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NSYNC

From Alfawiki
NSYNC
IndustryMusic
Founded1995 in Orlando, Florida, U.S.
FounderChris Kirkpatrick
FateIndefinite hiatus beginning in 2002; occasional reunions
Headquarters
Orlando
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass
ProductsMusic albums, singles, tours
Number of employees
5 (members)

NSYNC (also presented as *NSYNC or `N Sync) was a prominent American vocal group and pop boy band that originated in Orlando, Florida in 1995, founded by Chris Kirkpatrick and initially launched in the German market through BMG Ariola Munich. The lineup consisted of Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, and Lance Bass. Their debut, self-titled album was first released across Europe in 1997, followed by a U.S. release featuring the lead single "I Want You Back."

After encountering legal disputes with former manager Lou Pearlman and their record company Bertelsmann Music Group, NSYNC's third studio album, No Strings Attached (2000), set a record by selling over one million copies on its first day and 2.4 million within the initial week in the United States—a milestone that stood for more than fifteen years. Their subsequent album, Celebrity (2001), achieved 1.8 million sales during its opening week. Chart-topping singles such as "Girlfriend", "Pop", "Bye Bye Bye", "Tearin' Up My Heart", and "It's Gonna Be Me" secured top 10 placements worldwide, with "It's Gonna Be Me" reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The band entered an indefinite hiatus beginning in 2002 but reunited sporadically for select performances, including the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, a 2018 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and performing at the 2019 Coachella festival without Timberlake alongside Ariana Grande. In 2023, NSYNC briefly regrouped to release "Better Place" for DreamWorks' animated movie Trolls Band Together, which featured Timberlake; they performed at both the film’s premiere and the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, they recorded "Paradise" for Timberlake’s forthcoming solo album, Everything I Thought It Was (2024), and made a special appearance at Timberlake’s ONO concert in Los Angeles in 2024.

Throughout their career, NSYNC completed five major tours across the United States and sold upwards of 70 million records worldwide, ranking them among the best-selling boy bands ever. They received nine Grammy Award nominations and appeared at high-profile events such as the Super Bowl halftime show, Olympic Games closing ceremony, and World Series. Their collaborations span a diverse range of artists including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Michael and Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Phil Collins, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Nelly, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Mary J. Blige, Alabama, and Gloria Estefan.

1995–1997: Formation and debut

In 1994, while performing with The Hollywood Hi-Tones at Universal Studios, Chris Kirkpatrick was introduced to Lou Pearlman, who had previously created the Backstreet Boys and was interested in backing a new vocal ensemble.[1] Pearlman agreed to finance Kirkpatrick’s venture provided he could assemble other singers.[2] Kirkpatrick located Justin Timberlake through a talent agency and reached out to him.

Following the conclusion of The All New Mickey Mouse Club, JC Chasez pursued a solo career but eventually returned home disheartened. During his return journey, he collaborated with Timberlake on demo recordings.[3] The pair relocated to Nashville to write songs alongside Robin Wiley, a vocal coach from the show.[3] Timberlake subsequently joined Kirkpatrick’s group and recommended Chasez as well.[3] In Orlando, Florida, they enlisted baritone Joey Fatone, known from Universal Studios and mutual acquaintances. After several auditions, Jason Galasso was added as bass vocalist.[3] The name NSYNC was inspired by a comment from Timberlake's mother about their "in sync" harmonies and also represents the last letter of each member’s first name: JustiN, ChriS, JoeY, JasoN, and JC.[4]

Shortly before finalizing their contract with Pearlman's Trans Continental Label, Galasso departed due to differing professional ambitions.[5] The group struggled to find a suitable bass replacement until Timberlake’s vocal coach recommended sixteen-year-old Lance Bass, who was quickly accepted.[6] This addition enabled them to retain the NSYNC moniker. Pearlman organized rehearsals in Orlando and arranged their initial public appearance at Pleasure Island on October 22, 1995. He also hired manager Johnny Wright, who was managing the Backstreet Boys at that time. After submitting a demo tape and performing for BMG executives, they secured a contract with BMG Ariola Munich despite reservations about the band’s name and Bass's early dancing abilities.[5]

Following their signing, NSYNC collaborated with Swedish producers Denniz Pop, Max Martin, and Andreas Carlsson. Their debut single "I Want You Back" was released in Germany on October 7, 1996 and climbed into the top ten by November.[7] They toured extensively across German-speaking regions before expanding into broader European and Asian markets.[3] Their first album NSYNC, released on May 26, 1997 in Germany reached number one shortly thereafter.[8] It rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe,[9] selling over 820,000 copies across Germany, Switzerland, Austria (GSA), and Eastern Europe.[10][11]

