A spokeswoman for Jive Records said tabloid reports that Spears had accepted a marriage proposal from US boy group member Timberlake were "rubbish".

She added that Spears would deny suggestions that she and Timberlake were engaged in an interview for the ITV show Rich and Famous, to be aired next week.

On Friday, papers including the Sun, the Mirror and London's Evening Standard, reported that Spears, 19, had accepted a marriage proposal more than a month ago.

The couple were reported to have been in the middle of a recording session for the couple's new duet when Timberlake, 20, popped the question.

If true, the news would be a big upset to the millions of male fans of the singer - whose hits include Oops I Did It Again and Baby, One More Time.

It could also be a blow to Spears' young female followers, many of whom look up to Spears - a self-proclaimed virgin - as a role model of female independence.

Hoax

But the Jive Records spokeswoman assured BBC News Online that there was no truth in the stories.

"These rumours have been around for a number of weeks, and began when they were seen to be wearing matching diamond rings," said the spokeswoman.

"They have already said that they bought the rings purely as a mark of 'friendship'."

Spears and Timberlake were recently the subject of hoax reports that they had been involved in a car accident.

Two disc jockeys in Dallas sparked a panic among fans by reporting that Spears had died and Timberlake was in a coma.

The reports were quickly denied by Spears' record label. The DJs from radio station KEGL were dismissed.

Spears and Timberlake have officially been going out for about a year.

But they first met each other on US TV show the Mickey Mouse Club in the early 90s.

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But 'NSYNC may have made the biggest impact, grabbing four awards, all of them during the televised portion of the ceremony, and helping Michael Jackson make his long-awaited return to the stage.

Fatboy Slim and Spike Jonze — who cleaned up at the 1999 VMAs with their "Praise You" clip — walked away from Thursday night's ceremony at New York's Metropolitan Opera House also holding statuettes for Best Dance Video, Best Choreography in a Video, Best Art Direction in a Video and Best Cinematography in a Video. For the night's big winner, Fatboy Slim was strangely camera shy. All but the award for Best Direction in a Video were doled out before the televised portion of the show began, and even when the artist also known as Norman Cook did make it to the stage, it was Spike Jonze to whom the award was actually presented, with Cook and the video's dancing star, Christopher Walken, supporting the director from the side of the podium.

Despite all the early wins, the oddly humorous clip was overlooked for Video of the Year honors, as the night's most coveted prize went instead to Lil' Kim, Christina Aguilera, Pink and Mya for their "Lady Marmalade" clip. The "Moulin Rouge"-inspired video also scored Best Video From a Film honors.

The VMAs aren't only about the final scorecard, however. While it's certainly an accomplishment to walk away with the most trophies, it's the memorable moments that truly land one in the annals of VMA history.

Host Jamie Foxx opened the show with a pseudo-operatic medley lampooning the sophisticated surroundings of the Metropolitan Opera House. It included soaring renditions of Britney Spears' "Oops! ... I Did It Again" and Jay-Z's "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," among others. Riffing off last year's unexpected display by Rage Against the Machine's Tim Commerford, "Saturday Night Live"'s Will Ferrell climbed the stage scaffolding while audibly wondering why bands like O-Town and Mike + the Mechanics weren't among the night's nominees.

P. Diddy and Ben Stiller updated their exchange from the rapper's "Bad Boy for Life" video, only this time Stiller accused Puffy of hurling a bowling ball through his bedroom window while he was "making a deposit in the First National Bank of Booty."

Perhaps the biggest splash was made by Triumph the Insult Comic Dog puppet from "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," who propositioned Jennifer Lopez by asking to sniff her butt moments after suggesting that "TRL" host Carson Daly was "hung like a Great Dane."

'NSYNC's "Pop" took home four Moonmen, including Viewer's Choice and Best Pop Video. After dispensing the usual thank-you's to family, label execs, and "Pop" director Wayne Isham, Justin Timberlake was modest at the podium when accepting his accolades. "I think Fatboy Slim was robbed, honestly," he said while accepting the award for Best Dance Video, and "U2 was robbed this time" after receiving the statuette for Best Group Video.

Besides Fatboy Slim, 'NSYNC and the "Lady Marmalade" ladies, Gwen Stefani was the only other artist to receive multiple wins. Strangely enough, the No Doubt frontwoman took home Moonmen for both the Best Male Video and the Best Female Video for her guest spots with Moby ("South Side") and Eve ("Let Me Blow Ya Mind").

The 18th annual VMAs were also marked by two tributes to artists no longer with us. A memorial to 22-year-old singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash August 25, in the first quarter of the show brought an air of heartfelt remembrance to an otherwise fun-filled and free-spirited event. Though the official homage was contained to that brief segment, Aaliyah's memory was kept aloft throughout the show. City High and Eve offered a shout-out to her during their pre-show performance of "What Would You Do?" and Usher wore an Aaliyah T-shirt while he and Estella Warren presented Destiny's Child with the award for Best R&B Video for "Survivor." After Missy Elliott and Nelly Furtado's live rendition of "Get Ur Freak On," Miss E dedicated the performance to "the loving memory of Aaliyah, rest in peace."

Joey Ramone, frontman for New York punk pioneers the Ramones, who died in April, was also remembered for his musical contributions. Following U2's acceptance of the Video Vanguard Award, the band introduced the surviving members of the Ramones after a brief eulogy by Bono.

"New York City has given us a lot of things, but the best thing it ever gave us was a punk rock group called the Ramones, without whom a lot of people would never have gotten started, certainly us," the frontman said. "They lost Joey Ramone, and I would like to give an award to the remaining Ramones, who are going to appear in a very un-punk-rock situation right now."

The night's single-statuette winners included Outkast's "Ms. Jackson" (Best Hip-Hop Video), Alicia Keys' "Fallin' " (Best New Artist in a Video), Mudvayne's "Dig" (the inaugural MTV2 Award), Nelly's "Ride Wit Me" (Best Rap Video), Robbie Williams' "Rock DJ" (Best Special Effects in a Video) and Limp Bizkit's "Rollin'" (Best Rock Video).

Those nominees who struck out completely kept good company. Missy Elliott hurled the biggest goose-egg; her "Get Ur Freak On" came up empty in six categories, including Video of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video. Miss E wasn't all frowns, however, as she had a hand in the success of "Lady Marmalade." Although they won the Video Vanguard Award, U2 swung and missed five times for Best Video of the Year ("Beautiful Day") and Best Group Video, Best Video From a Film, Best Special Effects in a Video and Best Editing in a Video ("Elevation [Tomb Raider Mix]").

Eminem couldn't hit the mark with his five nominations for "Stan," nor could Janet Jackson with her four nods for "All for You" or Aerosmith with their three for "Jaded." While Britney Spears made a big splash with the live debut of her new single, "I'm a Slave 4 U," she failed to cash in on her one nomination, meaning that the pop star has yet to win a VMA Mtv.com
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Toward the end of the group's performance of "Pop," the words "King of Pop" appeared on a giant Etch a Sketch, only to be replaced by a silhouette of Jackson. As the oversized drawing device was elevated, Jackson, dressed in a white V-neck T-shirt and a black shirt and pants, came onstage and started to do the robot, pop-lock and show off his often-imitated spins and feet shuffling, but he did not sing.

Jackson's only acknowledgement to the audience, which gave him a standing ovation, was a single point of the finger.

Jackson and 'NSYNC will again team up for a performance of the Jackson 5's "Dancing Machine" with Jackson's brothers during the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years tribute. The star-studded tribute concerts take place Friday and Monday in New York.

In June, Jackson made a surprise stage appearance as a guest of Jay-Z at New York radio station Hot 97's Summer Jam. Although he did talk to the stunned audience at that show, he did not dance. Mtv.com
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A scheduling conflict that caused the younger fivesome to pull out of their performance of "Dancing Machine" with the reunited legends on September 7 at New York's Madison Square Garden has been resolved, 'NSYNC announced Thursday (August 30).

'NSYNC were originally slated to rehearse their MTV Video Music Awards performance on August 29 and 30 — the same days Jackson had hoped they could rehearse for his "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" concert. 'NSYNC rearranged their schedule to make it work.

The group even found time to finish shooting a video for "Gone," 'NSYNC's Joey Fatone said when he called into MTV's "TRL" on Thursday.

"It took a lot of time to really reschedule, because a lot of stuff is happening before we go on vacation," Fatone explained. "It was hard to get it all in.

"To actually say 'no' to the King of Pop was very grueling," he continued. "We were trying to figure it out, and we finally have figured it out. So yeah, we're doing [the Michael Jackson concert]."

This marks the second time an act has backed out of the anniversary show lineup only to return, both times involving the "Dancing Machine" performance.

Show producer David Gest pulled Jermaine Jackson out of the show in July after Jackson criticized the high ticket price and lack of charity involvement, only to welcome him back in August once he signed his contract.

'NSYNC, meanwhile, finished shooting the video for "Gone" on Wednesday night in Los Angeles with director Herb Ritts (Madonna, Janet Jackson). Fatone described the clip as being largely black and white with a Charlie Chaplin theme.

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The Celebritys have pulled out of their planned September 7 performance with the Jackson brothers at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years concert for logistical reasons, according to the event's organizers and 'NSYNC's label, Jive Records.

"Due to scheduling conflicts, Michael Jackson and 'NSYNC will not have time to rehearse the 'Dancing Machine' number with the Jacksons in the way Michael planned to present it," producer David Gest said in a statement Wednesday (August 22).

'NSYNC are scheduled to rehearse their MTV Video Music Awards performance on August 29 and 30 — the same days Jackson hoped to rehearse for his shows, according to Gest.

"The two schedules just conflict, and 'NSYNC will not be in New York prior to that," Gest said. "Michael looks forward to working with 'NSYNC in the future, as he is a very big fan of the group."

An 'NSYNC spokesperson said she had no further comment.

Organizers of the anniversary celebration have also announced additional details about the shows, which will take place at Madison Square Garden on September 7 and 10.

Jackson will perform "You Rock My World," the first single from his upcoming new album, Invincible. Comedian Chris Tucker, who is featured in the opening monologue of the song, will be part of the performance.

Aaron Carter has been added to the September 10 show, as has Whitney Houston, who was originally slated just for the September 7 show.

Other entertainers scheduled to introduce performances are Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Samuel L. Jackson and Shaquille O'Neal. Taylor will be among 50 veteran actresses who are scheduled for a special appearance. Angie Dickinson, Patty Duke and Debbie Reynolds are among those expected.

The Jackson 5 are still slated to perform "Dancing Machine" and other numbers. It will be their first time onstage together in 11 years.
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The song, "What It's Like to Be Me," was recorded during sessions for Spears' third album, due November 6. A track listing for the still-untitled album is starting to shape up, as are plans for a tour, which is set to begin October 26 in Miami.

At least three songs have made the cut and and are "definitely making the album," according to Spears' spokesperson at Jive Records. They include the first single, "I'm a Slave 4 U," written and produced by the Neptunes, as well as two songs produced by Rodney Jerkins: "Lonely" and a cover of the Arrows' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," which Joan Jett & the Blackhearts rode to #1 in 1982.

As for the much-talked-about Timberlake track, Spears told MTV Latin America last week that her boyfriend contributes backing vocals on the song and that her singing on "What It's Like to Be Me" is "the best vocals I've ever done." Timberlake wrote and produced the song with Wade Robson.

"I have to say I was a little nervous at first," Spears said of working with Timberlake. "I'm used to producers going in there and it's like work. And I go in and I work and I do my vocals and work. And I thought that it was awkward at first, because I was nervous recording with him doing my vocals. ...

"But then I just totally forgot that he was my boyfriend, and I just said, 'Britney, just do the vocals, don't be nervous, don't be retarded like this.' But it ended up being fine, actually. At the very end ... I got the best vocals I've ever done."

Still under consideration are a host of songs Spears has been working on with producers Max Martin (who worked with Spears on such hits as "... Baby One More Time," "Lucky," "Oops! ... I Did It Again" and "Stronger"), BT and others. One of those songs, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman," features Dido as a co-songwriter along with Martin and his writing/producing partner, Rami.

Martin also co-wrote a track called "Overprotected" on which Spears sings, "You're gonna have to see through my perspective/ I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am/ And I don't want to be so damn protected."

While Spears is determining her track listing, her tour itinerary is also starting to come into focus. The first leg of the tour starts October 26 in Miami and runs through November 9 in Cleveland.

Spears also has a previously announced show in Las Vegas on November 18 that will be broadcast live on HBO. At that show, Spears is scheduled to join Cher in a rendition of the Sonny and Cher classic "The Beat Goes On," which Spears covered on her first album.
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GFLA: How did you land the role of Kevin Gibbons?
Lance: Well actually, we…I was producing the movie. We [A Happy Place] took it back in October and [we] went and shopped the movie to different companies. And as we were sittin' with Miramax, who was very interested in the story, they were like, "Well, why don't you do this part of Kevin?" And, when I read the story, I loved the part of Kevin, I really wanted to play him, but there was just NO time I could schedule to do it. So I was just like, 'Eh, I'll never be able to do it.' So, um, they got me thinking and I called my manager and I was like, 'Well listen, do we have, like, some time off, you know, in the spring time?" And he was like, "Actually, like, a month and a half." So, I was like, 'OK.' So, I kinda attached myself to it and then sold it to Miramax.

GFLA: In this film, your character, Kevin, finds his "soul mate", only to lose her because he was too shy. Regretting his decision, he tries to do everything he can to find her again. Have you ever personally experienced a missed opportunity such as Kevin?
Lance: Um, you know what? There's probably so many missed opportunities a day! [LOL] I just don't think about 'em. I'm definitely not like Kevin in the way that, um, that he was just infatuated with finding this girl again (Abbey, played by Emmanuelle Chriqui). The real me would be like, 'Um, oh well [LOL]…I guess, you know, guess God didn't want me to have that one!' So, um, yeah--I guess he took it to the extreme that I would never take it.

