Lance: We're getting closer to an ’NSync reunion!
www.intouchweekly.com11.26.08
Good news ’NSync fans. A reunion appears to be imminent. Lance Bass tells In Touch, “It’s a definite possibility. We are like brothers — it’s perfect.” Lance says that following his Dancing With the Stars appearance, where he and partner Lacey Schwimmer finished third, “There are so many crazy doors opening. There is talk of putting an album together next year, but I would much rather do it with ’NSync. So we are going to be talking about that.”
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:54
JC mentioning who's on his speed dial
www.foxnews.com11.26.08
Speaking of the former N’Sync sensation, Chasez told Tarts that he still has former bandmates Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass as well as "Mouseketeer" co-star Britney Spears on the speed dial.
"I talk to everybody, I’m friends with everybody, I’m not a stressful guy," he insisted.
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:52
'NSYNC's Joey Fatone Hosts Opening Of Public Restroom In NYC
www.mtv.com11.24.08
NEW YORK — Back when he was a member of 'NYSNC, Joey Fatone used to shut down Times Square when he'd appear on "TRL."
Now, he's opening a public bathroom in Times Square. But at least he's got a sense of humor — potty humor — about the whole thing.
"Well, everybody has to go sometime, and why not in the middle of Times Square?" he joked to MTV News at the third annual launch of the Charmin Restrooms on Monday (November 24). "That's the thing they asked me: 'Wanna be king of the throne?' I said, Why not?' "
Fatone also got the opportunity to design a stall of his own, opting for a concert-like setting, complete with disco lights and music. "My one is kind of like a rock-and-roll, being-onstage kind of thing," he explained. "You got the lights, a fog machine. It's pretty funny. The feel of it is being in a concert, and basically you're onstage and either you can do one song or two — there's the potty humor!" he laughed. "I know. It's coming. It happens."
Fatone also joked around about the possibility of his former bandmate Lance Bass winning "Dancing With the Stars." Back in 2007, Fatone took second place. If Bass wins, the only thing Fatone will say is, " 'You beat me, you bonehead!' "
"I wish him all the luck," he added. "It's going to be a close call. Plus, I have my old dance partner Kym, who's also in the finals, so that's a tough decision. I like both of them, but obviously Lance is the celebrity. He's really come out of his shell with a lot of things as far as stepping up to a lot of the dances. At first I know he was really nervous about it, because people kept saying he was the worst dancer. It wasn't he was the worst dancer ... [but] now he's getting it."
Bass recently said he'd love to get the band back together, and Fatone thinks it can happen once the guys take a minute or two to discuss their options for a reunion. "There's always a time and a place," he said. "There was a time and a place for [New Kids on the Block] and it was, like, 15 years later. Who knows? Everybody is doing different things. ... So it's interesting. It's like when do we say the five of us need to get together: Are we going to do it [or] are we not going to do it?"
"I've talked to everybody," he added. "I think I'm the only one who talks to everybody. I talked to Justin. I was with him in Italy for a wedding. I talked to JC like every other day and I talk to Lance every other day. I see Chris 'cause we live in Orlando."
Despite his success with 'NSYNC, Fatone said the only time he's been a celebrity to his Miley Cyrus-loving daughter was when he made an appearance on "Hannah Montana."
"It was interesting when I did an episode on 'Hannah Montana,' it was pretty funny," he said. "At first it was like ' 'NYSNC, what?' [My daughter] and her friends didn't care. But now that I did 'Hannah Montana' it's a different story. I'm awesome."
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:46
A Good National Anthem
bleacherreport.com11.20.08
After several debacles that music artists refer to as a "rendition of the National Anthem," I am happy to see somebody sing it as it should be. It sickens me that these famous, or worse, wannabe famous, artists use the national anthem as a time to showcase their diverse voice, and throw added elements into a song that is dear to this country.
This song is this country's, not some pop star's to be ad-libbed and taken apart. "The bombs bursting in air" took place over 200 years ago so that we would have the freedom to do things such as watch our favorite sports teams.
For the purpose of sticking to a simple point and keeping this brief, I want to personally send out a thank you to Chris Kirkpatrick for singing the national anthem as it is meant to be.
He opened the Thursday night NFL game between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh; he did it with feeling, and he did it selflessly. No, I have never been an N' Sync fan, but I certainly have a new found respect for one of its members.
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:37
Justin Timberlake Releases New Single 'Follow My Lead,' Featuring Esmee Denters
www.mtv.com11.18.08
It's not a new album, but it looks like we'll have to stop teasing Justin Timberlake for being lazy. JT's new single, "Follow My Lead," debuted on MySpace Music on Tuesday (November 18). The tune is a fundraiser for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and it features vocals from the first signing to Timberlake's Tennman Records, Internet sensation Esmée Denters, who appeared with her new boss at a "Total Finale Live" on Sunday night.
