History
*NSYNC (often stylized as 'N Sync) was one of the most successful pop acts of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Formed in Orlando, Florida, in 1995, the group consisted of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass. The quintet was initially signed in Germany by BMG Ariola Munich, where they built a massive European following before finding success in their home country.
Formation and International Breakthrough
The group’s self-titled debut album was first released in Europe in 1997. It wasn't until the following year that they made a significant impact on the American market with the single "I Want You Back." Their blend of tight vocal harmonies and synchronized dance choreography quickly established them as a leading force in the teen pop explosion of the era.
Record-Breaking Success and Legal Battles
Following a highly publicized legal battle with their former manager Lou Pearlman and Bertelsmann Music Group, *NSYNC signed with Jive Records. This transition led to the release of their second studio album, No Strings Attached, in 2000. The album set a massive industry record by selling over one million copies in a single day and 2.42 million copies in its first week—a milestone that remained unsurpassed for fifteen years.
Their third studio album, Celebrity (2001), continued this commercial dominance, debuting with 1.8 million copies sold in its opening week. Both of the group's first two albums were eventually certified Diamond by the RIAA. During this peak, *NSYNC produced a string of international hits, including "Bye Bye Bye," "This I Promise You," "Girlfriend," and "Pop." Their single "It's Gonna Be Me" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Cultural Impact and Collaborations
Beyond chart success, *NSYNC became a staple of global entertainment. They performed at major events such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the Olympic Games. The group also collaborated or performed with a diverse range of legendary artists, including Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Phil Collins, Celine Dion, and Mary J. Blige. To date, the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide and earned eight Grammy Award nominations.
Hiatus and Recent Activity
The group began an indefinite hiatus in 2002, allowing the members to pursue solo ventures, most notably Justin Timberlake’s highly successful career in music and film. While the band remained largely inactive for two decades, they reunited for special occasions, such as a performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and the unveiling of their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
In 2023, the original lineup returned to the studio to record "Better Place" for the Trolls Band Together soundtrack. This marked their first new musical release in over 20 years, signaling a significant moment for a group often cited as one of the best-selling boy bands in music history.
