite energetic and amusing, always ready with a joke. But when someone is constantly telling jokes in every interview, especially when you have 20 interviews a day and there are five of us, the days can feel endless and exhausting.
In simpler terms, “Often, I find myself expressing something like, ‘Be quiet and give me an answer, let’s proceed as we’re quite exhausted.’ However, he would extend every interview, making them take twice as long as necessary.
7. Due to their hectic schedule, they didn’t have time to visit a barbershop for haircuts or highlights, so Bass resorted to creating the iconic “frosted tips” look by applying bleach to his own hair and running his fingertips through it, thus giving birth to this style.
Now you know.
2000 marked the celebration of ‘N Sync achieving diamond status for their 1997 debut album, which meant they had sold 10 million copies. Their manager, Johnny Wright, who had previously managed New Kids on the Block alongside his wife Donna, gifted each member diamond-and-platinum pendants to commemorate this achievement. As reported by Rolling Stone, Justin Timberlake jokingly declared, “We are diamonds,” before saying, “Screw all of you. I’m done. Forget this boy-band thing.” in a somewhat playful manner.
9. Members of ‘N Sync became wealthy, but not immediately and only after they took control of their situations. It was later discovered that Pearlman, who passed away in prison in 2016 due to serving a 25-year sentence for money laundering and other crimes associated with a Ponzi scheme, appeared to be exploiting them, as well as the Backstreet Boys (and indeed, O-Town too) financially.
2019 saw Bass reminiscing to ABC News’ 20/20 about Pearlman arranging a flight to LA in 1998 for ‘N Sync members and their families, all under the pretense of a check-presentation gathering. The value? A whopping $10,000 per person.
Speaking candidly, a former member of the world’s most famous band shared his struggle with affording his apartment in Orlando, despite the millions of records sold. He also mentioned he couldn’t even secure a car for himself. After receiving payment, Bass became upset and tore up the check upon returning to his hotel room. Kirkpatrick added, “One might think we were drowning in wealth due to our success, but the truth was far from that – we weren’t making as much money as it seemed.
After discovering that, similar to BSB’s members, Pearlman was considered a sixth member of ‘N Sync, earning one-sixth of their profits and management fees, ‘N Sync decided to switch to Jive Records. This move led to a lawsuit worth $150 million from TransContinental Records and BMG Entertainment, the distributors of their first album. The lawsuit aimed to stop them from using the name ‘N Sync any longer. In response, they filed a countersuit for $25 million, which eventually led to an out-of-court settlement in 1999. However, the most significant outcome was that they were able to preserve their right to continue using the name ‘N Sync.
10. The second album of No Strings Attached, released in March 2000, was full of symbolism and metaphors.
In an interview with 20/20, Kirkpatrick explained how the phrase “No Strings Attached” came to be their theme. He was inspired by the song “I’ve Got No Strings” from Disney’s Pinocchio, and it evolved into their rallying cry: “We don’t owe anyone anything anymore…we have no attachments except for each other and our fans.
In seventh grade, Chasez emerged victorious in a talent contest singing “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx, who later wrote and produced “I Promise You” for the movie No Strings. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Chasez described the album as bold and aggressive, stating that every note is delivered with intensity; there’s no passive singing here. He also noted a Michael Jackson influence in the way the lyrics are chopped off – that’s how Michael delivers a line with impact.
Timberlake expressed, “Right now, we’re feeling quite aggravated – that sums it up. We feel frustrated because we haven’t received the recognition we think we deserve. But no, I’m just joking – I’m just joking.
Additionally, they spent the majority of their time without a stable musical home during their creative process, being dissatisfied with TransContinental and not yet firmly established at Jive. Notably, Jive was home to several artists such as Justin Timberlake’s then-secret (though not very secretive) girlfriend Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys at that time.
In its initial release, the movie “No Strings Attached” managed to sell a staggering 2.4 million copies within a single week, with an impressive 1.1 million copies sold just on the first day.
A year passed, and I found myself standing alongside them on stage – initially at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, joining ‘N Sync during their energetic performance of “Pop”, inciting the audience’s wild enthusiasm even though I didn’t vocalize. Later, we truly shared the limelight on “Dancing Machine” at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration. This two-day concert spectacular took place at Madison Square Garden and was aired on CBS in November.
2016 saw Bass disclose on The Meredith Vieira Show that Jackson had avoided talking to him for an entire year following their MSG show encounter. This cold shoulder came about because when Jackson requested Bass and Fatone (who had a movie premiere) to stay until the end for a collective performance of “Heal the World”, saying it was crucial for the children, Bass chuckled, not fully grasping that Michael Jackson was entirely sincere about his request.