The funky track was recorded live at the recent Justin Timberlake and Friends concert benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children. It opens with a rap-style intro from Timberlake, followed by Denters' powerful Rihanna-meets-Beyoncé-style vocals. Timberlake pitches in on the empowering chorus, "Listen to me/ Love is a song/ I'll be the melody/ You be my drum/ Follow my lead, we'll go where no one goes."
Timberlake shakes off the rust mid-song as well, reprising his opening verse: "Hands up, I show you what I do, I got my stance up/ Everybody knows this is the anthem/ Everybody knows this is the anthem," over a funky live drumbeat and snaky keyboard line.
The tune is currently available for purchase for 99 cents, but MySpace Music users can also add it to their playlist for free.
Timberlake, who hasn't released a new album since 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds, has been creeping back into the spotlight recently. He gave a rave-worthy pair of cameos on last weekend's "Saturday Night Live," can currently be heard in a guest spot on T-Pain's remix of "Can't Believe It" and appears in the video for Rihanna's "Rehab," which he co-wrote. He also recently took the stage with Madonna in Los Angeles, though the night ended without him collaborating with his ex, Britney Spears, who also appeared at the gig.
A spokesperson for Timberlake said he's not currently working on a solo record but is in the studio writing and producing songs for Denters as well as Tennman Records artists Matt Morris, Free Sol and Brenda Radney.
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:33
Lance Bass Says 'NSYNC, Astronaut Past Don't Give Him An Edge On 'Dancing With The St
www.mtv.com11.18.08
Lance Bass cannot believe he is one of the four remaining celebrities in the running to win the seventh season of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." Sure, he spent a good part of his early career dancing in 'NSYNC, but Bass insists that his previous training didn't give him an advantage on the show.
"I can't believe we're still standing, but everyone is so good this season. These next few weeks are going to be insane," he told MTV News during rehearsals with his partner, "So You Think You Can Dance" alumna Lacey Schwimmer. "These judges are so wishy-washy. ... This season they're really hard-core, but I think it's to bump you to the next level. They're just pushing us to be better.
"My 'NSYNC training has not helped me at all for 'DWTS,' " Bass declared, though he's following in the footsteps of other ex-boy-banders turned accomplished "DWTS" contestants Drew Lachey, Joey McIntyre and Joey Fatone. "With 'NSYNC — I was going to say, 'It's all hip-hop,' [though] it didn't look like hip-hop. I've had a lot of hip-hop training, but with ballroom, it's more posture and lines. ... I'm more ghetto, and ballroom is more vanilla. I've had to learn how to be vanilla."
Bass also did some training to go into space, before his mission failed in 2002. Did any of that come in handy for the dance competition? "I don't know how much it helped me for 'DWTS,' " he said. "The physical training has definitely helped me, 'cause I'm used to all the cardio that we're doing, but we put in crazy hours in the studio."
Of course, Bass has also gotten some help from his 'NSYNC pal Fatone, who competed in the fourth season of "DWTS." "Joey has given me some good advice. I'll take all the advice I can get. I usually don't listen to Joey," he joked, "but in this case, I do. He came in second place, so he's one you listen to."
At the end of the day, though, Bass is continually surprised by the accomplishments he's making as a dancer on the show. And, he's not ashamed to admit it. "I watch on TiVo, and I think, 'Who is that guy?' " he said. "I'm impressed with myself, 'cause for that one moment, I looked damn good."
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:27
Justin Timberlake: "I'm Not Sure" I Want Kids
usmagazine.com11.14.08
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are going strong - but kids may not be in their future.
When asked if he'd like to have children at the Keep a Child Alive ball in NYC Thursday, Timberlake said: "I'm not sure."
Timberlake has been an advocate for kids' charities. In addition to last night's event, he hosted a golf tournament to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children last month.
So have American Idol producers asked him to perform on their annual Idol Gives Back special?
"I haven't been invited," he said.
But, he's not a fan of the show anyway: "I don't watch a lot of television," he admitted.
Instead, the singer is focusing on his move to NYC. He and Biel (who moved into his six-bedroom L.A. home this summer) are close to closing on an apartment in the Pearline Soap Factory building in the exclusive Tribeca neighborhood. A source tells Us they may even combine two floors!
"It's the greatest city in the world!" he told reporters of his choice to relocate to the Big Apple.
"It's good for everything," he added. "It's good for food, there's some good fashion, there's mostly good weather except for today and it's the realest city in America."
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 21:11
Justin Timberlake's NY restaurant sued over wages
www.reuters.com11.14.08
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pop star Justin Timberlake's New York restaurant has cheated staff out of tips, proper pay and overtime, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday.
A busboy who worked at the restaurant for a year from June 2007 filed the suit on behalf of 50 other employees. It accuses Timberlake, two of his business partners and managers of Southern Hospitality BBQ restaurant in Manhattan of stealing tips and not paying the minimum wage or overtime.
It was the latest suit to be filed by workers over wages against New York restaurants and clubs, with businesses owned by actor Robert De Niro and hip hop star Jay Z also hit by legal action.