GFLA: Then what ways, if any, can you identify with Kevin's character?
Lance: I can identify [with] his work ethic. I think the thing I loved about this character is that he was really focused on finding himself, um, you know, growing up. He still has his best friends that just really can't grow up and, you know…his friends are his life…But also, you know, he really wants to do a really great job at what he, you know, [what] his job is. [He's] an ad man. So, you know, he really focuses on that and really wants to take it very seriously and he's one of those really go-getter type people. But also has his best friends that he still can be a little immature with.

GFLA: Why did you choose to do a romantic comedy as opposed to, say, an action flick?
Lance: Um, well, action flicks take longer. That's the main reason-I didn't have the time. Um, and with this, the first movie that our company [A Happy Place] wanted to do, and what I wanted to do, is a nice, all-around, good quality movie that everyone can enjoy. You know, it doesn't cater to women, it doesn't cater to guys-it has a little bit of everything. And I wanted it to be a PG [rating] for my first movie so everyone can go see it…that's what our company focuses on, makin' good quality movies that, you know, are just great that everyone can enjoy.

GFLA: Would you like to star in an action film?
Lance: Oh definitely! I mean, I'm lookin' at a lot of things right now as my second movie. Um, there's a war movie I'm reading at right now. There's another, like, kinda James Bond-ish type flick. Um, there's another romantic comedy, there's another comedy--so, I don't know. The next movie I do, I definitely don't wanna have a lead…I wanna good ensemble cast or second lead.

GLFA: Did you work long hours on the set of OTL? Describe a typical day.
Lance: Oh yes [LOL]. Wow! We would start real early and it was freezing in Toronto! Um, and it had to be spring time in Chicago... So, we would have to wear like t-shirts and stuff and, like, it [was] about 10 degrees outside. So it was a little cold and challenging, but we'd wake up before the sunrise and we would go home about midnight…every night. And then we'd have, you know, we'd work five to six days a week and then on our weekends, I'd fly to Orlando to record.

GLFA: How was the chemistry between you and the leading lady, Emmanuelle Chriqui?
Lance: We had the best time. The thing about doin' a movie-you really need to get to know your cast, and we didn't have time at all to get to know anybody… GQ played my best friend in the movie [and] we had three days to, like, really become best friends…I had a house there in Toronto and he was there the whole time. We went out every night. We, you know, just became best friends in these three days so we could start-you know, so the chemistry would be there. And the film, it picks up everything! And then Emmanuelle came and we didn't shoot anything together until half way through the movie, so we had a good half a month to really get to know each other and we became really really close. And we would go out all the time. We'd have the best time. So, when we did start shootin' scenes, I mean, there was that huge chemistry between us.

GFLA: Were you nervous during the romantic scenes?
Lance: Not at all. It was weird 'cuz we were so into the characters by then that it just felt natural.

GLFA: What was the chemistry like among the rest of the cast members?
Lance: Everyone was so close…I mean, this was my first movie ever. So, I don't know if it's usually like this. I mean, I never imagined it would be. But, uh, everyone was so close--and great friends--and we had the best times. There wasn't any huge pressure, you know, on time and all that type of stuff…It was just a very laid back set and everyone had a great time

GFLA: Did you have a role in choosing your costars?
Lance: Oh yeah, yeah... Our company [A Happy Place] and Miramax and all of the other producers and casting people.

GFLA: What was it like to work with Joey off the stage and on the set of a movie?
Lance: It was great. You know, I'm glad he was there because he played a friend of mine in the movie and it was nice to have someone there that you've known forever-because it's real…All the scenes we did together were very real, and it felt like Joey and Lance were talking. So, you know, it really let off a lot of pressure on me to have a familiar person on the set and just do it together.

GFLA: Did you experience any embarrassing moments on the set?
Lance: Oh, I don't know…I think every day was embarrassing [LOL]!

GFLA: How do you think the audience, and NSYNC fans, are going to react to OTL?
Lance: Well, um, according to the test that we've already had, it's testing, like, way above normal…The NSYNC fans-they are amazing! I mean, they're the people that are gonna see this thing like five times and they're just, like, waitin' for it. They're like, "Oh my gosh I can't wait!"… They've been waiting for something like this…So I really wanna do this for them.

GFLA: Are you excited for the premiere?
Lance: I'm nervous for the premiere! You know, I've never done one before, so it's gonna be crazy-especially doing, like, all the promotion and stuff…And being by myself, I'm gonna be like, "WHOA!" 'Cuz usually I'm, you know, with four other guys and I don't really have to pay attention…[LOL]

GFLA: Compare acting to singing. Both require you to perform either in front of people or a camera. How are the two different for you?
Lance: I love them both equally. I mean, I really do. I started out acting before I did music. And then I just fell into music. With the music, it's that direct reaction from the crowd. You know, you're in front of, like, thousands of people. And that's the one thing I wish actors could experience, you know, at least one time in their life…to do something in front of a crowd that big [and] to get that energy from them. With movies, it's very weird and more, I guess, embarrassing…Doing something in front of, like, a quiet room and that type of stuff-you know, there's only a few people in there. Like, I'd much rather perform in front of fifty thousand people than I would ten people.

GFLA: I am assuming that singing is your first passions, and NSYNC is your number one priority at this point in your life. But curious minds want to know…will we be seeing more of Lance on the big screen in the near future?
Lance: You will be seeing me...There's one that I'm really interested in and that I like-I love the script. The only thing is, I don't know if the timing is gonna work out perfect. It's one of those things where, you know, you have to look at the NSYNC schedule and see what you can fit in…And also, I think I'm gonna go back to 7th Heaven for a couple of episodes.

GFLA: If you weren't an entertainer, or a part of the entertainment industry, what would you be?
Lance: I would probably be an astronaut.

GFLA: An astronaut. Really?
Lance: I'm very interested in, like, space exploration and all that NASA stuff…I would love to do something with the music industry up in space. Like, recording a first song in space or something.

GFLA: What about your own personal relationships. Is romance something you feel is missing from your life?
Lance: Um, I don't think it's missing…It's weird. I'm not even looking for anything like that right now. Of course it's gonna slap me in the face one day. But, I'm glad it hasn't yet. You know, I'm so focused on my work and my family right now that I'm just, you know, I'm not looking at all. Eventually I do want to have a family of my own-not in the near near future, but, you know, [maybe] in the next five years or so.

GFLA: What would your advice be to someone in Kevin's position--someone who misses an opportunity to pursue something due to fear?
Lance: Follow your heart! You know, if your heart says, "Hey, this is it. I've got to do everything I can to go find this person," do it. But if your heart is like mine, then it's like, "Eh, it'll come back around!"…[LOL]
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Dear fans,

We have learned that recently a few people (not-yet apprehended) have been trying to meet *NSYNC fans by posing on the internet as one of the five of us *NSYNC guys or as an *NSYNC insider.

We don't know who these imposters are. We worry that their web chat room messages are part of a plan to lure our fans to show up alone in isolated places where our fans are told they will meet us or will meet someone who will take them to us. We hate to think what might happen to one of you if you fall for these fakers.

So listen up. If anyone tries to meet you by promising they can get you to meet one of us because they claim to work for us or be one of our close friends or family, don't believe them. Ignore them. Be safe, not sorry.

Be careful. We love the meetings we schedule with hundreds of fans every day on our tours. But the fans we meet with are always gathered in groups during regular hours in safe places and are escorted by groups of our staff. No exceptions. That way we're safe. You're safe.

Beware. None of us guys, and no one who works for us, ever sells *NSYNC concert tickets. That is all handled through Ticketmaster and SFX. As for passes to our 'meet and greets', sound check, or on-stage parties, these are never for sale; instead they are distributed by our sponsors for promotional purposes.

Be real. None of us -- Joey, J.C., Lance, Chris or Justin -- ever posts personal emails on chat rooms trying to meet people. Anyone who claims to be one of us on the Web is, at best, dreaming. At worst, they are perverts trying to get something precious from you by promising something from us. Don't fall for it.

Remember, without you, *NSYNC has nothing to celebrate. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Stay safe and always stay *NSYNC!

Nsync.com
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"Crossover" will air September 24 and follows Bass' adventures as producer and star of "On the Line," from casting sessions to the last day of filming, according to IFC's publicists.

The documentary also includes interviews with Jewel, Ice-T, Gene Simmons, Mos Def and other musicians who've crossed over to film.

"Crossover" will kick off the "IFC Indie Rocks" on-air film series, which will run September 24-30.

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea will host the series, introducing such music-related movies as the hip-hop documentary "Rhyme & Reason" (featuring Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, RZA and Busta Rhymes) and the Jon Bon Jovi film "The Leading Man."

"On the Line" is tentatively due October 26, a publicist for the movie said Tuesday (August 14).
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The group won Choice Concert, Choice Single for "Pop" and Choice Album for Celebrity, which has sold more than 2 million copies in its first two weeks of release.

Destiny's Child picked up Choice Pop Group, while Britney Spears won Choice Female Artist. Aaron Carter took home Choice Male Artist, and Shaggy won Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist and Choice Love Song for "Angel." Blink-182 won Choice Rock Group for the second year in a row.

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Track went to "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," by Eve featuring Gwen Stefani, Choice Dance Track went to Jennifer Lopez's "Play" and Choice Rock Track to Aerosmith's "Jaded."

"TRL" host Carson Daly took home Choice TV Personality for the second year in a row.

The third annual Teen Choice Awards, which are voted on by Seventeen magazine readers, were handed out Sunday at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. The show will air August 20 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
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The interview is probably the most hilarious thing I have ever heard! Click here to listen to it! Besides talking about the ID incident he also talks about his relationship with Britney (marriage?), What they did for JC's birthday.

I got all of my info from www.933flz.com! So check out the site for the interview, picture, and slideshow!
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Chasez tells LAUNCH that "Pop," which was penned by his groupmate Justin Timberlake and Wade Robson, is still one of his favorite tracks on Celebrity. "To me, it's the one track even on the radio right now that just stands out," he says. "It's so unique. It's got a mixture of everything. It's got rock guitars with a dance beat with harmonies and aggression in the vocals as far as, like, the chanting. I think it's just got an energy that nothing has right now."

In related news, *NSYNC singer Chris Kirkpatrick and the crew from his FuMan Skeeto fashion and media company are wrapping up their FuMan Skeeto Summer Store Invasion Tour with two in-store autograph-signing sessions. The first event takes place at the Army & Air Force Exchange Services at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT on Sunday (August 5). The second will be at the Nordstrom store in the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, Georgia, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 11. *NSYNC's upcoming television appearances include Fox's Teen Choice Awards on August 12 and NBC's Today show on August 20.
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The Celebrity Skills Competition kicked off the festivities, agility contests, accuracy tests, all bases were covered. None of the players left without getting just a little bit wet in the dunk tank. Next was the auction hosted by Pat O'Brien where the guests had the opportunity to pick up some pretty cool stuff including a Superbowl package with two tickets to next year's game. All I will disclose about who got what and at what price, is that FuMan's CEO and Founder, Chris Kirkpatrick was a leader when it came to selflessly donating his time and money to the cause.

Just hours later the celebs were whisked away into vans where their next challenge was to comb the strip in search of the clues for a very Vegas style scavenger hunt. An event which Malcom in the Middle's Frankie Muniz declared the "best part of the weekend".

Sunday was the big day as the 40 some odd celebrities turned ballers, headed to the venue where they would put their reputations on the line and shoot some hoops to raise the big bucks for kids. The entire game was non-stop laughs as the teams took the court, and to no one's surprise, Chris again, stole the show. Not only was he one of the better players, broken hand and all, but he spent most of his playing time harassing actor/commentator Tom Arnold. In a later conversation, Chris was even proud and somewhat surprised at his ability to somersault over Tom and bring him to the floor in one fluid motion. Four quarters and countless "airballs" later, the Knights came out on top but I think it's pretty clear that the check for 1 Million dollars made out to Challenge for the Children translated into a win across the board.

Overall, the weekend was an amazing success. A big congratulations goes out to Nsync, all of the celebrities, the fans and the organizers of the event. We all look forward to next year's event where we can hopefully raise even more money for children's charities.

FumanSkeeto.com
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Not only is he escorting her to parties and introducing her to hip music makers like BT, but the 'NSYNC star is also writing music with her and "Pop" co-author Wade Robson for her forthcoming album.

"We're just vibing — having a good time, you know," Robson said of the songwriting trio. "We've got this one song that's this rock kind of opera thing. It's almost got this classical vibe, almost like Queen redone. And we've got another one that's kind of more vibey R&B."

Spears' spokesperson at Jive Records did not return calls about the tracks. The label has not commented on the as-yet-untitled album, except to give a tentative release date of November 6.

Robson, who has choreographed tours for 'NSYNC and Spears and co-wrote other songs with Timberlake for Celebrity, is directing Spears' fall tour, which he said will kick off the second week of October.

"It's going to be a massive show," Robson said Monday at a release party for Celebrity in Los Angeles. "It'll be a sexy show. It's again really theatrical, a lot of acting in it, massive set pieces. Her music is the same thing — it has also really grown. There's a lot of rock vibe to it."

Robson said the show will feature about eight dancers and will include several costume and set changes.
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Those were just a few of the celebrities joining the boys from Orlando, Florida, at the club Moomba on the eve of Celebrity's arrival in stores, amid almost unreal expectations (not to mention whispers of vulnerability). Industry insiders predict the album will be a huge seller, though few expect it to top the record-breaking opening-week sales of 2.4 million achieved by 'NSYNC's No Strings Attached in March 2000.

But one thing already seems certain: 'NSYNCs demographic has widened.

The band spent the much of its face time with an overflowing media contingent at Moomba explaining how Celebrity is quite the musical departure from its previous, lighter fare.