12. As their bank balances increased, it was only natural that they began to splurge on purchases. In March 2000, Timberlake made his first significant purchase with a Mercedes jeep, followed by a BMW M Roadster. Over the next year, he added a Dodge Viper, an Audi TT, a Porsche 911, and a Cadillac Escalade to his collection. Fatone indulged in a black Cadillac truck, and bought homes and cars for his family members. Some of them invested in properties in Orlando, while Kirkpatrick purchased a house for his mother as well. Bass secured houses in Orlando, Mississippi, and the Floribama border region.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, I, Timberlake, shared a glimpse into the decor of my Orlando bachelor pad. It’s a harmonious blend of elegance and charm, featuring a grand piano and couch, both in pristine white. A captivating acrylic statue of a nude man and woman, gifted by a friend, serves as the centerpiece, its beauty accentuated when illuminated. We affectionately call one room the “Jimmy Buffett” room, reflecting Orlando’s tropical vibe. A kitchen reminiscent of my childhood in the countryside adds warmth to the space. The bedroom is adorned with a safari theme, complete with a Japanese screen and an oversized sleigh bed.
In the subsequent year, it was disclosed that Chasez had developed a passion for red wines, and even invested in a $2,500 collection of Helmut Newton’s photography.
In the year 2000, prior to the release of “No Strings Attached,” Kirkpatrick was in a relationship that had lasted about a year. This was before ‘N Sync reached global fame. Unfortunately, their relationship wasn’t destined to last, as he married Karly Skladany in 2013, after being together for three years. All of his former bandmates were present at the wedding.
Justin Timberlake continued to evade questions about his romantic involvement with Britney Spears, telling Rolling Stone, “When I choose to have a private relationship, I prefer to keep it as such.
Previously, Bass dated the star of “Boy Meets World,” Danielle Fishel. They even attended her high school prom together. However, he decided to keep his sexuality private until 2006 when he publicly came out as gay. Since then, he has been married to Michael Turchin since 2014.
Since 1993, Fatone has had an on-and-off relationship with his high school sweetheart, Kelly Baldwin. However, they were definitively back together when they gave birth to their first daughter, Briahna, in March 2001. They tied the knot in 2004 and welcomed their second daughter, Kloey Alexandra, in 2010. As of 2019, they were going through a divorce, with Fatone dating Izabel Araujo instead.
Meanwhile, Chasez often had romantic relationships in 2001, including one with Bobbie Thomas, whose inspiration to launch her own blog came from observing how the media handled Britney Spears. Remarkably, however, he has managed to maintain a high level of privacy regarding his personal life.
14. By the year 2000, Bass established Freelance Management with a goal to nurture aspiring country artists. Simultaneously, Timberlake founded his self-titled foundation, focusing on supporting music and arts education in public schools. Meanwhile, Chasez was involved in creating music for the girl group Wild Orchid, and Kirkpatrick initiated his own multi-faceted company, Fuman Skeeto, dealing with both fashion and music production.
15. Beyond the throngs of shrieking teenage admirers, they weren’t deliberately making an effort to appear excessively cute in order to win over a large number of children (and their parents).
In 2000, Timberlake explained to Rolling Stone that they don’t intentionally act adorable, but rather, they simply express their true selves. Essentially, he said, “We’re guys – we belch and pass gas, just like any other guy.
16. Kirkpatrick viewed himself as the typical manly man among the group, stating to Rolling Stone in 2001, “I’m sort of like a group of college guys got together and said, ‘Let’s create a wild, unconventional guy.’ And they created me.
The author portrayed Bass as an extremely kind, modest, and patient individual who is almost strikingly feminine in appearance and who never ceases to smile. On the other hand, Chasez was characterized as having a personality vastly different from his stage persona, someone who might quietly pass you by without even being noticed.
As a passionate devotee, I’d describe myself as a vibrant, untamed lad, brimming with an uncontainable energy that seems like a never-ending dance party waiting to erupt at the slightest provocation.
17. In a rehearsal held in New Orleans during 2001, a platform unexpectedly rose prematurely, trapping Lance Bass’s lower leg between it and the stage. Miraculously, it didn’t fracture his bone but revealed a considerable amount of his leg’s internal structure.
According to Bass’s statement, there was an opening that revealed the bone and various internal structures. We tried to stop the bleeding by applying pressure, but it was not a positive situation as fat was leaking out. He’s capable of handling pain well, but he certainly expressed discomfort during this ordeal. It appeared as if a bullet had passed through his leg.
Speaking further, Chasez shared, “He wound up having to visit the hospital where they removed a portion of his leg and cleaned out the metal debris as his leg had become trapped between two heavy metallic objects. It’s amazing that nothing was fractured. He truly is resilient.
A few weeks past, Joey (Fatone), who was navigating with a cane, returned to the stage for a dance performance. “He’s experiencing discomfort,” Chasez noted. “However, Joey excels in performance skills. He’s well-versed in concealing his moves because he’s performed on stage longer than any of us.
18. Reflecting on their career, ‘N Sync’s journey was relatively peaceful. They openly acknowledge they enjoyed themselves, but they were neither instigators of chaos nor did they frequently find themselves in it. Justin preferred a Jack and Coke, yet he often chose to be the responsible designated driver for the night. As he shared with Rolling Stone, “If a twelve-year-old sees me on the news being arrested for cocaine, it can have a significant impact on many people.” He recalled his own experience at ten when he discovered his sister drinking, which left him feeling devastated. Justin further explained that he could feel intoxicated just by drinking water.
