Questions
When and where did NSYNC form?
NSYNC was formed in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, put together by Chris Kirkpatrick.
How did the group get its name?
The name reportedly came from Justin Timberlake’s mother Lynn, who remarked how "in sync" the members’ voices were. It also plays on the last letters of the original members’ first names: JustiN, ChriS, JoeY, JasoN, and JC.
Who are the members of NSYNC?
The classic lineup is Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass. Bass replaced Jason Galasso, who left early on.
What was their first big single?
"I Want You Back" was released in Germany in October 1996, as the group broke through in Europe before the United States.
How did their US debut album do at first?
Their US debut album arrived in March 1998 and started slowly at number 82, then climbed to number 9 after a Disney Channel special boosted their profile.
What record did No Strings Attached set?
The 2000 album No Strings Attached sold 2.42 million copies in its first week, a record that stood for more than 15 years and earned a Guinness World Record as the fastest-selling pop album in US history.
What does the album title No Strings Attached refer to?
The title reflected the group’s newfound freedom after their legal split from manager Lou Pearlman, playing on the idea of puppet strings being cut.
What happened with manager Lou Pearlman?
In 1999 NSYNC sued Pearlman and his Trans Continental label, alleging he was defrauding the group of more than half their earnings. Pearlman and RCA countersued for 150 million dollars, and the group settled out of court in December 1999, freeing them to sign with Jive Records.
What is their signature song?
"Bye Bye Bye" from 2000 became their signature hit, though "It’s Gonna Be Me" was actually their first number one single on the US chart that summer.
How many records has NSYNC sold?
The group has sold over 70 million records worldwide, and No Strings Attached was ranked the number one album of the entire 2000s decade.
Did NSYNC ever play the Super Bowl?
Yes. They performed at the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show in 2001 alongside Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly.
Why did NSYNC break up?
After finishing their Celebrity tour in 2002, the group went on an "indefinite hiatus" so Justin Timberlake could pursue a solo career. Lance Bass’s 2007 memoir later confirmed the band had quietly split for good.
Have they reunited?
They reunited for a one-off at the 2013 MTV VMAs with Timberlake, and in 2018 they received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. In 2019 four members performed at Coachella with Ariana Grande.
Have NSYNC released any new music recently?
Yes. In 2023 they released "Better Place" for the DreamWorks film Trolls Band Together, and in 2024 they appeared on Timberlake’s album with the track "Paradise."
What is NSYNC’s legacy?
Entertainment Weekly ranked them the best boy band of the 1990s and 2000s, and artists including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Hayley Williams have cited them as an influence.