"We are who we are, but every musician wants to grow and I think people will see this with Celebrity," JC Chasez said.

"Every song on this album is totally different from the next one," Lance Bass added.

Electronic-music guru BT, who worked with the group on the album, talked up the band's new "cutting edge" sound while pointing out that 'NSYNC's playfulness doesn't end with the album's title.

"What's so refreshing about these guys is that they don't take themselves too seriously," said BT, who became involved with 'NSYNC after Chasez saw him perform in a club. "You get more attitude from a guy working behind the counter at Starbucks than you do from these guys. They're just regular people."

Of course, how many "regular people" party with Hugh Hefner? The new grown-up 'NSYNC apparently are still attracting grown-up converts, such as actress and "Talk Soup" hostess Aisha Tyler.

"I'm a new 'NSYNC fan," Tyler admitted. "I was drawn in watching 'Making the Video' on MTV for that 'Pop' song. It's a cool video and a cool song. I've been into them ever since."

While industry skeptics have already begun proclaiming the beginning of the end for boy bands, 'NSYNC, who will play for more than 50,000 fans Tuesday (July 24) at the Rose Bowl, were all smiles, and who could blame them?

"It's one of the most prestigious places we play, and it's always the best crowd," Bass said.

'NSYNC are looking forward to the performance for another reason, as fans — at least those who pick up the album before the concert — will be somewhat more familiar with the song roster of Celebrity.

"We've been singing the new songs at all our shows on this tour and the fans aren't as into them because they've never heard them," said Timberlake, who brought his equally famous girlfriend, Britney Spears, to the party. "We wanna challenge our fans to learn all the songs before we play Tuesday.
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While J.C. Chasez didn't claim to fully relate to McLean's plight, he did offer his condolences.

"I really don't know what to say about that, except for, you know, I hope he gets better," Chasez said in a telephone press conference Friday (July 13). "It's kind of sad that he's got a problem like that, and I wish the guy the best. I hope he pulls it together. At least he's admitted to himself that he has a problem. And that's pretty much the first step."

"Our prayers are with him," Lance Bass added.

The intense schedule of 'NSYNC's PopOdyssey tour, which kicked off May 23 in Jacksonville, Florida is leaving them little time to get anxious about the release of Celebrity, which hits stores July 24. The group's most recent album, last year's No Strings Attached, broke the record for first-week sales when it debuted to the tune of 2.4 million copies sold, so expectations are obviously high.

"We're so wrapped up in the tour [that the album] is not the only thing on our minds," Chasez said. "Right now we're just getting the audience reactions, because we're playing half of the album on the tour. We're kinda looking at the audience to see if they're digging it. So far we like the reaction that we're getting. I don't know if we're going to break the [sales] record [with Celebrity], but then again, it's a nice position to be in that you don't have to break your own record."
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The pop icon has added a September 10 date to the previously announced September 7 event titled "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years." The shows will be taped for a two-hour television special.

Gloria Estefan, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Missy Elliott, Ramsey Lewis, Lil' Romeo, Gloria Gaynor, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Ricky Martin and Usher have announced their participation in the extravaganza, according to Jackson's publicist. They join a cast that already includes Marc Anthony, Britney Spears, 'NSYNC, Whitney Houston, Mya, Shaggy and the rest of the Jackson 5.

Performing in the United States for the first time in more than 11 years, Michael will sing — and dance — his hits along with at least one new song from his upcoming album, Invincible.

Scheduled for September 25 release, according to Epic Records, Invincible features production from R. Kelly, Teddy Riley and Rodney Jerkins, and guest vocals by the late Notorious B.I.G.

Another source at Epic says fans can look forward to a musical vibe similar to Jackson's Off the Wall era on the album.
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Described variously as a vanity project or home movie of his pop acts, it stars soap-opera actress Hunter Tylo and Trans Continental vice president Tony DeCamillis; features actor Paul Sorvino and comedian Gilbert Gottfried; and has cameos by Britney Spears and *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake.

Trans Continental had trouble finding a distributor for the movie it made for $15 million and shopped around Hollywood. However, Pearlman said last week that it has found an international distributor and will be released in Europe in September.
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Zomba, which boasts the Jive imprint, home to Spears, Aaron Carter, Mystikal and other hot acts, is the fourth record company to join MusicNet, which is scheduled to launch in the fall. MusicNet is set to be available through America Online, RealPlayer software and even the planned subscription version of Napster.

"People ask, 'will there be compelling major-label content available through MusicNet?' " the company's interim CEO, Rob Glaser, said Tuesday at the Plug.In online music conference, as "Oops! ... I Did It Again" played in the background. "The answer is yes."

BMG, EMI and Warner Music Group — whose artists include Christina Aguilera, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beatles and Madonna — formed MusicNet in April.

MusicNet — intended to be an industry-sanctioned, copyright-friendly replacement for Napster — will offer users access to a set number of songs per month as streams or downloads for a monthly fee.

There will be a number of pricing plans available, but MusicNet strategic adviser Richard Wolpert said Tuesday that one possible plan would charge users about $10 a month to stream 50 songs and download 50 others.

MusicNet will be as much a music rental service as a subscription offering — users' access to downloaded songs will be temporary, executives said. If users want to listen to a song they've downloaded after a month goes by, they must renew their license for it — which will count against their song total for the next month.

Glaser gave a brief demonstration of MusicNet at Plug.In, revealing an interface that resembles a certain revolutionary file-sharing service.

"It totally looks like Napster," said that company's departing CEO, Hank Barry.

As it stands, MusicNet will not be a one-stop shopping solution for online major label music.

Sony Music Group and Universal Music Group — whose artists include Eminem, Jessica Simpson, Bob Dylan and Weezer — are working on their own service, Pressplay (formerly known as Duet). Pressplay, set for launch in September, will be available through MP3.com, MSN Music (music.msn.com) and other outlets.

Edgar Bronfman Jr., Vivendi Universal executive vice chairman, said Tuesday that no one should expect Pressplay and MusicNet to merge. But eventually, he predicted, both companies will hold licenses for music from the five major record companies.

At least one legal obstacle still stands in the way of both services — neither has reached a deal with music publishers, who control the rights to songs, as opposed to recordings of them.

Both Bronfman and Glaser said that their companies were in intense negotiations with music publishers to set royalty rates for publishers and songwriters.
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With *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone and CD-ROM Game (Infogrames, $40), fans will be able to play five computer games with Justin, JC, Chris, Joey and Lance.

The PC software comes bundled with a "Fantasy Phone" that acts as the game controller and will send special voice messages from the band to players.
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Marlon says it will be himself, Michael, Jackie, Tito and Randy. Marlon says when the Jackson Five left Motown and changed names to The Jacksons, Jermaine wasn't with them.

That technically means it is a Jacksons reunion. He says all the brothers look forward to singing with *NSync on "Dancing Machine." The concerts will be on September seventh and September tenth in New York.
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"It can be tiresome to be continually blasted by critics because we don't fit their preconceived notion of what a 'credible' group is," Justin Timberlake said in Billboard magazine's July 7 issue. "I wonder if they listen to our music before venturing an opinion."

The guys said their upcoming album, Celebrity, is a break from the pop norm. "We set out to make a record that was more reflective of what turns us on musically," JC Chasez told Billboard. "We also wanted to prove that pop music comes in a lot of different flavors. It's not all bubble-gum."
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"I'm interested to see what the fans think," said Bass. "I did it for the fans. I mean, I'm definitely not an actor -- hello? -- but it was fun.

"I actually saw it for the first time last week and I was very impressed. I was like, 'Whoa, it looks like a real movie.' It was just a surreal thing to do."

Bass said choosing Toronto as a location for On The Line was a no-brainer.

"I mean, everyone's filming movies here. It's such a great city. I lived here for a month and a half. This is the longest I've ever been in a city, like, for the last six years."

So what's the biggest hidden gem in Toronto?

According to Bass: "The Loose Moose, it's a very cool place. And the Keg Mansion, which I don't know if it's a big secret but to people outside of Toronto. I loved it.

"That was the coolest thing about coming to Toronto -- it has the best nightlife. It really does. I was finding different places every night. I was like, 'Wow, this is cool.' "

NSYNC fans will be thrilled to hear that two of the group's songs -- tentatively titled Fallen and That Girl -- will be on the On The Line soundtrack, according to NSYNC's JC Chasez.

Other contibutors include Bass' country music protg Meredith Edwards and Justin Timberlake's girlfriend, Britney Spears.

So what about an NSYNC movie starring all five members?

"I already know that Lance and Joey will end up doing some more stuff like that 'cause they're both from theatre backgrounds, so they gotta act, man," Chasez said.

"If we do something together it's definitely got to be something artsy. We were all really, really, really inspired by the Moulin Rouge movie though, just to show that musicals can work in movies now."

So nothing resembling Spiceworld?

"Oh, goodness, no," Chasez said.

Bass says he's busy producing two or three films right now but already knows what he would like his next movie role to be: "I don't want to do any more leads right now. But I like to do a really cool, big-budgetted ensemble piece.

As for NSYNC working together on a film, Bass said: "The first movie I want us to do is Grease 3 if it ever works out. We're going out with it, shopping it out, so we'll see."

Also attached to Grease 3 are Spears and Rosie O' Donnell.
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Fueled by Walken's high-flying soft-shoe, Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" video and its director, Spike Jonze, soared to the head of the class Monday (June 23) when nominations for this year's Video Music Awards were unveiled.

MTV also revealed that U2 and Alicia Keys are the first acts confirmed to perform at the 18th annual awards show, set for September 6 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

"Weapon of Choice" leads the way with nine nods, recapturing a bit of the magic that Jonze and Slim found with their 1999 clip for "Praise You," which won three Video Music Awards (see Lauryn Hill, Fatboy Slim, Ricky Martin, Korn Lead VMA Pack"). The latest Fatboy/Jonze production grabbed nominations for Video of the Year, Best Dance Video and Breakthrough Video, as well as nods in each of the VMAs' six "professional" categories (including Best Direction and Best Special Effects).

Fatboy Slim will vie for the top prize, Video of the Year, with U2 ("Beautiful Day"), Janet Jackson ("All for You"), Missy Elliott ("Get Ur Freak On"), Eminem and Dido ("Stan") and the team of Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim ("Lady Marmalade").

Elliott, 'NSYNC, and the "Lady Marmalade" gang picked up six nominations apiece. Elliott's walk in the oddball jungle, "Get Ur Freak On," is up for Best Female Video and Best Direction, among others. Aguilera, Mya, Pink, and Lil' Kim count nominations for Best Dance Video, Best Pop Video and Best Video From a Movie among their stash of six. 'NSYNC's shiny, shimmering clip for "Pop" will compete in categories including Best Group Video, Best Dance Video and Best Pop Video.

English songbird Dido also grabbed six nominations, though five of them came courtesy of her work with Eminem on "Stan." In addition to Video of the Year, that clip is up for Best Male Video, Best Rap Video, Best Cinematography and Best Direction, while Dido's video for "Thank You" — the song Eminem sampled for the chorus of "Stan" — will vie for Best Female Video.

U2 got four nods for "Elevation" and another one for "Beautiful Day." Matching the Irish rockers' total were Destiny's Child, who split five nominations between "Survivor," with three, and "Independent Women Part 1," with two.

Janet Jackson grabbed four nominations, adding nods for Best Female Video, Best Dance Video and Best Choreography to her tap for Video of the Year. Showing the benefits of teamwork, No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani grabbed four nominations as well: three for her work with Eve on "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" and one for her collaboration with Moby on "South Side."

Eve's video will duke it out for Best Female Video, Best Hip-Hop Video and Viewer's Choice. Aerosmith, Nelly and Robbie Williams also grabbed three nominations apiece, while Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, the Backstreet Boys, R.E.M., Linkin Park, Outkast, Gorillaz and Limp Bizkit each picked up two.

The battle for Best New Artist will feature Coldplay, Nikka Costa, David Gray, Alicia Keys and token noisemakers Sum41.

While such fringe MTV artists as Gorillaz and Robbie Williams grabbed multiple nominations, some of the channel's staples — Britney Spears, Staind, DMX, Jay-Z and Weezer — must content themselves with only one.

A host for the awards show is expected to be named soon, along with presenters and additional performers.

*NSYNC is nominated in the following categories:

Best Group Video
U2, "Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix)"
'NSYNC, "Pop"
Destiny's Child, "Survivor"
Incubus, "Drive"
Dave Matthews Band, "I Did It"

Best Dance Video
Fatboy Slim, "Weapon of Choice"
Janet Jackson, "All for You"
'NSYNC, "Pop"
Jennifer Lopez, "Love Don't Cost a Thing"
Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink, "Lady Marmalade"

Best Pop Video
'NSYNC, "Pop"
Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink, "Lady Marmalade"
Britney Spears, "Stronger"
Backstreet Boys, "The Call"
Destiny's Child, "Independent Women Part 1"


Viewer's Choice
Backstreet Boys, "The Call"
Nelly, "Ride Wit Me"
Destiny's Child, "Independent Women Part 1"
Limp Bizkit, "My Way"
'NSYNC, "Pop"
Eve f/Gwen Stefani, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"


Breakthrough Video
Common f/Macy Gray, "Geto Heaven"
Fatboy Slim, "Weapon of Choice"
Gorillaz, "Clint Eastwood"
R.E.M., "Imitation of Life"
Robbie Williams, "Rock DJ"
'NSYNC, "Pop"

Best Editing In A Video
Fatboy Slim, "Weapon of Choice"
U2, "Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix)"
'NSYNC, "Pop"
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, "Get Ur Freak On"

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WNBA: Calling All *NSYNC Fans

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WNBA: Calling All *NSYNC Fans

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Come out to support your favorite WNBA team and you can experience a taste of "Celebrity," N'SYNC's latest album, courtesy of the WNBA! From July 20th through July 28th, the WNBA and N'SYNC are bringing you "N'SYNC Experience Nights" at select WNBA games. Each of the 16 WNBA teams will host an "N'SYNC Experience Night" featuring an exclusive WNBA N'SYNC poster giveaway, fan contests offering N'SYNC and WNBA prizes, a seven minute N'SYNC video of never-before-seen footage from the band’s latest tour and a post-game "Listening Party." In addition, fans in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Indianapolis, Orlando, Cleveland, Phoenix and Minneapolis will have an exclusive opportunity to hear "Celebrity" before it hits the streets everywhere on July 24th.