Their subsequent singles "Tearin' Up My Heart" and "Here We Go" achieved top ten rankings across various European countries.[12][13] Additionally, they released two singles exclusively in Germany: "For the Girl Who Has Everything" and "Together Again."[14][15]

1998–1999: Entering the U.S. Market and Legal Conflict with Pearlman

Following a performance in Budapest, NSYNC caught the attention of RCA Records A&R Vincent DeGiorgio and subsequently signed with RCA in 1998. The label directed them to produce new material specifically designed for the American audience. Their U.S. debut single, "I Want You Back," was released on December 29, 1997, and climbed to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group's self-titled album, N Sync, arrived on March 24, 1998, initially debuting at number 82 on the Billboard 200. After a Disney Channel concert special aired on July 18, 1998, album sales surged, propelling it to number nine within three weeks. The track "Tearin' Up My Heart" became a popular hit on pop radio and was later honored as one of VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the 90s." Extensive touring—including opening for Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope Tour—and numerous television appearances contributed to the album achieving diamond status with shipments exceeding 10 million copies.

On November 10, 1998, NSYNC released their holiday-themed album Home for Christmas, which reached number seven on the charts and sold two million copies. This accomplishment made them one of the few acts to have two albums simultaneously positioned in the Billboard Top 10. Shortly thereafter, they issued The Winter Album in Germany; from this release, the song "U Drive Me Crazy" attained a peak position of number four in Spain. Their third single from N Sync, "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You," hit number eight on the Hot 100 in February 1999; this track was later re-recorded by country band Alabama featuring NSYNC vocals. The final single from the album, "I Drive Myself Crazy," maintained a strong presence on MTV's Total Request Live. Additionally, NSYNC contributed "Trashin' The Camp" alongside Phil Collins for the Tarzan soundtrack and offered "Somewhere, Someday" for Pokémon: The First Movie. In September 1999, they collaborated with Gloria Estefan on "Music of My Heart" for her film soundtrack; this single peaked at number two on the Hot 100.

In 1999, NSYNC became embroiled in a legal dispute with Lou Pearlman concerning alleged deceptive business practices. They filed suit against Pearlman and his Trans Continental label, accusing them of withholding more than half of their earnings instead of providing the agreed-upon one-sixth share. When NSYNC threatened to sign with Jive Records, Pearlman and RCA retaliated by filing a $150 million countersuit to prevent their transition and block use of the NSYNC name or release of new recordings made that year. The lawsuit also charged Jive executives with encouraging breach of contract. Pearlman's motion for a preliminary injunction was denied by the court. By December 1999, both parties reached an out-of-court settlement permitting NSYNC to continue releasing music through Jive Records.

Also in 1999, NSYNC appeared in a comedic short film titled Armagedd'NSync during the MTV Movie & TV Awards. This parody featured an asteroid shaped like an asterisk—symbolizing their logo—and included appearances by Clint Howard, Lisa Kudrow, along with all five band members.

2000–2001: No Strings Attached and Unprecedented Achievements

Following resolution of their legal challenges, NSYNC concentrated efforts on their sophomore album. In January 2000, they unveiled "Bye Bye Bye", an energetic dance track that entered the top five of the Hot 100 and dominated the Hot 100 Airplay chart for five consecutive weeks, becoming synonymous with their identity.

Released on March 21, 2000, their album No Strings Attached shattered records by moving 2.42 million units in its initial week. By year-end, sales surpassed 9.9 million copies, crowning it as the best-selling album of 2000 and second only to The Beatles' 1 among U.S. albums sold during that decade. As of August 2012, it ranked eighth in SoundScan-era sales and received RIAA Diamond certification for exceeding 11 million units sold. It also held the distinction as Amazon.com's highest-selling pre-ordered album ever.

The follow-up single "It's Gonna Be Me" became NSYNC’s first chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reigning from July 29 through August 11, 2000. Their third release "This I Promise You" achieved top-five status and was performed in Spanish as "Yo Te Voy a Amar" at the 2001 Latin Grammy Awards.

NSYNC embarked on the No Strings Attached Tour in 2000; this tour was captured in an MTV special and subsequently issued on DVD. Its second leg took place in fall 2000 and culminated with a performance at "Rock in Rio" in early 2001. A home video titled Live From Madison Square Garden showcased their HBO concert special.

