NSYNC: Did You Know?
NSYNC: Fun Facts & Untold Stories About the Iconic Boy Band
Long before streaming, TikTok dances, and viral hits, there was NSYNC—one of the most iconic boy bands of the late '90s and early 2000s. With their slick choreography, unforgettable harmonies, and catchy pop anthems, NSYNC captivated fans across the globe. While many people remember their chart-topping singles like "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me," there are plenty of fun facts and untold stories about this legendary group that even the most dedicated fans might not know.
Here’s a look at some lesser-known facts and stories from the NSYNC journey that helped shape their legacy.
1. NSYNC Was Almost Called Something Else
Before settling on the name "NSYNC," the group went through a few potential names. One of the ideas was "Band of Brothers," but that was quickly dismissed. The name "NSYNC" came from Justin Timberlake’s mother, who noticed that the last letters of each member's first name spelled out the word "NSYNC."
Justin -> N
Chris -> S
Joey -> Y
Lance -> N
JC -> C
Fun Fact: Lance Bass's real first name is James, but to make the name NSYNC work, he went by "Lance" to fit the acronym. This name stuck with him throughout his career.
2. They Were Initially Rejected by U.S. Labels
Despite their massive success, NSYNC didn’t catch on in the U.S. right away. When they first started, they were largely ignored by American record labels, forcing the group to head overseas. They found their first major success in Germany, where their debut album sold extremely well. The band quickly gained a European fanbase before making their way back to the States.
Fun Fact: It wasn’t until their single "I Want You Back" gained momentum in Europe that U.S. labels started to take notice. When they returned to the U.S., the song was released domestically, and their career skyrocketed.
3. Lance Bass Almost Didn’t Make the Group
When NSYNC was originally formed, it consisted of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and a fifth member who wasn’t Lance Bass. The original fifth member, Jason Galasso, dropped out of the group just before they were set to record their first demo because he didn’t want to be in a boy band.
The group scrambled to find a replacement, and they called in Lance Bass. Lance’s vocal coach from Mississippi had worked with Justin Timberlake’s vocal coach, and that connection led to his invitation to join NSYNC.
Fun Fact: Lance was nicknamed "Lansten" by the group to keep the acronym "NSYNC" intact after Jason left.
4. NSYNC Had an Intense Rivalry with Backstreet Boys
The late '90s were defined by the boy band phenomenon, and at the heart of it was the legendary rivalry between NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. What fans might not realize is that this competition ran deeper than just chart battles. Both bands were signed to the same management company, led by Lou Pearlman, who profited from their rivalry.
The Backstreet Boys had debuted first, which led to some tension when NSYNC began rising in popularity. Backstreet Boys even accused NSYNC of copying their moves, music style, and image. Despite the public tension, members of both bands have since revealed that they got along well behind the scenes.
Fun Fact: NSYNC and Backstreet Boys were often marketed as competitors, but JC Chasez revealed that they were actually friends. The rivalry was largely fueled by media and management to boost album sales and create fan drama.
5. NSYNC Performed at the Olympics and the Super Bowl
NSYNC performed at two of the biggest global events in entertainment—the 2000 Summer Olympics and the Super Bowl. In 2000, they performed at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics alongside Gloria Estefan and Phil Collins. A year later, they headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXV, performing with Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige.
Fun Fact: Their Super Bowl performance is still remembered for blending pop and rock, with Justin Timberlake famously trading vocals with Steven Tyler during Aerosmith’s "Walk This Way."
6. They Were the First Boy Band to Sell Over 2 Million Albums in a Week
In 2000, NSYNC released their second album, No Strings Attached, which became a pop culture phenomenon. The album sold a staggering 2.4 million copies in its first week, setting a record for the most albums sold in a single week—a record that stood until Adele broke it in 2015 with 25.
The title of the album was a nod to the group's newfound freedom after breaking away from their controversial contract with Lou Pearlman. The album's concept of cutting the strings symbolized their newfound independence.
Fun Fact: The iconic "Bye Bye Bye" choreography, featuring the marionette strings, became one of the most recognizable dance routines in pop history, symbolizing the group breaking free from their past struggles with Pearlman.
7. Lance Bass Trained to Go to Space
One of the most unusual stories from NSYNC’s history involves Lance Bass’s ambitious plan to travel to space. In 2002, after the group went on hiatus, Lance trained to become a cosmonaut with the Russian Space Program. He even went through rigorous training in Russia and was scheduled to fly on a mission to the International Space Station.
Unfortunately, the trip fell through due to a lack of funding, but Lance’s commitment to the idea was serious. He later published a book titled Out of Sync, which detailed his journey from pop stardom to space training.
Fun Fact: Lance remains the only boy band member to have seriously pursued a career in space travel, proving that his interests reach far beyond music.
8. NSYNC Never Officially Broke Up
Despite going on an indefinite hiatus in 2002, NSYNC never officially announced their breakup. After the release of Celebrity and their subsequent tour, the group decided to take some time off to pursue solo projects, most notably Justin Timberlake’s solo career. However, fans always held out hope for a reunion.
The group briefly reunited in 2013 for a special performance at the MTV Video Music Awards when Justin Timberlake received the Video Vanguard Award. While the reunion was brief, it thrilled fans and sparked renewed interest in the possibility of a comeback.
Fun Fact: To this day, the group hasn’t ruled out a potential reunion. While Justin Timberlake’s solo career has flourished, the other members have remained open to the idea of getting back together for future performances.
The Legacy of NSYNC
NSYNC’s story is filled with unexpected twists, historic milestones, and a deep connection with their fans. From their humble beginnings in Europe to selling millions of records and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, the group left an indelible mark on pop culture. Despite their rivalry with Backstreet Boys and the struggles behind the scenes, NSYNC continues to be remembered for their infectious music, iconic choreography, and the way they defined an era in pop music.
While they may have never officially said goodbye, the impact of NSYNC is still felt today, with their music continuing to inspire fans and artists alike.
One of NSYNC’s most iconic lines comes from their hit song Bye Bye Bye:
"I loved you endlessly, but you weren't there for me, so now it's time to leave and make it alone."
This line encapsulates the breakup theme of the song, which became a pop anthem for moving on from toxic relationships. The song’s message, combined with its infectious beat and unforgettable choreography, made it a defining moment in late '90s and early 2000s pop music.
Another memorable line comes from their hit This I Promise You:
"And I will take you in my arms, and hold you right where you belong."
This ballad showcases NSYNC’s softer side and their ability to create deeply emotional and romantic lyrics, which is why it remains one of their most beloved songs. These lines highlight their versatility, going from upbeat anthems to heartfelt ballads.