As an added bonus, fans in Miami, Washington, DC, Indianapolis and Los Angeles will have the chance to win a grand prize package, which includes 2 tickets to the upcoming N’SYNC concert in their city.

You can also be one of 10 lucky fans that can enter to win great prizes including N'SYNC's latest CD "Celebrity," by entering the N'SYNC WNBA Sweepstakes. For official rules click here.

Tickets to all games may be purchased by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or logging onto www.wnba.com. In most cities, you can also win tickets through your local radio station, which are giving away 50 prize packs, each including 2 tickets to the "N'SYNC Experience Night," N'SYNC and WNBA items and an N'SYNC single CD.
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True Tales of the Pop Life

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Ride with Justin at seventy mph! Experience Joey's brush with death! Sip red wine with JC! Console a heartbroken Chris! Wheel and deal with Hollywood Lance!

Picture this: a bunch of guys sitting around talking about girls. Just a normal guys-talking-about-dream-women sort of convo, one man dropping the name of some goddess, and the others cheering in response. Beyonce Knowles, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Lucy Liu all get their props. But we're in Orlando, Florida, in a recording studio, tinkering with a song called "Girlfriend," for an album called Celebrity by a quintet called 'NSync; so these guys talking goddesses are young and paid with the style, fame and looks to actually nab one of these goddesses, which changes the dynamic of the conversation from abstract dreaming to abstract planning.

There's a valley of knobs and red, green and yellow dots of light, a bank of speakers, a recordable CD on which someone has written "'NSucks" and a slew of Aeron chairs, but the whole room is probably smaller than your bedroom if you live with your parents. To the right is producer Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes - who has worked with Jay-Z, Mystikal and Ol' Dirty Bastard - leaning back in a white Polo shirt with a pink Ralph Lauren logo. To Williams' left sits Chris Kirkpatrick of 'NSync. His hair is maroon and spiky, and he wears baggy orange Abercrombie and Fitch cargo shorts and Air Jordans. And next to Chris is Justin Timberlake, sporting paint-splattered jeans, a plain white T-shirt, a big diamond stud in each ear, a Top Gun-ish crew cut and blue-tinted sunglasses resting at the base of his neck. (Lance Bass and JC Chasez will show up in a few hours to contribute their vocals, and Joey Fatone will come in tomorrow.)

Justin's dinner, a small Denny's chicken-fried steak with runny cheese eggs and something resembling mashed potatoes, is waiting nearby. He's restless, driven, polite and pleasant - especially pleasant, positive and encouraging when coaching Chris on his vocals. He's not a goody-goody, though he calls his mom his best friend. "There's nothing in this world that I've done that my mother does not know about," he says. He spontaneously launches into songs by Bill Withers or Missy Elliott, or paeans to his grandmother's cooking. "Once you've had my grandmother's peach cobbler, you are saved!" Imagine one of those highly energized kids who go to church camp, then add a healthy dose of hip-hop flavoring.

You probably already know that Justin is dating one of the goddesses (Britney Something-or-other). That explains why he's been pretty quiet through most of the goddess praising, up until now. "I think my girl is fine," he says without arrogance, just pride, a blond goatee barely visible against his manila-colored skin. "I scored. What can I say? The thing is, so many girls you meet in this business are so into themselves, and Britney is not. She's as down-home as she was before she got into this. That's the best thing about her. I got the cream of the crop, man!" No one argues with that.

Half an hour later, slicing through a near-empty Orlando highway at seventy miles an hour in his blood-red Plymouth Prowler with the top down and the setting sun painting the sky with brilliant orange and pink, Justin continues gushing about his sweetheart. "When we get together, that's just my girl, and I love her, and that's it. I don't think about what everybody's thinkin' about. She makes me happy. She's like salvation." Being a good friend to her is important to him. "All she has is me. I'm the only one in her life she wants to talk to about stuff. If I have a problem, I have four guys I can talk to, and I can go directly to them. She has to call me on the phone, and it's hard." He's helping her move from bubblegum to more rockish stuff. "I'm givin' her some ideas." You just know that someday they'll do a song together. "The timing has to be right for both of us," he says. "I want it to be somethin' new that they haven't heard us do, that they didn't think we could do. I feel like we still have artistic growth to show, and maybe after that, then I'll think about it. It definitely would be a spectacle. It would be huge."

All those still wondering if the coupling of America's two cutest teen-pop idols is some sort of publicity stunt, please see Lance Bass: "I think it's the coolest relationship ever," he says. "They're so perfect for each other, it's scary. They were girlfriend and boyfriend at ten or eleven, and it was his first kiss, her first kiss. They don't have hardly any time together, but that's what keeps it kinda fresh. You see those types of things and say, 'Oh, that's so fake, they probably hate each other.' But, no, it's real. Kind of gives love a hope."

Together, these two lovebirds are responsible for the sales of some 40 million copies of five records, according to SoundScan - roughly, that's one CD for every man, woman and child in California and Massachusetts. Add the other two teen-pop titans - the Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilera - and the number jumps to 76 million, or more than a quarter of the U.S. population.

'NSync are top dogs in the world of teen pop. Their last album, No Strings Attached, set a sales record for most copies sold in a single week: 2.4 million, 1.1 million of which were sold the first day the album was released. And in a business where most acts make the majority of their money from live performances, not record sales (which, surprise, make money for the label, not the artist), their concerts pull down the biggest paychecks: an average gross of $2.5 million a night for their current PopOdyssey stadium tour (for which they'll play forty-four dates, wrapping up in August in El Paso). They are riding high, and they are enjoying it. "We've always been the redheaded stepchild," Lance says, "the underdog in everything we've done, and to finally feel we're on top is very emotional."

But they are also at a crossroads. Since 1997, when the Backstreet Boys first broke big, teen-pop acts have ruled the land. 'NSync were started in the wake of the Backstreet Boys by the same manager as BSB, and, just as the Backstreet Boys did, they broke their contract when they felt they were getting ripped off. "I hate when people take advantage of us," says Lance. "That's when I really go off the deep end. That's when I get to yell. It's like one of those demon things comes out of me." With No Strings Attached they pulled themselves out the Backstreet Boys' shadow. But now other shadows are looming: Much is being made of the return of rock, of bands such as Staind, Tool and Weezer, who are neither teen nor pop. And with 'NSync's audience growing up, the biggest shadow they must contend with is their own.

"I went to our label and said, 'Can we release, like, 2.3 albums so it won't break the record?'" Lance says. "If we don't break it this time, it'll be so nice because the next album won't be a competition. If we break it this time, then it's gonna start all over again."

"You think that this album we're out to break our record?" Chris says. "No. We're out to have another great album. That's our goal. We don't determine album sales; people do. We determine how good the record is."

On Celebrity, 'NSync try to push their boundaries beyond what you'd expect from a boy band. The lead single, "Pop," sounds little like 'NSync's past stuff, and little like anything on the airwaves right now. Justin co-wrote the song with the group's choreographer, Wade Robson, then enlisted twenty-eight-year-old techno producer BT, who has worked with Madonna, Tori Amos and Seal. The idea was to create a song that echoed BT's "Hip-hop Phenomenon," from the U.K. version of his album Movement in Still Life. "I'm like, 'If you seriously wanna do something experimental, I'm down to do that,'" BT recalls. "'But you guys have to let me treat your vocals so irreverently, it's not even funny.' And they're like, 'No problem.'"

BT wanted to do "a frackle-stutter-edited Michael Jackson" track. But the song took on another life when one day he heard Justin beatboxing under his breath. "I'm like, 'Dude, that's dope. You gotta go in there and do that!'" says BT. "He's like, 'No, I never put that on our tracks.' I'm like, 'I don't give a shit, dude! Get your ass in there.' So we took a pair of broken headphones and used 'em as a mike, and I recorded four tracks of him beatboxing." BT took the track and did about 1,200 edits, "like, Max Headroom-style frackle-stutter edits" and buried them within the track. When Justin and JC came by his place, he played them the song, then soloed the track of Justin beatboxing. JC flipped out. So did Justin. "He was like, 'Oh, my God! You have to make a mix for my car of this track with the beatboxing at the end.'" Justin fell in love with the mix, and even though it was made just for his personal use, he submitted it to the label, and that's the mix of "Pop" that you hear now.

That sort of experimentation is why 'NSync feel that Celebrity - featuring co-production by the Neptunes, R&B star Brian McKnight and Rodney Jerkins (as well as Swedish teen-pop architect Max Martin) - shows them as more mature, more musically diverse, and more themselves. But freedom's Siamese twin is responsibility. 'NSync are no longer employees; they're owners who must accept any potential blame. Rejecting Celebrity means rejecting them. "We totally took control of this," Lance says. "It's written and produced mainly by us." Eighty percent of the album was written by the guys - up from fifty percent of No Strings. "It's not like, 'Oh, Max Martin didn't write us a good song this time.' It's us."
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*NSYNC Fan Gains National Fame

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An 84-year-old 'N Sync fan gained national attention Tuesday after she met the band face-to-face at a San Diego concert the previous night. Mickie Monroe appeared on 10News Monday, where she showed off her dancing skills and 'N Sync posters.

When Monroe went to the concert Monday night, the boys gave her VIP seating next to Britney Spears and met her before the concert.

"Joey stopped and gave me a hug and a kiss on my cheek," Monroe said.

Overnight, Monroe became the talk of the nation when her story was reported by CNN and ABC affiliates across the country.

"This is all very different and strange ... like being in a dream," Monroe said.

A friend of Monroe's admits that she is unique. "Most people her age are in rocking chairs and knitting," April Holladay said.

CNN met with Monroe Tuesday for a live interview from San Diego. After one question, breaking news spoiled the moment when the interview was interrupted.

The cable network plans to try again Wednesday, when the interview is planned for around 1:30 p.m.

MTV is also reportedly interested in Monroe and may fly her to New York for 'N Sync's final concert in September.
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The boys in the boy band

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The members of 'N Sync sing similar tunes about natural vs. implants, eyebrow plucking and Eminem. But only one of them makes a wicked peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Much to the thrill of teenage girls everywhere, boy band extraordinaire 'N Sync -- their mega-hit, the ubiquitous Bye Bye Bye, became a pop classic -- has a new album, Celebrity, hitting stores July 24. I talked to each of them about musical tastes, fame and the place of pop in a Post-Colonial context. Unfortunately, there was no time to get into the latter. (Damn publicists: "People. We're on a schedule.") But the boys did share their thoughts about who's the best cook, breast implants, who could be the sixth member of 'N Sync and Eminem, the man who keeps publicly dissing them.

JUSTIN

What celebrity would you be afraid to meet? I don't think I'd be afraid to meet anyone. I like meeting everyone.

Do you own any Eminem CDs? Uh huh. I like Eminem. I have all of them. I heard we're sought out in the new D12 album. So that's exciting. Free press.

What music are you into? I'm a hip-hop head. I love hip hop. I like electronica, 2-Step. I'm really into 2-Step lately.

Is there a song you'd like to cover? Any Al Green song. You know what song I'd like to do a cover of: If You Don't Know Me By Now.

Why do so many members of boy bands pluck their eyebrows? I don't know. To each his own. Mine are bushy as hell. It's very Boy George though, isn't it?

Who would you like as a sixth member of 'N Sync? Eminem. He would totally fit in with us.

Could someone be gay and out and in a popular boy band in America? Yeah, I think so. As long as you're true to yourself. I've never really thought about it actually.

Do you think it would make a difference in terms of fans? I don't know that it would. I can say this for us: The thing our fans really appreciate is our honesty.

If there was a celebrity Survivor with all five of you, who would you vote off first? Joey. Because there would not be a very big supply of food if he stuck around.

Has celebrity affected your appearance and how you keep in shape? I work out for me. I want to have a healthy body to go with my healthy mind. I've always been into fitness and sports.

Who's the best cook in the group? I don't think any of us can cook. I think we're all so bad I couldn't even tell you who the worst cook is.

Breast implants or natural? It doesn't really matter. I'm not a boobs man, I'm an ass man.

JC

What celebrity would you be scared to meet? I'd be a bit frightened of Marilyn Manson. I don't know what that guy practises.

Do you own any Eminem CDs? Actually, I don't. But I have listened to the record. I have fun listening to it in a scary way. I haven't gotten around to buying it.

What would you like to cover? That's a tough question because we went out of our way not to do covers on this album. For fun, I would say [Toto's] I'll Be Over You.

Why do so many guys in boy bands pluck their eyebrows? Boredom, I guess. Or because they don't want unibrow.

Could someone be gay and out and in a boy band in America? Sure. I'm sure it would shock for a quick minute, but people are so over that at this point, I think. But who knows. I've kinda been exposed to Europe and things like that. But in my mind I don't think it would affect anyone's decision to like a band or not ... Everybody loved Boy George when he came out and he was blatantly out there.

Celebrity Survivor with 'N Sync: Who would you vote off first? I would vote myself off. I'd want to go home. I definitely think Chris would win. He has the survival instinct.

Now that you're famous, do you work out more? I don't work out, so there goes that. Fame has not really affected the way I dress or whatever. But just being exposed [to things has]. I think once you're exposed to a bit of culture you become more open minded because you see the beauty in more things. I'm very fortunate to have that.