In early 2001, NSYNC co-headlined the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show, dubbed "The Kings of Rock and Pop," alongside Aerosmith with guest performances from Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly. They also performed at ceremonies during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

2001–2007: Celebrity, hiatus, Timberlake's departure, and breakup confirmation

The group's fourth studio album, Celebrity, was released on July 24, 2001, generating three singles: "Pop" (peaking at #19 in the US), "Gone" (#11), and "Girlfriend" (#5). This album marked a greater creative role for the members, who contributed to writing and producing multiple tracks.

Celebrity achieved first-week sales of 1,879,955 copies, ranking as the second-fastest-selling album in SoundScan history at that time, trailing only their previous release No Strings Attached. It earned a special Billboard Music Award recognizing the "biggest one-week sales for an album in 2001." To support the album, NSYNC embarked on the extensive four-month PopOdyssey Tour, which grossed over $90 million and became one of the top tours of 2001. Promotion continued into 2002 with the Celebrity Tour, which brought in close to $30 million.

Following these tours, the band entered an indefinite hiatus to provide members with personal time and accommodate Justin Timberlake’s solo ambitions. Although originally intended as a temporary break, it extended indefinitely; no further group tours occurred. Timberlake explained that his decision stemmed from a desire to concentrate on his individual music career.

Joey Fatone and Lance Bass have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the group's dissolution, leaving them unprepared for the split. Fatone voiced disappointment about waiting for reunions while engaging in other ventures such as Broadway productions. Bass disclosed that he passed on various opportunities out of loyalty to NSYNC, only to discover years later that insiders were aware the band had effectively ended.

Despite these challenges, NSYNC appeared together at various award ceremonies and special events, including a tribute at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards. Plans for a new album slated for 2003 never came to fruition. They also participated in charitable efforts like the 2004 NSYNC Challenge for the Children. According to Bass’ 2007 memoir Out of Sync, Timberlake formally communicated his exit during a meeting held in 2004.

In 2005, NSYNC reunited for what would be their final Challenge for the Children event but did not perform. Later that year, they released a greatest hits compilation, which included one previously unreleased track exclusive to the US market titled "I'll Never Stop". In 2007, while promoting his memoir, Bass publicly confirmed that the group had disbanded.

2010–present: Sporadic reunions, Walk of Fame star, "Better Place," and renewed hiatus

In January 2010, NSYNC issued The Collection, an album compiling singles released exclusively in the UK. On August 25, 2013, they briefly reunited for a one-time performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, delivering a medley of "Girlfriend" and "Bye Bye Bye" during Timberlake’s segment. Following this appearance, Bass clarified that there were no intentions for a reunion tour or new recordings.

On July 29, 2014, The Essential *NSYNC, featuring popular hits alongside unreleased material, was made available. The members expressed surprise and gratitude regarding its strong reception on platforms such as Amazon and iTunes. Additionally, Fatone and Kirkpatrick took part in Dead 7, a Syfy western zombie movie penned by Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter, which premiered in April 2016.

NSYNC was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30, 2018—an event marked by a notable reunion with all five members appearing together on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. On April 14, 2019, four members performed alongside Ariana Grande at Coachella; Timberlake was absent due to existing tour obligations. On April 19, 2021, Bass, Fatone, and Kirkpatrick reunited for a Progressive Insurance commercial titled "The 3/5ths of NSYNC."

After much speculation, all five members appeared collectively at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12 to present the Best Pop Award. Two days later they confirmed a new single entitled "Better Place" featured in the DreamWorks film Trolls Band Together. Released on September 29, 2023, the track quickly topped iTunes charts in both the US and Canada and reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. To support its release, NSYNC appeared on the YouTube interview show Hot Ones.

Joey Fatone suggested that depending on Timberlake’s participation and how well the single performs commercially, there is potential for a new album within two years. On March 13, 2024, NSYNC reunited once again during Timberlake’s One Night Only concert in Los Angeles where they debuted "Paradise," which was later included on Timberlake’s album Everything I Thought It Was. That same year saw renewed interest in "Bye Bye Bye" after it was featured in the Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine.

Regarding upcoming projects, Chasez stated in November 2024 that although members remain focused on individual careers, they continue to communicate regularly and are open to exploring future collaborations.

Artistry

Their first studio release, NSYNC (1997), was characterized by four-on-the-floor Europop rhythms and featured midtempo tracks like "I Want You Back" and "Tearin' Up My Heart," evoking a production style reminiscent of Ace of Base. The 2000 album No Strings Attached represented a departure from the gentler aspects of teen pop, integrating elements of new jack swing revival, energetic R&B, and hip-hop influences. This album also contained ballads penned by Richard Marx and Diane Warren. The lead track "Bye Bye Bye" marked a bold shift away from their previous "heartbroken" lyrical themes. Continuing this evolution, Celebrity (2001) maintained the pop and R&B blend while incorporating electronica influences.