The suit, filed in Manhattan federal court, seeks unspecified damages. It also names Timberlake's business partners Eytan Sugarman and Trace Ayala as fellow owners and as running the operations of the BBQ eatery.
Among those named in other suits are celebrity haunt Pastis; three New York restaurants co-owned by actor Robert De Niro in the global Nobu chain; Jean Georges -- which has three Michelin stars -- and other restaurants owned by French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; and Jay Z's 40/40 Club.
Earlier this year, Vongerichten agreed to pay $1.75 million to eight waiters who filed suit on behalf of all staff at Jean Georges and four of his other New York restaurants.
Southern Hospitality did not return a call seeking comment.
(Reporting by Christine Kearney; Editing by Michelle Nichols and Peter Cooney)
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 20:57
Justin Timberlake Jumps On T-Pain's 'Can't Believe It' Remix
www.mtv.com11.10.08
T-Pain says he can't believe what just happened to his hit record "Can't Believe It." Justin Timberlake jumped on the remix.
"We actually met, like, six months ago. I was at the studio in Miami working on my album, and he was in the room next door," Pain told MTV News via text message on Friday. "He came to my room, and I played him some records from the album, and he said 'Can't Believe It' was his favorite song I ever did. I was shocked."
Pain started laughing — he literally typed "Pain laughs" — at how everything unfolded.
"So knowing that [Justin loved the record], I wanted him on the record since that day," the Florida singer continued. "But it never happened until [last] week. I got a call that said, 'Hey, Justin hopped on "Can't Believe It." ' It's just awesome when someone who don't ever do remixes with anyone hopped on my song out of every hot record out there. I never expected it to happen. That's some real sh--. I just called him to tell him thank you!"
The beat for the new "Can't Believe It" has been changed up some, and original guest star Lil Wayne is replaced by JT, whose lyrics fall in line with Pain's words about wooing women.
"Hey, Pain, I don't normally do this, but let me talk to them for a second," Justin says before singing. "I can see you smiling, standing on your own island/ Girl it ain't nothing to your man to give you all the things in life you missed/ Priceless." And, yes, Timberlake does use the famed Auto-Tune effect during some parts.
"I can put you in a townhouse/ I can put you in my house," Justin sings later. "I'm talking about Timberlake, yeah/ We can have the wedding in Jamaica .../ Your love is built like a drug, and I don't want to be sober."
T-Pain had previously released a Konvict Muzik remix of "Can't Believe It" with labelmates Akon and Kardinal Offishall. At the end of the new remix, Pain declares that "Auto-Tune is almost on the way out."
Pain's Thr33 Ringz comes out on Tuesday. Guests on the album include Chris Brown on "Freeze" and Mary J. Blige, Diddy and Akon on "Change." Akon also appears alongside T.I. on "It Ain't Me." Ciara is featured on "Blowing Up."
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 20:51
From ’N Sync to in the Swing
www.nytimes.com11.08.08
Justin Timberlake was in Grand Central Terminal on Friday hitting golf balls off a tee to promote Callaway’s new FT-iQ driver. A 27-year-old Grammy and Emmy Award winner and former member of ’N Sync, he plays golf to a 6 handicap and is building a course in Memphis, his hometown. Timberlake also hosted a PGA Tour event last month, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
WHEN DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN PLAYING GOLF? I first got into the game as a 10-year-old growing up in Memphis. My stepfather, Paul Harless, is a pretty good golfer, and he would often take me to a nearby course to hit balls. As my life got busier, I found the golf course to be a great escape, a great way to be away from all the madness of press agents, BlackBerrys and cellphones that never stop ringing.
WHAT IS THE BEST COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED? Augusta, no doubt. That’s where they play the Masters. It’s just a kind of magical place. The course, however, is not as intimidating as I thought it might be.
WHO ARE YOUR GOLF BUDDIES? My biggest golf buddy is probably my stepfather. That’s another great thing about the game: it gives us a chance to spend some quality time. Most of the Hollywood types that I know are not very good golfers.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE GOLFERS? Tiger Woods, of course, but I love Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. I would have to say that my favorite golfer of all time is Fred Couples. I just love the tempo of his swing. When he drives through the ball, it’s like he’s not even swinging.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU BUDGET FOR PLAYING GOLF? I get in about one or two rounds a week. I take my clubs everywhere. I love going on a nine-hole vacation, and those 18-hole vacations, with just me and my clubs, man, that’s twice as much fun.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY? I love Memphis, of course, but I also love New York. The city has a lot of soul. It’s real, there’s nothing fake about it.
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION? I loved it. It turned out just fine for me. I thought Barack Obama’s speech that night was extremely overpowering; it almost brought me to tears.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS INTERVIEW? I’m going down to Chelsea Piers, where it will be quiet without all the microphones and cameras, and I’m just going to hit a few more balls.
Comments (0) 02.07.2009. 20:41