Who's the group's best cook? Well, it depends on what you want. Justin makes some great Hamburger Helper. Joey can make some pretty good pasta. I'm pretty good with breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs.

Pouring cereal? No. Justin would win that hands down, he eats it so much.

Breast implants or natural? Natural. I like -- uh, I'm not going to get into that ...

So you like ... I don't like huge boobs. I'll leave it at that.

JOEY

Eminem has said some nasty things about you. Do you own any of his CDs? Yeah.

Which one? The one he says all the crap about us. The music's cool. I like it a lot actually. People always tend to be like, "Oh Eminem's saying this, he's saying that ..." Hey, free promotion for us.

What song would you like to cover? Probably an a cappella of Michael Jackson's Human Nature.

Who would you like as a sixth member of 'N Sync? Brian McKnight. He's an amazing singer. He produced one of the tracks on the Celebrity album. JC wrote it and he produced it.

Why do so many guys in boy bands pluck their eyebrows? Maybe their make-up artist does it. I have no clue. The only time I pluck my eyebrows is if I have it right in the middle. I don't shape anything. What you see is what you get. None of us have ever really plucked our eyebrows.

If there was a celebrity Survivor with all five of you, who would you vote off first?

Chris or Justin because they're really competitive and they'll probably beat me 'cause I really suck at all kinds of sports.

Could someone be gay and out in a major boy band today? I don't see why not. There's honestly nothing wrong with being gay. I have friends that are gay. I think in this day and age it really wouldn't matter. A lot of girls at clubs are like, "That guy's good looking, too bad he's gay," but they're still going to like him because he's good looking. So I don't think it matters any more.

Has your celebrity affected your appearance and the way you treat your body, exercise? I don't do nothing. We actually have a personal trainer that Justin's been using and it was my idea to have the personal trainer. I have yet to really use him, but I'm going to. Dancing is kinda our cardio. Every time I get back on the tour I start losing weight again. Then, after the tour, I start eating like a big, old, fat pig.

Who's the best cook in the group? I cook a little bit. I'm not saying I'm the greatest cook. I haven't really seen anyone cook in the group.

Breast implants or natural? Natural. I wouldn't have breast implants for me. [Laughs] El natural or whatever the woman chooses. That's their choice, not mine because they're not my breasts.

CHRIS

What celebrity would you be afraid to meet? I'm afraid to meet every celebrity. I get nervous around famous people. I like to hang out with hockey players the most because they're not fake and they make me feel comfortable. It's all about partying for them.

Eminem has trashed you guys; what do you think about that? Eminem is one of my favourite artists. I'm a huge Eminem fan. I hope he doesn't really hate us. He may have personal problems and personal issues, but that's what people enjoy. They want people that are real. And he's real.

What music are you into? Everything. I listen to house trance, electronica. I like rock and roll. But I like hip hop just as much.

What song would you like to cover? I wanted to do I Wish by Stevie Wonder. We were talking about it five years ago. A lot of Stevie Wonder songs would be great to cover.

Why do so many boy bands pluck their eyebrows? I don't know. I don't wear makeup for photo shoots. I'm probably as 'dirt' as you'll see.

Who would you want as sixth member of 'N Sync? Our choreographer, Wade. He's also co-written a lot of songs for the album and also produced our show. He'd be a great member to add if he could only sing [laughs]. I don't think we'd ever have a sixth member. We're happy with what we got.

Could someone be gay and out and be in a popular boy band in America? I'm sure they could. There were two really big groups in Europe, Boyzone and Caught In The Act, and they [had gay members] in the groups [who] came out and it was a surprise to everyone and I was like, "Who cares?" If one of us were gay, big deal. If one of us is, maybe we're just not talking about it. And that's not saying we are. It's just not something -- we don't go into rehearsals and say, "That was a really good note you hit, are you gay?"

If there was a celebrity Survivor with all of you on it, who would you vote off first? I probably would have to say Justin because Justin is the Richard Hatch of our group. He's a survivor. He would get everything on all of us and I know he'd win. So I'd be the smart one and try to vote him off first. After he was off, I'd kill the other three.

Has fame influenced your looks and the way you treat your body? It hasn't influenced me a lot. It's just a lot easier now not to care and when I don't care, it becomes a trend and I think that's cool.

Who's the best cook in the group? Joey? He's Italian. I don't know. None of us cook. We're all bad cooks. I've seen Lance make some peanut butter and banana sandwiches which just look grotesque, and I've seen JC burn water.

Breast implants or natural? I'm all natural.

LANCE

What celebrity would you be scared to meet? I don't think I'd be scared to meet anybody. There are people I don't care to meet.

Such as? Eminem.

He's trashed you in his songs. Do you own his CDs? No, I don't. Actually he's a really talented guy. I just think he has issues that should be worked out. I think it's really a whole fake thing.

What type of music are you into? Everything. I love Silverchair. I love Aerosmith. I love country -- Faith Hill, Garth Brooks.

What song would you like to cover? The Dance by Garth Brooks. It's a great ballad.

Why do so many boy bands pluck their eyebrows? Do they? Look at the Backstreet Boys, b4-4 here in Canada. None of us pluck our eyebrows. These are natural shaped. [Those who do it] are trying to look good. I think it's cheesy. I think it's like posing. We're not models, we're singers.

Who'd you want as a sixth member of 'N Sync? Brian McKnight. We're a harmony, a cappella group. That's how we started. I think he's an amazing vocalist. I think he would blend well with us.

Could someone be gay and out and in a popular boy band in America today? Oh yeah. Definitely. I don't think it would hurt at all. Actually, I think it would [make the fan base] bigger. You'll have a bigger market. The whole gay market. Hey, one of us...

You did celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. So if there was celebrity Survivor ... There is going to be celebrity Survivor. I have been asked to do it, but I don't think I'm going to. I won't do celebrity Millionaire again, so I doubt I'll do celebrity Survivor.

If you did do Survivor, which member of 'N Sync would you vote off first? Myself definitely. I don't think I could survive. I love the outdoors. I was raised in that. But I don't know. Eating bugs?

Has being a celebrity affected the way you dress, the way you exercise? It's funny you said that because I exercised for the first time yesterday. I had this energy because I took a fat-burner pill. My production manager takes fat burners because he's trying to lose weight and it was on his desk. And I shouldn't have [taken one] because I have a bad heart. [But] it gave me so much energy I felt like I was high on something. So I was like, "I have ... to work out." And I'm sore as hell today. But yeah, I do think it affects the way you make yourself look in public because it's going to end up somewhere if you're out in your pajamas. We chose this job. I think you have to live with it. People want to see you look like a star. You're there to entertain people.

Who's the best cook? Chris said you make a grotesque peanut butter and banana sandwich. It's because they don't like peanut butter and banana. If you like peanut butter and banana I make the best. You mash the peanut butter and banana together. Then you put a little honey, a little cinnamon and sugar. Then you put it on the bread and toast it. You're suppose to fry it, but I don't have a fryer. That was Elvis Presley's favourite food.

Breast implants or natural? Natural. Yeah. Same size though? Natural Ds or fake Ds? Natural. A nice handful.
NationalPost.com
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*NSYNC Offers Get-Well Wishes To A.J. McLean

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NSYNC took time out before a performance on its PopOdyssey world tour at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, on Friday (July 13) to talk to reporters about its new album Celebrity, due out July 24.

At that time, *NSYNC also shared its thoughts on Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean's July 10 announcement that he was entering rehabilitation for depression and alcohol abuse. Singers J.C. Chasez and Lance Bass told LAUNCH that they wish McLean all the best for a speedy recovery.

"You know, I really don't know what to say about that except for, you know, I hope he gets better," Chasez said. "It's kind of sad that he has a problem like that and, I mean, I wish the guy the best. I hope he pulls it together. At least he's admitted to himself that he has a problem and that's pretty much the first step."

Added Bass, "Our prayers are with him, you know?"

Chasez added that *NSYNC, just like Jive Records labelmates the Backstreet Boys, must sometimes deal with the pressures that accompany fame and celebrity.

"Dealing with pressures, we kind of lean on each other," he said. "We're not really fazed as much by pressure--we're pretty strong-minded and things like that. We've gotten to a place where we have a decent amount of self-esteem and things like that, and we lean on our friends, which are us, if we do get bummed out about something."
Launch.com
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Lance Talks About Michael Jackson's "Invincible"

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*NSYNC's new album Celebrity comes out July 24, but it's not the only album release that group member Lance Bass is looking forward to. Bass told LAUNCH that he's excited that later this year Michael Jackson will unveil Invincible, his first album in more than five years. "I've heard, like, three tracks and it's amazing," Bass exclaimed.

Jackson's influence on *NSYNC's sound will be evident to fans when they hear all of the tracks on Celebrity, reports Bass, who has nothing but praise for the legendary pop singer.

"I mean, he's a great guy, and he's one of our hugest influences, as you can tell totally on this album--the influence from him. I think he's great and I think this next album he's going to release is going to be probably the biggest album in the history of the world," he said.

*NSYNC will perform alongside Jackson in September at the New York City concert gala dubbed Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years.
Launch.com
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Lance's House Featured in Mississippi Magazine

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Lance Bass's favorite Dr. Seuss book seems to have had serious implications for the life of this early-twenties Mississippian. While he has always loved music, he never dreamed that it would take him where he is today, traveling the globe using his musical talent to entertain millions of people as a member of the pop group N Sync.

Lance, who grew up in Clinton, joined the group when he was only 16 years old, and for the past six years he has been recording albums, touring internationally, and making videos with the other four members of the group-a very fast-paced and grown up lifestyle for someone so young. Lance says that he deals with his fame by reeminding himself just how blessed he has been; he knows that opportunities like his only come around once in a lifetime. Keeping in touch with family and old friends also helps to keep things in perspective. There may be times when this popular star wishes he could go unnoticed, but he admits that the positives of fame outweigh the negatives. Because of the hectic pace his life travels the majority of his days, Lance needed a place to call home that would provide him privacy and a relaxing atmosphere. After he located a house in the metro Jackson area,he says that he neede a designer who could do it all b/c his schedule does not permit him to actually do a lot of planning with a designer.

Kathie Sorensen of Elite Interiors suited his needs perfectly. Her shop, currently located in Brandon but soon moving to Lakeland Drive in Flowood, provided an excellent source of unique accessories, which he says is one of his favorite things about the look that she achieved. Every time he came home for a visit during the decorating process she had added more fun new things.

Lance's favorite room in the house, the sunroom, is open and airy and overlooks the pool area in the backyard. The view and the comfortable atmosphere of the room are the things about it that Lance likes most. The room was an addition to the house, and when she began the design process, Kathie says that she first decided on the warm, neutral color scheme and the tropical feel that she wanted the room to have. The bamboo blinds add to the tropical atmosphere and also provided inspiration for the island. The granite topped island is faux-finished with bamboo insets that match the blinds, tying the room together and also making it very unique. The barstools, made from Cairo alligator and leather, also add to the uniqueness of the room. A large textured chenille sofa and a ratten and brown velvet chaise lounge provide plush seating, and a sisal rug with a tapestry border covers the ceramic tiled floor. The casual comfort of the room makes it a peaceful haven for Lance to spend time reading and listening to music.

The view from the sunroom allows visitors to see the lush pool area, but what they can't see from the sunroom windows is that a cleverly tucked away sun porch provides a place for shade-dwellers to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Situated directly beneath the sunroom, the porch area is a quiet outdoor space, enhanced by the sound of running water from a fountain positioned in front of it. Plenty of green and blooming plants and cadlelight give the space a natureal feel, while iron details like candle stands and planters and animal and plant themed accessories continue the tropical flair of the sunroom. The floor of the porch, by Ray Rountree, is Brix-crete, a mixed concrete that is hand-colored and laid like tile. The Brix-crete continues into the backyard, encircling the swimming pool and the jacuzzi. The pool area is well suited for entertaining friends and family, which is one of the things Lance most enjoys doing when he comes home. He says seeing the people who are close to him is one of the things he most looks forward to when he has the chance for a visit home, and the pool is a great place to spend time enjoying their company and the beauty of the outdoors. A large concrete slide encourages guests to have fun, while the fireplace and cushioned aluminum and iron chairs provide plenty of comfort. Kathie says that when they first began the project, the backyard was solid red clay, lacking any charm. The transformed the area into a tropical gathering place, from the slate colored pool to the teak benches beneath the arbor. The arbor, custom built by Joseph Gibbs, gives the area a nice dimension. Landscaping, by Todd Tyler, completed the look, enlivening the area with color and the natural touch of greenery.

Complete with cinema screen and film projector, the Hollywood-themed theater room provides hours of movie viewing, another of Lance's favorite activities to share with friends and family. Plush black leather sofas arranged in three tiers and large, soft silver pillows allow guests the most comfortable viewing experience. Adding to the atmosphere of this room, the lights are chrome torches that Lance saw in London. The fixtures consist of a piece of silk, blown by a fan from its interior, giving the apperance of a flickering flame. The deep crimson walls hold framed pieces of memorablilia from two of Lance's favorite Hollywood personalities Lucille Ball and James Dean. Lance's mom, Diane Bass, says that Lance has love Lucy since he was achild and watched the black and white reruns on TV in the afternoons. One of the frames in the theater room holds Lucy collectibles given to Lance by Lucille Ball's daughter.

Another of Lance's favorite childhood personalities, Dr. Suess, provided inspiration for the brightly colored gameroom upstairs. Lance's mom began reading Dr. Seuss books to him when he was very young, and now he has the complete set. The Dr. Seuss room was his idea, says Kathie, and so she began the designing of his home with this room. primary colors dress the spacious area with a bright and happy feel, while characters from Dr. Seuss books dance along the walls, hand painted by Lance's brother in law Ford Lofton. Bookshelves hold Lance's collection of Dr. Seuss books and other memorabilia, and the whimsical, laid back atmosphere of the room provides plenty of space to display music awards and other collectibles that would not fit into any of the more formal areas of the house. With a pinball machine at one end, a sodashop styled ice cream table and barstools at the other, and overstuffed couches and chairs in between, this room personifies youth and fun.