Marketing

NSYNC extensively licensed their image for a wide array of merchandise including board games, microphones, lip balm, marionettes, books, keychains, bedding, apparel, and video games. In 2002, all five members were honored with wax figures at Madame Tussauds in New York. The band collaborated with prominent companies such as McDonald's, appearing in advertisements alongside Britney Spears and releasing a CD and video featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, they partnered with Chili's Grill & Bar, starring in commercials while Chili's served as a sponsor for their tour. A 2001 video game named *NSYNC: Get to the Show was launched by Infogrames for the Game Boy Color. In April 2018, NSYNC introduced a limited-time "Dirty Pop-Up" retail space on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, showcasing official merchandise collections.

Legacy

Entertainment Weekly named NSYNC the top boy band of both the 1990s and 2000s, with editor Madelne Boardman highlighting their enduring significance in pop culture history. The Washington Post recognized NSYNC as one of two dominant boy bands during the late 1990s and early 2000s. According to Billboard, No Strings Attached was the leading album of the 2000s decade, while The Independent included it among the era’s most defining records. Furthermore, Billboard placed NSYNC fourth in its ranking of the most successful boy bands from 1987 to 2012, underscoring their massive popularity despite a relatively brief career span.

For its twentieth anniversary, NPR’s Maria Sherman described No Strings Attached as emblematic of "the sound of a new millennium" and representing a commercial zenith before market changes following 9/11. She emphasized how the album fused Swedish pop precision with R&B and hip-hop influences, noting its continued relevance within the 2020 pop landscape. Billboard credited the album’s production for initiating a transformation in pop music’s soundscape by pioneering collaborations with R&B artists that later became commonplace. Writer Al Shipley pointed out NSYNC’s theme of artistic autonomy—illustrated by both the album artwork and the "Bye Bye Bye" music video—which contributed to their dominance in the boy band genre.

An article from Stereogum highlighted NSYNC’s profound connection with MTV’s TRL, where they held more number-one videos than any other group, becoming an integral part of American youth culture at that time. While NSYNC launched Justin Timberlake’s successful solo career—a rarity among boy bands—other groups found it challenging to produce solo stars, according to Consequence. Their influence extends to artists such as Kelsea Ballerini, Selena Gomez, Meghan Trainor, and Why Don't We. Hayley Williams has credited NSYNC with teaching her harmonies during her formative years. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift described NSYNC as "pop personified" when accepting their Best Pop Award.

Awards and nominations

NSYNC received nine Grammy Awards nominations and secured victories in three American Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. Between 2000 and 2015, they held the Guinness World Record for the "Fastest-selling pop album in US History." Their album continues to rank as the second quickest-selling in the United States and fifth globally. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, NSYNC earned a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media with their track "Better Place."

Former members

Studio albums

Concert films

  • NSYNC: Live From Madison Square Garden (2000) (Legacy Studio Recordings)
  • NSYNC: Bigger Than Live (2001)
  • NSYNC: Pop Odyssey Live (2002)

Documentaries

  • NSYNC: N the Mix (The Official Home Video) (1998) / NSYNC: N the Mix (The Official Home DVD) (1999) (RCA Records)
  • NSYNC: Making the Tour (2000) (Jive)
  • The Reel NSYNC (2002) (Trauma Records)
  • NSYNC's Challenge for The Children: Daze vs Knights (2003)

Compilation

  • NSYNC: Most Requested Hit Videos (2002) (Sony Legacy)

Movies

TV specials

  • NSYNC In Concert (1998); recorded at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Disney Channel in Concert
  • Holidays In Concert (1998); included selections from Home for Christmas and their debut release
  • NSYNC 'N Concert (1999); pay-per-view event during Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now Tour in Florida
  • Walt Disney World Summer Jam Concert (1999); shared stage with Britney Spears, Tyrese Gibson, and 98 Degrees
  • NSYNC: Live From Madison Square Garden (2000); HBO special during No Strings Attached Tour
  • Walt Disney World Twas The Night Before Christmas (2000); performed alongside 98 Degrees, Monica, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, and others
  • NSYNC Ntimate Holiday Special (2000); FOX Christmas special featuring tracks from No Strings Attached, soundtrack songs, and Home for Christmas
  • NSYNC: The Road to Celebrity (2001); MTV preview special showcasing songs from Celebrity
  • NSYNC: Live From Atlantis (2001); CBS Thanksgiving concert with guest Tim McGraw

Guest appearances on TV shows

Tours

Main Performances

Opening Act

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