WARNING: This post may be triggering for NSYNC fans.

Every since the 2023 VMAs, NSYNC and Justin Timberlake (JT) have been back in the limelight. And – of course – I continue to ask – WHY?? Because, if you have read this blog before – you know where I stand. Almost every other boyband is FAR FAR superior.

But I am an open minded person – I am willing to have a conversation about NSYNC and JT. But here are some of THE FACTS as I see them.

THE NSYNC BREAKUP – WHAT HAPPENED? Back in 2002, NSYNC (Justin, JC, Lance, Joey and Chris) did the all too familiar “indefinite hiatus”. Of course, all NSYNC fans (and probably 4 of the 5 members of the band) fully expected the band to get back together and make new music. But of course, as we know now, JT had different plans and left the band in 2004. And while other boybands have gotten back together, despite a member leaving (O-Town, BSB, Westlife and 5ive), NSYNC couldn’t do it. WHY?? Because as I’ve said before, NSYNC is four backup dancers and JT. No JT = no NSYNC.

FIRST REUNION ATTEMPT: You may remember, waaaaaay back in 2013, NSYNC teased the idea of a reunion by doing a medley at the MTV Video Music Awards. But please remember, this medley was also as part of a segment TO CELEBRATE JT! It was very clear at this reunion that JT already had a big ego, and was too good for the rest of the gang. We also had just come off of JC’s failed solo album and he was DESPERATE to get back on that stage (the “baby baby baby” riff at the end says it all). Yikes.

JT’S SOLOS AND DECLINING APPEAL: As we know, post NSYNC break up, JT went on to dominate pop culture. His first album, Justified, was FIRE (even for me). BUT, over the last few years, things have changed. He took several long breaks between albums that got progressively worse and worse (2018’s Man of the Woods, yikes!).

JT has has also faced criticism for some of his actions as an early solo star (Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction that cost Janet Jackson her career and the Britney Spears tell-all book backlash). The blowback from both these women has been focused on JT (very rightfully so) and he has issued a public apology to both women – but for me it is too little too late.

And then there was the Beat Ya Feet dance. It’s giving vice principal doing a river dance vibes. Could JT be in need of a “change of tune” and some more positive publicity? Probably.

THE VMAS: And that brings us to the VMAs – the moment when all NSYNCers lost their minds as the group came out and announced their first new song in 22 years, A better place. But then their was the behind the scenes video, where it was made very clear AGAIN, that this was just Chris, Joey, Lance and JC joining in on JTs song. JT seems like he is doing everyone a HUGE favour by letting them be on the song: “I would be honored to have the group on this song”.😒

SELFISH: And now, JT has paused his tour to release yet another comeback single Selfish. But in an act of pop trolling, fellow Britney Spears stans have decided to drive her 13-year-old song Selfish up the charts at the same time. It all started as a joke, but the Britney single might be posed to do better than JTs! LOVE IT!

Now this weekend JT will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live and trying to make his comeback – but does anyone still care??