By taking things that have been meaningful in his life and incorporating them into the design of the house, Kathie and Lance have created a home that is both unique and personal. B/c Lance's busy life with NSYnc causes him to live out of a suitcase when he's not in MS, he neede a relaxing atmosphere to call home. MS will always be home to Lance, b/c, he says, his heart will always be with his family, who all reside here. As he has traveled the world on tour, he has encountered many different ideas about his home state; some people are even surprised to see him wearing shoes! His window of fame has provided Lance the opportunity to correct common misconceptions about MS, and he says the best way he has found to share his roots is through the way he lives and the way he treats people he meets: "People have referred to me as a 'southeren gentleman,' which I take as a compliment."

When he does get the opportunity to come home to MS, designer Kathie Sorensen has made sure that he can relax and enjoy his friends and family in a house designed to suit his personality and his needs for privacy and rest-a home away from the road.
NSyncStudio.com
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'NSYNC Send Their Support to Backstreet Boy, A.J.

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Three days after A.J. McLean entered a rehabilitation program, the Backstreet Boy is feeling optimistic and safe, according to his mother.

"He's very, very positive," Denise McLean said Wednesday from Orlando, Florida. "The first thing I heard in his voice was relief. He felt he was safe and getting what he needed."

McLean, who's spoken with her son since he left for an unspecified rehabilitation center on Sunday, said that A.J. has already begun to make progress in battling the depression and anxiety that led him to abuse alcohol.

McLean added that both she and A.J. were grateful to the many fans who've expressed support since the singer's fellow Backstreet Boys made his struggles public on Monday

"I just think [that with] this compassion and this outflow of love that people are giving, how can he not get better? It's strength for all of us," she said.

She plans to visit A.J. in rehab this weekend, and hopes to bring him letters from fans, including those sent to this Web site's "You Tell Us" page, she said.

A.J. has already begun talking about how he could use his problems to help "others — kids and adults who are going through the same thing," his mother said.

Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys' sometime-rivals 'NSYNC expressed support for A.J. on Wednesday through their manager, Johnny Wright, who once managed the Backstreet Boys as well.

"Although I no longer have a professional relationship with A.J., my personal relationship still remains very strong," Wright said in a statement. "I consider A.J. part of my family and I am very proud of A.J. for recognizing he needs help. Not only myself, but all five members of 'NSYNC send our thoughts and prayers."
Mtv.com
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Chris & the Fu Man Crew Invade SoCal Twice

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SoCal Stop #1: San Diego
Thanks to Nordstrom and 93.3, FuMan Skeeto will be appearing at the Fashion Valley location for yet another FuMan Skeeto instore signing... here is all you need to know about the event.
Date: Sunday, July 15th
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Fashion Valley Nordstrom
6997 Friars Rd.
San Diego, CA
92108
Notes: 93.3 and FuMan Skeeto will be giving away 2 pairs of *Nsync tickets to the show at the Qualcomm Stadium set for Monday July 16th so if you wanna win... you've gotta be there!

SoCal Stop #2: Hollywood
Bloomingdales is the place to be on Tuesday, July 17th as Chris and the crew "pass through" another one of FuMan Skeeto's retail partners for a fun filled hour and a half of autograph signing, ticket giveaway and total chaos. Here is all you need to know about this event:
Date: Tuesday, July 17th
Time: 4 pm to 5:30
Location: Beverly Center Bloomingdales
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
310-854-0070
Notes: KISS FM and FuMan Skeeto will be giving away 2 tickets to see *Nsync on the sold out "Pop Odyssey" tour at the Rosebowl in Pasadena on Tuesday, July 24th so if you wanna win... you've gotta be there!

FumanSkeeto.com
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Justin to Cover Spike's 'Rent'?

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'N Sync has a very organized and loyal fan base, that's for sure. I got a lot of mean mail after Monday's column. But that doesn't change certain things. Love them passionately, but groups like 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys have run their course. They leave behind a legacy of good, clean pop and hummable songs that sound rather like commercials. There is nothing particularly interesting about their composition, these songs or the way they were arranged. They were performed by Rated-G Chippendale dancers with middling voices. If you don't get this, tell me why it ain't nothing but a heartbreak for members of New Kids on the Block.

One irate reader wrote to me that I had become my dad (or hers, I couldn't tell) who criticized the Beatles back in 1964. This is an easy shot, but a cheap one. From the beginning the Beatles aspired to much more — and accomplished 1,000 times more — than these prefabricated boy bands could hope for. The Beatles played their own instruments, arranged and orchestrated their music, wrote their songs from the start, and copied no one. If you're going to compare No Strings Attached to Revolver, then there's something so off in your musical education that it can't be debated here.

And with A.J. McLean of The Backstreet Boys in rehab, and 'N Sync's Justin being sued for pushing around a 15-year-old, the signs are everywhere. A chapter is ending in pop music. My advice to even the most ardent fan: Let it go.

You can write to the author of this article: marla.lehner@foxnews.com
FoxNews.com
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Justin to Cover Spike's 'Rent'?

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Here are two names you've probably never seen in the same sentence: Spike Lee and Justin Timberlake.

While they may sound like an odd couple, word has it that Timberlake and Lee might work together soon on Lee's upcoming film project, the big-screen version of the late Jonathan Larson's Broadway hit, "Rent."

Timberlake would like the role of Mark, the filmmaker, and sources told me he has already auditioned for Lee. Timberlake has been studying the musical. Just last week, the 'N Sync star and his girlfriend, Britney Spears, were spotted in the audience of the long-running show. At intermission, the couple ventured backstage to meet the cast and chat. Later, Spears was spotted clutching a tissue through the second act.

Also said to be on Lee's potential list of "Rent" cast members is Raul Esparza, the leading man of another of Larson's hits, Off-Broadway's "tick...tick...BOOM!" Lee may already have met with Esparza, who is being eyed for the role of the HIV-positive rocker, Roger.

A rep for Timberlake did not return calls for comment. Lee's rep said they had no comment.
NYDailyNews.com
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*NSYNC Fans Besiege Galleria; Chris Touts New Clothing Line

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Three-year-old Eiler Buck and his mother, Mary Beth Buck, lined up at 7:30 a.m. to meet Chris Kirkpatrick of the pop group 'NSync.

Eiler, who lives in Lewisville, was born with club feet and a brain malformation called polymicrogyria. He had surgery on his feet last year. Afterward, he strengthened his legs by using what his mom calls a "stander," a device that supported his feet and had straps across his knees, waist and chest. It was uncomfortable.

"He loved 'NSync and loved watching their videos," said Ms. Buck. "That was his reward for standing in his stander. He would do the arm movements and would try to dance with them. With therapy – and dancing with 'NSync – my son is now walking with a walker."

While Ms. Buck and Eiler were waiting in line, a Nordstrom employee noticed them. Ms. Buck told the employee Eiler's story, and it quickly passed through the ranks. Soon they were on their way to meet with Mr. Kirkpatrick. Eiler brought a doll of the singer.

Eiler can't speak, but he can communicate through some signs. He expressed his excitement by dancing to the videos that were playing at the event and, Ms. Buck said: "He started pointing at the doll and pointed to Chris. Chris started doing that, too."

Eiler wasn't the only one who was excited to meet Mr. Kirkpatrick. The line started at 7 p.m. Friday, but no autographs were signed before 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Magdalena Flores, 27, drove for about three hours from Abilene to get an autograph. She wore a T-shirt her sister made for her with Mr. Kirkpatrick's picture on the back. It also included information about him, including his birth date, the names of his dogs and his favorite word ("dude").

"I thought he was a dork when I first saw him on a poster," she said. "Then I had this dream about him, and ever since, I liked him."

Katie Coburn and Candice Barnard, both 13, were thrilled that Candice's mom agreed to drive them to the signing. Katie's favorite band member is Mr. Kirkpatrick, but Candice prefers his bandmate Lance Bass. But Candice was quick to add that she likes Mr. Kirkpatrick, too.

"I loved his dreads," she said.

"But I like his hair now," Katie chimed in. "He's very funny. When he and Justin get together, I've seem them in interviews, they're hilarious."

'NSync will perform Sunday at Texas Stadium in Irving, but fans have another chance to catch a glimpse of Mr. Kirkpatrick sooner than that. He said he sometimes rides his motorcycle before a show and gets caught in traffic on the way to the venue. It gives him a chance to see things like handmade posters and kids wearing the band's shirts.

"They've been waiting months for the show," he said. "It all builds up and it reinvents the excitement for us."

Ms. Buck is taking Eiler and one of his two sisters to the show. She'll bring earplugs to block out the screaming fans, but she said she likes 'NSync.

"I want them to know that their music is touching more people than they probably will ever know," she said
DallasNews.com
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Britney, Justin & Lance Attend Pepsi 400 Nascar Race

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Singer Britney Spears, donned in a skin-tight leather racing outfit with Pepsi plastered on her back and her name on the front, jumped from the Ford Explorer with her entourage right before the race and slinked out to the podium to say, "Gentleman, start your engines."

The official grand marshal, looking more like Evel Knievel, thanked Daytona International Speedway president John Graham for the opportunity. She should have thanked Pepsi, the race's official sponsor. The soft-drink company gets the opportunity to choose the grand marshal, and it was a no-brainer that it picked Spears, who signed a reported 5-year, $50 million worldwide sponsorship deal in February.

Spears, who admits that she isn't a fan of racing, was there with boyfriend Justin Timberlake and fellow N'Sync-er Lance Bass. All three got the opportunity to take part in a private drivers' meeting before the race. An onlooker at the meeting said, "Britney looked bored." The most fun she probably had was watching her bodyguard try to keep Daytona Beach News-Journal reporter Patrick Wright from interviewing her. It got so heated that NASCAR President Mike Helton had to step in. Wright and the bodyguard shook hands while Spears was revving the crowd.
OrlandoSentinel.com
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5ive Hit Out At *NSYNC

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J Brown from boyband Five has launched a tirade against the state of pop music -- and he's targeting *NSYNC as prime examples of what's gone wrong. The popular bopper insists too much money is being ploughed into pop videos and reckons American boyband *NSYNC, whose new single "Pop" cost millions of dollars to make, are the worst culprits.

Brown rants, "It looks like there was far too much f**king money ploughed into their video. I think it's a bit mad. It's this whole pop thing, and I know I'm part of it but it's spilling over into the whole music business.

"At the end of the day Travis don't have to spend millions on the video because the songs are good. It's all about the product. Some people say all pop is sh*t but I just feel we're making decent pop."

Could somebody be a bit jealous! MAN now I have to burn my 5ive CD right Trace? lol <3~*Chels*~ P.S. hmm they're making decent pop but they are over in Europe with all the fake boybands (*coughOTOWNcough*) and they are trash talking Nsync! grrr
MTVAsia.com
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*NSYNC are Guests at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration

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Michael Jackson's first performances on the U.S. mainland in 11 years will take place at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sept. 7 and 10, during events dubbed Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, the Solo Years. A long list of guests will also perform at the events, including the Jacksons. The anniversary events will precede the late-September release of Jackson's album "Invincible."

The Jacksons--brothers Michael, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Randy--will reunite for performances on both nights. They will perform a medley of their hits, and will also sing a Jackson 5 classic with 'NSync each night.

Each night, Jackson will perform "a number of his greatest hits," according to a press release issued by promoters.

According to event producer David Gest, the lineup for Sept. 7 also includes: Marc Anthony; Ray Charles; Deborah Cox; Gloria Estefan; Billy Gilman; Whitney Houston; James Ingram; Quincy Jones & the Legends of Jazz including Al Jarreau, Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, David "Fathead" Newman, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry & Cassandra Wilson; Mya; 'NSync; Jill Scott; Shaggy featuring Ricardo "Rikrok" Ducent & Rayvon; Britney Spears; Tamia; 3T; Usher and other "surprise guests."

Scheduled performers on Sept. 10 are: Marc Anthony; Mary J. Blige; Deborah Cox; Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott; Gloria Gaynor; Al Jarreau; Gladys Knight; Lil' Romeo; Ricky Martin; Mya; 98 Degrees; Diana Ross; Jill Scott; Usher; Luther Vandross; Dionne Warwick and other surprise guests. According to Gest, tickets for both shows--which will range in price from $45 to $500--will go on sale on July 26 through the Madison Square Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster. (Ticketmaster is LiveDaily's parent company).

The performances will be filmed for a two-hour primetime special for CBS television, and will also be broadcast in other parts of the world.

Jackson--who seldom has been seen in public in recent years--was brought onstage by Jay-Z during the rapper's performance at the Hot 97 Summer Jam 2001 on Thursday (6/28), MTV News reported. Jackson did not perform, but he reportedly posed for pictures with Jay-Z. Jackson reportedly makes a guest appearance on Jay-Z's next album.
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*NSYNC Show led Wright to Wed

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It was a traditional New Orleans wedding in the Big Apple when teen-pop mogul Johnny Wright married the former Erika Schwarz in New York. Britney Spears, 'NSYNC and a host of record industry power brokers were among the 375 guests for the May 29 ceremony at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church on Park Avenue.

After a reception at the Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Centre, the newlyweds spent a 10-day homeymoon in Maui, Hawaii. The ceremony capped a two-year courtship that began when the couple met after an "NSYNC concert in New Orleans.

None of the pop stars was enlisted to sing at the ceremony, though Spears read a Bible passage. Later, the stars danced into the night at a reception that resembled an elegant Mardi Gars ball, including feathers, plumes, masks and a menu of pasta jambalaya, crab cakes and jumbo barbecue shrimp.

"People were doing the limbo, and Justin [Timberlake] was cutting a rug," said the new Mrs. Wright on Wednesday. "They opened up a circle for Justin and Britney to dance. Everybody flooded the floor."