19. Fame hadn’t come overnight, but once it did, it was a whole new world.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bass said, “You understand how tough it really is and that there’s nothing glamorous about it.” He compared the reality of hard work to discovering Cinderella puffing on a cigarette backstage at Disney World – all the illusion and magic is lost.
Justin Timberlake confessed that he has experienced difficult periods, including times when he was deeply depressed. However, his spirituality provided him with the strength to overcome these challenges. He often feels as though there are two distinct aspects of himself – the public persona and the private individual who diligently brushes his teeth twice a day. Fortunately, they have been coexisting harmoniously lately, even though the private side occasionally requires more attention. The peace is worth it in the end.
Fatone admitted, “I think it’s best not to reveal too much. It’s a bit like disappointing fans when they find out about things they weren’t aware of, which could potentially upset them.
20. For those thinking that ‘N Sync was merely a group of five individuals who happened to strike it lucky, they would be mistaken.
In a conversation on Larry King Live in January 2001, Kirkpatrick and his group members shared that their strong friendship was evident in all they did. They explained that when performing together, every show had a unique feel due to the interaction among themselves, often resulting in amusing situations.
Speaking as a die-hard fan, I can’t help but echo the bond that Justin Timberlake shares with Chris, a connection so profound it defies description. You see, when we lock eyes, we don’t just exchange glances, we convey entire conversations in an instant. This summer tour was no exception, as our history together – one forged in shared struggles and dreams – shone brighter than ever before.
21. They expressed their reservations about being under constant scrutiny, symbolized by living in a fishbowl, in different ways through their third album, released in 2001, titled “Celebrity”.
At that time, Justin Timberlake was publicly in a relationship with Britney Spears (“When we’re together, she’s simply my girl, and I adore her, and that’s all there is to it. I don’t pay attention to what others are saying. She brings me joy. She’s like salvation,” he stated to Rolling Stone; Bass also commented, “They suit each other perfectly, it’s eerie,” implying their compatibility). Moreover, the group was reportedly earning an impressive $2.5 million per night during their PopOdyssey stadium tour.
In 2000, Timberlake shared with Rolling Stone his thoughts on the surge of boy bands in the music industry, stating, “I believe the coming years will make it clear who are the boys and who are the real men. What concerns me is the excessive supply flooding the market.
Well, the other boy bands wouldn’t have to worry about it for long.
23. In 2002, ‘N Sync took a “temporary break” following their Celebrity Tour, largely because Justin Timberlake wanted to pursue his solo ventures. This hiatus ultimately proved permanent, though neither the group nor any members explicitly stated it, and they never officially announced their disbandment either. Fans of One Direction are familiar with such a situation.
In 2019, Chasez shared with Huffington Post that after dedicating a certain period to something, you start to fall into a rhythm of it. This routine triggers your interest in novel experiences; you crave fresh mental stimulation. Interestingly, during that time, we felt like we had explored every possible idea for our project and thought, ‘Let’s try something new.’ And that’s exactly what we did.
Regarding Bass, he expressed that “there had never been any serious issues between us and the other band members…What truly disappointed me wasn’t just Justin leaving the group. It was the fact that our entire team – our record label, management, everyone involved – had all known for three years that it was coming to an end before they informed me.
For the past three years, I’ve been preparing myself for a new album, and it seems everybody else is aware that we are transitioning to something new.
24. Members of the band ‘N Sync pursued their individual careers after they set out on their solo paths, with Justin Timberlake achieving stardom independently (though this wasn’t the reason none of them attended his wedding to Jessica Biel in Italy when he married her in 2012). Following the release of “Justified” in November 2002, Timberlake didn’t seem to look back much.
So could their reunion performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards have been more hyped?!
It was short but sweet, and their moves were intact.
25. During the induction of ‘N Sync on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, Bass explained his decision to remain closeted by saying, “Back then, I believed that I would never be able to reveal my truth because I was petrified of the potential rejection, confident it would occur. Moreover, I didn’t want to put at risk the careers of these talented individuals standing here, not to mention the countless dedicated people who worked relentlessly to make ‘N Sync a global phenomenon.
In simpler terms, Bass explained, “I believed that if I revealed myself, *N Sync would disband. So I hid my truth. However, our dreams were becoming a reality, and we were immensely grateful—and I still am. Yet, there were countless nights on stage where I saw numerous young, gay fans passionately singing, and I yearned to tell them, ‘I’m just like you.’ I didn’t have the courage back then, but I do now. So, to all my LGBT friends, who accept me and guide me towards self-expression, thank you so much.
Oh, I just know that since he bravely revealed his true identity, he’s undoubtedly picked up a ton of fresh admirers! As for those who might have left, they weren’t worthy of him from the start.
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2024-11-27 01:52