Justin Timberlake sent fans into a frenzy when he teased an upcoming musical reunion with his NSYNC bandmates on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ this week.
However, sources close to JT’s label – who are going guns blazing promoting his new solo album – are pumping the brakes on the buzz.
Full story below…
Citing a source close to developments, TMZ reports that there are no plans in place for a new NSYNC album or any kind of reunion venture.
Instead, it’s claimed that what Timberlake was actually hinting at is his bandmates joining him on his forthcoming LP ‘Everything I Thought It Was’ (due March 15).
Upon briefly re-teaming for the song ‘Better Place’ for the ‘Trolls Band Together’ soundtrack, JT is said to have invited his bandmates JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick to lay down…background vocals. On…one song.
The insider stresses that Timberlake’s focus is his own LP and forthcoming trek, ‘The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.’
Per the source, there are said to be concerns at the label about the slow performance of the 42-year-old’s current single ‘Selfish.’
Indeed, it’s claimed that the feeling is that fans may essentially be holding back in hopes of the teased NSYNC reunion rather than diving into what’s on offer in the here-and-now from JT solo.
Word is that the label, which is also the group’s home base, is as buzzed as fans are about the prospect of an NSYNC return… at some point. However, it’s stressed that any such reunion would be anchored in NSYNC’s sound and, true to their format, see the lead vocals shared between Timberlake and Chasez. As was always the formula during their heyday.
Until then, it appears to be Timberlake season.
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Hmm.
Surely, we’re not alone in thinking that there are many more reasons – beyond a potential NSYNC reunion – why Justin’s single may not be blazing out of the gate?
As reported, the Britney Spears fans aren’t letting up on their charge (even if she seems to be herself).
Not to mention the renewed fury around Janet Jackson‘s unfair treatment in the wake of their Super Bowl mishap; something Justin’s (arguably) ill-advised embrace of a solo headlining slot in 2018 brought back to public discourse in a major way. His 2021 apology didn’t really work in shifting things back in his favor either.
Then there is the mass applicable wear and tear of remaining commercially “hot” in a rapidly evolving climate. Even for the acts successfully pulling it off, it’s no easy feat.
Still, despite a number of clear hurdles in Mr. Timberlake’s way, we don’t see it as all doom and gloom.
Early buzz around his tour intimates he could be in for a solid performance at the box office. And, based on his lengthy tenure in the game, surely album sales (over single sales) would (and should) naturally be the focus anyway?
From our vantage point, the real time to worry and attempt to spin the narrative (which is kind of what this “people want NSYNC, hence why Justin’s single isn’t moving” angle presents as) is if the album doesn’t move the needle.
We shall see. In the here and now, what are…