Wright, 40, and his bride, 29, took their first dance to a concert video of 'NSYNC's "This I Promise You" taped on the night Wright proposed.

Her reaction? "I felt like Cinderella."
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*NSYNC GloGear Necklaces at Walmart

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Get the latest in concert jewelry - N'SYNC GloGear necklaces! Worn by the boys themselves, N'SYNC has their own line of GloGear necklaces, with three styles of the infamous N'SYNC logo, now on shelves at Walmart retailers nationwide. These concert accessories magically illuminate from the inside out, glistening and glowing for up to 20 continuous hours in blue, red, amber, or green light, and even have replaceable batteries to keep wearers glowing with the music all night - concert after concert, if you're so lucky!

Original GloGear styles including Star, Heart, Butterfly, Daisy, Rockstar and Dragon charms have been seen on stars from Dream, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Pink, Mya, Gwen Stefani and Mandy Moore, to name a few. The mystery behind GloGear is remarkable, using patented technology combined with magnets, stylized charms and tiny batteries to emanate brilliantly when lit.

Also at Walmart, find specially designed Britney Spears GloGear necklaces in three different styles including a Fairy, Britney "B" and the Britney Daisy. For more information or to find the Walmart nearest you, log onto www.glogear.com or www.walmart.com

PRNewswire.com
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On the Line

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Release Date: September, 2001 (possibly coinciding with a single by the band supporting the film; Miramax is certainly rushing to get this to theaters... but it makes sense with a movie whose primary audience appeal is based on a band; you never know when teen sentiments change. Consider Spice World; if it had been released just a few months earlier, it might have had double the box office... so fickle, teens) Title Notes: (5/3/01) The title was shortened for a while to just On the L and On the El (both matching the name of the metro train system in Chicago), but Variety and MTV both report this week that the title has returned to its original form. Distributor: Miramax Films Production Companies: A Happy Place (Lance Bass), Tapestry Films

Cast: Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Emmanuelle Chriqui; other cast not announced yet.

Cast Note: Bass and Fatone are best-known as 40% of the dancing/singing quintet, N'Sync. The other members will not be appearing in this movie; it's strictly Bass and Fatone. (source: MTV, 5/3/01)

Director: Eric Bross (Stranger than Fiction, Restaurant)

Screenwriters: Eric Aronson and Paul Stanton (debuts) (first draft); rewrite by Jonathan Bernstein, Mark Blackwell, and James Greer (a 3-man writing team that's also working on Ghost Patrol, I Want Kandee, and Max Keeble's Big Move)

Based upon: A short film also called On the Line.

Premise: A young man (Bass) meets a girl (Chriqui) on a train, only to spend the rest of the movie trying to reunite with her (one of the love-at-first-sight things), aided by his best friend (Fatone) in a quest of posters and signs that soon gains public notice. Will he ever find his soulmate?

Filming: Production started in mid-March, 2001 in Toronto, budgeted at $10 million. Filming wrapped in Chicago in late April.
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"Not So Boy Band" Opening For *NSYNC

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The band, which also consists of Joey Fatone's father, will appear with *NSYNC on the following dates: July 6 in Houston, Texas, at the Reliant Astrodome; July 8 in Dallas, Texas, at Texas Stadium; July 21 & 22 in Oakland, Calif., at the Network Associates Coliseum; July 24 in Pasadena, Calif., at the Rose Bowl; July 27, 28 & 29 in Las Vegas, Nev., at Sam Boyd Stadium (July 29's date is a special appearance at the Challenge for the Children Benefit); July 31 in Tampa, Fla., at Raymond James Stadium; and August 2 in Miami, Fla., at Pro Player Stadium. More dates will be announced in the future.
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*NSYNC And BBMak Discuss Justin/Britney Accident Hoax

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*NSYNC singer Lance Bass told LAUNCH that his bandmate Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears are alive and well, despite all the hype a false car-accident report received last week when it was picked up by several major media outlets.

"Oh yeah, he and Britney are definitely alive," he said. "I mean, I can't believe that spread so fast, but yeah, I mean, I don't see how CNN and ABC could actually report stuff like that and not even get it for fact."

Bass added that it was more than just *NSYNC fans who were upset by the incident--Timberlake's own mother was shocked when she first heard of the false story. "The thing that really kind of makes us mad is when it hits news that fast, you don't even have time to call your families and tell them it's not true," he explained. "He had family members who really thought it was true because they saw it on CNN. They're all just, like, devastated. His mom's calling. I mean, it's just crazy before we can have time to relay the message that: 'It's not true. We're on tour over in the East Coast.'"

BBMak is currently opening for *NSYNC on select dates of the group's PopOdyssey tour. BBMak singer Ste McNally noted that the prank could have a profound effect on fans of the pop music superstars. "Kids put their heart and soul into some of these bands and saying stuff like they've been in a car accident, it can be a shock, especially if it's not true," he said. "You know, you think something bad has happened to someone you really like and then it's not… it's a bit sick really. They don't want anything to happen to their favorite artists, but I'm sure they [the DJs] won't make that mistake again."

Two evening DJs on a Dallas-based radio show that airs in San Jose, California, falsely told listeners June 12 that they had information from "an inside source" telling them that singer Britney Spears and *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake had been involved in a fatal car accident. The DJs also claimed that they were reading reports from wire services confirming the accident.

KEGL-FM, the radio station that employs the DJs, aired a recorded apology the following day (June 13) that stated, "Last night, this radio station erroneously reported an incident involving Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. 'The Eagle' apologizes for any confusion this erroneous report may have caused." Meanwhile, no disciplinary action has been formally announced for the DJs Kramer & Twitch, who concocted the hoax. The duo is currently back on the air in their regular time slot.
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Justin and Britney: Not Dead

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Breathe easy, Britney and Justin fans, the kids are all right.
Texas deejays Kramer & Twitch of Dallas station KEGL-FM triggered a worldwide panic Tuesday when they "reported" that Britney Spears died in a car accident in Los Angeles. Her boyfriend, 'N Sync crooner Justin Timberlake, also in the accident, got off a little easier. He was only in a coma.
The two "confirmed" the report, which aired during their 7-11 p.m. (CT) Extreme Night Time Radio show, by quoting representatives from Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Although the story was completely concocted by the, um, wacky deejays, alarmed locals immediately took to the Internet with word of the supposed wreck, and the hoax took on a life of its own on newsgroups, fan sites and chat boards.
While some fans were rightly dubious, questioning why the report hadn't aired on MTV or CNN, the rumor continued to spread and other "details" began to emerge, including that Spears was speeding down the L.A. freeways in excess of 105 mph. To add insult to rumored injury, an empty flask of liquor was purportedly found in the wreckage.
Soon, the Los Angeles police and fire departments were fielding calls from dozens of concerned fans and reporters. While the L.A.P.D. refused to comment on the matter, other than to say the accident never occurred, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey told the Los Angeles Times that officials received over 100 calls, some from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. (A rep for Cedars-Sinai, however, said the celeb-friendly hospital didn't receive any calls, most likely because the facility morphed into "Mt. Sinai Hospital" in several of the alt.fan.britney-spears newsgroup postings.)
Meanwhile, reps for both Spears and 'N Sync on Wednesday tried to quash the out-of-control story. "There is no truth to the rumor circulating around the world that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were involved in a car accident on Tuesday in Los Angeles," Sonia Muckle of Jive Records--both acts' label--said. "Spears and Timberlake are in great health. Timberlake is on tour with 'N Sync and Spears is currently in the studio recording her next album."
A KEGL spokeswoman said the station was bombarded with more than 200 calls and faxes regarding the hoax. The prankster deejays, who have been with the station for two years, are no strangers to controversy. During one broadcast, the two suggested that motorists either strike bicyclists with their car doors or simply run them over, which led to a short suspension. They also incurred thousands of dollars in fines by letting loose expletives over the airwaves. Although the station rep didn't know if the two would face any sort of disciplinary action for starting the Britney-Justin rumor, she did say the two were "called into the office."
And even though the hullaballoo has seemingly died down on the Web (message boards for the "I Support Justin and Britney" Yahoo fan club had no entries about the report, instead focusing heavily on the "Daddy Justin and Mommy Britney" message thread), Muckle of Jive Records says the controversy is not over yet. "Representatives for both Spears and Timberlake are looking into the situation to determine the original source of the rumor," she said, "and if legal action is appropriate."

EOnline.com
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Verizon Wireless Donates *NSYNC Tickets To Philadelphia Area Adoption Agency

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A group of girls affiliated with the National Adoption Center and the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption Network, along with their caseworkers, will experience the night of a lifetime thanks to Verizon Wireless. The company is donating tickets to the girls to the sold-out *NSYNC 2001 PopOdyssey Concert at Veterans Stadium. Verizon Wireless is co-sponsoring the *NSYNC tour.

Ten girls affiliated with the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption Network, along with their caseworkers, will receive the tickets. The young women, ranging from ages 8 to 16, are adoption candidates living in the Montgomery and Lehigh County area.

The Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption Network is a non- profit organization affiliated with the Philadelphia-based National Adoption Center. The Organization strives to secure loving, permanent homes for children and teens who do not have a family of their own.

"We are so thankful to Verizon Wireless for donating these tickets to our girls. Now, they too can experience a once-in-a-lifetime event with other kids their age," said Elisa Esh of Common Sense Adoptions. "Many of these girls have experienced such hard times -- it's so heartwarming to witness their excitement and happiness. One of our 16-year-old girls even started crying when she heard the news."

"Verizon Wireless is dedicated to serving our communities, and is proud to donate the concert tickets, especially to these young women who are in need of loving families to call their own," said Ann McCrystal, president of Verizon Wireless' Philadelphia Tri-State Region.

By embracing a philosophy of commitment to the community, Verizon Wireless provides its wireless products and services to domestic violence, public safety, disaster relief, and numerous non-profit causes close to the communities it serves.

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Verizon Wireless and Verizon Long Distance Take Center Stage in SFX-Produced North American Tour

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As part of an expanded music sponsorship portfolio, Verizon Communications is touring the country this summer as the presenting and title telecommunications sponsor of the SFX-produced *NSYNC2001 POPODYSSEY Summer Tour.

The popular group's 35-city, 44-concert tour kicked off May 23 in Jacksonville, Fla., and concludes Aug. 24 in Jackson, Miss. The tour is in support of the group's new album, "Celebrity," in stores July 24. Many of the tour's shows take place in Verizon's key markets where the company is offering its advanced telecommunications services through its local telephone companies, Verizon Wireless or Verizon Long Distance.

"We're breaking the mold with this sponsorship," said Janet Keeler, Verizon senior vice president for Brand Management and Marketing Services. "The *NSYNC 2001 POPODYSSEY Summer Tour has offered Verizon a wonderful marketing alliance opportunity and platform for building our brand. The group is active, energetic and attracts a broad cross section of customers, both geographically and demographically. We expect that the tour will be a major media attraction, which will put the Verizon name front and center across the country."

The sponsorship will feature Verizon's telecommunications services, principally those offered by Verizon Wireless and Verizon Long Distance. As tour sponsor, Verizon will have a visible presence at each of the concerts, with banners, information booths, logo insertion on Jumbotron screens, announcements at each of the venues and advertising in the show programs. In addition, Verizon and Verizon Wireless will be able to use *NSYNC concert footage for upcoming television commercials. Tour-related promotions and radio contests also will be held in tour cities.

"This summer's *NSYNC 2001 POPODYSSEY Summer Tour, produced by SFX, is a fitting, strategic sponsorship opportunity for Verizon," said Paula Balzer, chief marketing officer for SFX. "By leveraging the power of live entertainment, we will be able to connect Verizon directly with its customers at the shows and through myriad marketing initiatives featuring *NSYNC." The sponsorship is one of Verizon's first efforts to promote its telecommunications products and services to young adults nationwide.

"This generation is a very mobile group of young people," said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless vice president and chief marketing officer. "As they head off to college, first jobs or any number of activities that take them away from their parents' homes, they stay in touch via their wireless phones. The members of *NSYNC epitomize the lifestyle of this type of consumer. They're mobile, their wireless phones are a necessity for managing a busy lifestyle, and they expect reliable, quality products and services."

"While *NSYNC's main audience is the market-savvy, young-adult segment," Keeler said, "the group also is appealing to other audiences because it provides good quality entertainment in a wholesome environment. And the performers themselves take an interest in their communities. These are the qualities that Verizon stands for and endorses."

"Verizon Long Distance is thrilled to bring this mega-event to our customers and *NSYNC fans across the country," said Maura Breen, president of Verizon Long Distance. "This sponsorship is a great opportunity to reach a growing segment of long-distance users who enjoy everything from our calling cards, to our innovative calling plans and products like SmartTouch(SM)."

Win A Trip To See *NSYNC In Concert

As an added promotion, Verizon Long Distance is sponsoring an *NSYNC Sweepstakes drawing for residential customers. The winner will be transported with three friends to Washington, D.C. for the Aug. 13 show where they'll be able to attend a special "sound check" party and much more. All current residential Verizon Long Distance customers are entered automatically into the contest. Customers get an additional entry for every long-distance call made using Verizon Long Distance between June 3 and July 14. Complete details about the sweepstakes and what the winner can look forward to are available here.

Also, beginning June 16, fans can enter the Verizon Wireless *NSYNC 2001 POPODYSSEY Tour sweepstakes to win two tickets to see the *NSYNC concert of their choice. Just in time for the June 22 concert in Cleveland, Ohio, and continuing through the tour, Verizon Wireless will randomly select 10 winners to receive two of the hottest tickets in town. To "join in" the Verizon Wireless fun, fans should register here, or the sweepstakes The members of *NSYNC are Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass and JC Chasez. With two albums having reached diamond status by selling more than 10 million copies each, the group hopes to do the same with the July release of its album "Celebrity." Jive Records released the first single, "POP," on May 15.

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*NSYNC, Britney Spears Playing Ball For Kids' Charities

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'NSYNC have drafted Britney Spears, as well as NBA stars Tracy McGrady and Elton Brand, for their third annual Challenge for the Children Celebrity Skills Challenge and Basketball Game.
The event, which takes place in Las Vegas on July 28-29, will feature two celebrity teams going head-to-head on the court, both in a game and in slam-dunk and three-point contests. Relay races, sumo wrestling and other non-hoops challenges round out the games.
Tickets for Saturday's Celebrity Skills challenge and Sunday's basketball game, both at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Thomas & Mack Center, go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. through Tickets.com.
'NSYNC will kick off the weekend with a show at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium on July 27.
Last year's event, which raised more than $700,000, drew Pink, former New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight, New Jersey Nets' guard Stephon Marbury and Indiana Pacers' coach Isiah Thomas. The 'NSYNC-founded Challenge for the Children raises money for kids' charities across the U.S.

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*NSYNC Barbie — She's With The Band

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While millions of females claim to be 'NSYNC's biggest fan, only one can claim to be their smallest. Barbie, the middle-aged blond beauty who first graced toy shelves in 1959, is now available in the 'NSYNC #1 Fan edition. And she won't be the only doll decked out in 'NSYNC garb. Her friends Teresa and Christie are also available in 'NSYNC #1 Fan editions. Each of the dolls, which gyrate to music, includes a CD with an exclusive remix of a different 'NSYNC single. Barbie comes with "Bye Bye Bye," Teresa with "This I Promise You" and Christie with "It's Gonna Be Me." Two different 'NSYNC trading cards are also included with each doll. Barbie and her friends are dressed in denim jeans and tie-dye 'NSYNC T-shirts. Accessories include an "I love 'NSYNC" banner, autograph book and tiny magazines. "Music celebrities, especially pop stars, have created quite a craze in girls' lives, and no one knows girls better than Barbie," Barbie/Mattel vice president Jamie Cygielman said in a press release. "Mattel's partnership with 'NSYNC is yet another way the Barbie brand continues to remain in tune with girls, providing relevant ways for them to play out their fantasies and aspirations." Mattel also recently released the Totally Talkin' Electronic CD Case, an interactive container that matches voices with stickers, including several from the guys in 'NSYNC. 'NSYNC's new album, Celebrity, is due July 24.

Mtv.com
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Britney And Justin Hope To Produce Smart Kids

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Showing that they have hearts of gold (or, um, platinum), teen idols Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears are spreading the message to young fans that if you want to follow in their footsteps, you need math skills to count all your money and all those millions of albums you sell.
In Boston on Tuesday, Timberlake announced a joint venture with MathMastery.com and the Giving Back Fund to kick off the MathNMusic Club for Youth on June 5. According to a spokesperson for the Giving Back Fund, the MathNMusic Club will be part of Mathmastery.com and will incorporate music to help children learn about the world of numbers.
Although the creative end is not yet finalized, the spokesperson said kids will be able to visit the Web site and see a drawn likeness of both Timberlake and Spears. Voiceovers and jingles may be added. No plans have been made to play 'NSYNC or Spears songs on the site.
After paying a fee to enroll in the MathNMusic Club, members will receive Justin and Britney paraphernalia, such as posters. Portions of the MathNMusic Club's earnings will go to the Justin Timberlake Foundation and the Britney Spears Foundation, which both work in conjunction with the Giving Back Fund to donate money toward music education in schools.

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'NSYNC Video Game Calls On Fans, Literally

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They've been bowling fans over with their irresistible pop for years — now 'NSYNC buffs are getting a chance to return the favor.
The 'NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone and CD-ROM for PC computers invites players ages 8-12 to compete for a virtual backstage pass by successfully completing five short games, including a bowling segment that features JC, Lance, Justin, Chris and Joey's talking heads atop pins literally begging to be knocked down.
The key component of the game, developed by Stunt Puppy Entertainment, is the Fantasy Phone, a device that acts as a controller when plugged into a PC's gameport. When it's not plugged in, it rings the user with personalized updates in the form of text messages and sound bites. For example, fans can receive a birthday message from Lance or be reminded of an appointment.
Other challenges, each hosted by a different 'NSYNC member, include the memory-dependent Quick Change, the mimicking Make-a-Move, Trivia and Charity Challenge, a scenario that finds the guys in a kissing booth. Overcoming each game in order reveals an autographed backstage pass, a congratulatory video message and backstage photos.
The game, which debuted at last week's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, is slated to hit stores in September.

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*NSYNC Unveils Plans for Third Annual Challenge for the Children Event

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After raising over $700,000 last year for their foundation, Challenge For The Children, the men of *NSYNC are at it again as they prepare for their third annual Challenge For The Children charity event. This year the event has grown into a three-day weekend, taking place in Las Vegas, NV on July 27th, 28th and 29th. Kicking off the weekend, celebrity guests will attend *NSYNC's show at Sam Boyd Stadium, then it's on to the Kick-Off Party at a private location. Saturday, fans will get a chance to see *NSYNC and their celebrity friends duke it out at the Celebrity Skills Challenge. During the Skills Challenge, celebrities on the Daze and Knights teams will compete in games such as Sumo wrestling, Shaq Shoe Race, an obstacle course and many more. The grand finale on Sunday will be the basketball game. Both events will be held at UNLV's Thomas & Mac Center. To wrap up the weekend, there will be a Championship Celebration at an exclusive nightclub. Last year CFTC brought out celebrities like PINK, Beverly Mitchell, Stephon Marbury, Ananda Lewis, Dean Winters, Isiah Thomas and Jordan Knight. This year some of the people on their wish list include Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Ben Stiller, Lil' Bow Wow, Usher, Cuttino Mobley, Dream, Ludacris, Ahmad Rashad and Pat O'Brien just to name a few. This year's confirmed participants will be announced at a later date. Tickets for Saturday's Skills Challenge and Sunday's basketball game will go on sale during the second week in June. Challenge For The Children is an established 501c3 and was founded by the members of *NSYNC in 1999. The main goal of CFTC is to offer financial support to children's programs and charities throughout the country. Every year *NSYNC chooses various charities to benefit from the event. Some of the charities that have benefited from the foundation are the Arnold Palmer's Hospital for Children & Women, Lifebeat, Childplace, The Justin Timberlake Foundation, Child Watch and Camp Good Days. "What a better way to celebrate children than by playing a game. It is our privilege to bring a good time and a smile to all for a good cause. Isn't that what charity is all about? Feeling good and helping others feel good. Our foundation is doing just that with your help." - JC
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Lance Bass Protégé Meredith Edwards In Sync With Country

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Anyone hoping that the music industry's infatuation with youth was just a passing fad got a big wake-up call when 21-year-old Lance Bass announced he was opening a management company last year. A member of pop group 'NSYNC, Bass sent a message to all of the jaded industryites who refused to take young superstars seriously: they're here, they're hot, and they ain't going away. That Bass' first client would be 16-year-old country singer Meredith Edwards (she turned 17 in early March) therefore seemed somehow appropriate. Bass obviously knows something about launching teen acts; as for entering the world of Nashville, said Edwards, "he has got so many friends in country music. He is definitely a great manager. He is the guy who has got the connections, he knows people." Indeed, no sooner had Edwards landed at Bass' Free Lance Entertainment than she was holding a contract with Mercury Nashville in her manicured hands. Her debut, Reach, releases May 15 on Bass' imprint label with Mercury, Freelance Entertainment, while the first single, "A Rose Is a Rose," is at #44 this week on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Which begs the question: How did Edwards land a gig other 16 year-old girls would give their eyeteeth for? In fact, Edwards reeled in her Bass the old-fashioned way: the two are childhood friends. Both hail from Clinton, Miss., a small suburb of Jackson. Their mothers are friends, and the two have known each other since both were members of the Mississippi Showstoppers touring group. "We have known each other since I was like eight," says Edwards. "We used to sing together, we lived in the same town. It's just a really weird connection. He always said, 'If I ever go anywhere in the music business, I want to take you with me.' " Still, once Bass reached the lofty heights of superstardom, even Edwards didn't expect him to make good on his word. "But he was like, 'Meredith, I want you to be my debut artist for the management company!'," she trilled. "I was like, Woah! I didn't really believe him! But we set it all up and it works great." There are some obvious advantages to having a member of a multi-platinum selling pop group serve as your manager. When Bass squired a virtually unknown Edwards to last year's CMA Awards show, it made headlines in Nashville and beyond. She toured with 'NSYNC last fall, opening one of the hottest tours in industry history. The singer admits to being "really scared" on those first gigs — after all, 'NSYNC is one of the world's top touring acts, grossing $76.4 million last year, according to trade publication Pollstar. That's more than rockers Kiss or country's own reigning king and queen, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. "I didn't know what [the 'NSYNC fans] were going to act like, if they were going to be responsive or not," Edwards says. "I'm not 'N Sync, I don't sing pop music! But they were great, they accepted it totally. I was really lucky, definitely." While cynics may wonder how hands-on a manager can be when he's cultivating his own red-hot artists' career, Edwards claims that Bass is, in fact, very involved in decisions affecting her career. Furthermore, she notes, Free Lance Entertainment is strictly a family-run operation, so there's a familiarity factor there. Though she vows she's strictly country, the coming months will see Edwards open a few more shows for 'NSYNC, "because that's such an amazing opportunity. To perform in front of these kids that are these huge fans, it's such great exposure." Negotiations are also underway to put her on a big summer tour, though nothing has been signed at this point. For an artist whose debut release is still two months away, things seem to be moving expeditiously for Edwards. It's another wake-up call from music's youthquake: they're here, and they're putting down roots.
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No 'Grease' For 'NSYNC, Bass And Fatone Pursue Movies On Own

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Sometimes even the world's biggest boy band can't get what it wants. The members of 'NSYNC traveled to the Cannes Film Festival last May to announce — with maximum fanfare — that they planned to film a movie together. In October, the group's Lance Bass revealed that the movie in question would "most likely" be "Grease 3." And in fact, the group had been working on a potential "Grease" sequel with the California production company Total Film Group, according to sources close to the project. But 'NSYNC's substantial clout has so far not been enough to obtain the rights to the "Grease" name and characters, the sources said, and the movie has been shelved. Total Film Group is working to come up with another potential project to present to the 'NSYNCers, and continues to try to rescue "Grease." But the time for a full-fledged 'NSYNC movie, with all five members, may have passed, according to Lance Bass. Instead of a group movie, a la the Beatles' beloved "A Hard Day's Night" or the Spice Girls' ill-fated "Spice World," Bass and fellow group member Joey Fatone have chosen to make their movie debuts without the rest of 'NSYNC. Bass will star and Fatone will appear in "On the Line" (originally called "On the L"), a romantic comedy due this September or October (see "'NSYNC's Bass, Fatone Get To Big Screen 'On The L'"). "I think if you had all five guys of 'NSYNC, people really wouldn't take the movie seriously," Bass said recently from the film's set ."This way, there's a couple of us in it, and it's a real movie. It really stands up on its own." The movie stars Bass as a fresh-from-college 20-something who works in an advertising agency. He meets the "woman of his dreams" on Chicago's "L" train, but she leaves without giving him her name and number. Bass' character spends the rest of the movie trying to track the woman down. Bass and Fatone may contribute new music to the soundtrack, but no plans have been confirmed, according to a publicist for the movie, which is the first film project from Bass' A Happy Place Productions. "This is definitely a huge risk for me," Bass said. "The thing is, my first job is music... If this doesn't work for me, it's not going to break me. Coming out [with] my first movie, [in] the lead role... it's very insane. But you know, people are going to look at this and [know that] I'm doing this for my fans. The fans are going to love it." Fatone also filmed a supporting role last September in an upcoming independent movie, "The Bros.," playing the victim of a crime spree. The movie — which is expected to include cameos from rappers Ludacris and Vanilla Ice — is scheduled to be completed by summer. The filmmakers are searching for a distributor, according to writer/director Jonathan Figg. "Joey was excellent. He was a real pro. It's a real coup for us [and] he was very excited about doing something a little grittier and edgier," Figg said from his Orlando, Florida, production office. "There's a possibility that Joey might contribute to the soundtrack either by doing a track himself or providing us with an artist he's bringing up." The movie, which was called "The Brothers" until Sony Pictures put another movie by that title on their lineup, is a dark comedy about a pair of suburban kids who are obsessed with hip-hop. Also last year, Fatone filmed a small role in another independent film, the comedy "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which is slated for release sometime this year. Despite unending rumors to the contrary, no other 'NSYNC-related movie projects appear to be anywhere near hitting theaters.
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O-Town Threat To *NSync

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O-TOWN have issued a threat to *N SYNC, telling NME.COM that the boyband should be "pretty worried about shooting off their mouths". In an interview with NME.COM, Jacob from O-Town blasts *N Sync's Lance Bass for comments he made about O-Town. "I think it's really bold of him to open his mouth and start shooting off about us because he knows where we came from and we're working with the same people that put *N Sync together," he fumes. "I'm kinda worried that we might let out some secrets 'cos we've found out some stuff about how real or not real they are. I'd be pretty worried if I was him if he wants to keep shooting off his mouth."
"I think he was a lot safer when he was commenting on the people we were working with," Erik continues, "but he made a big mistake when he commented on us as a band. We're going to do things that are going to surprise a lot of people. I feel really bad when people have to eat their words."
Dan from the band adds: "I think we have just as many qualities as *N Sync, though we're not as big as them. They were put together and they didn't really have a reason to be put together; we did because we had a TV show. I think it's a double-standard for him to say anything."
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As if *NSYNC lollipops aren't enough

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*NSYNC has released juice-filled fruit snacks. This official product from Zeeks Inc and Winterland in association with Brach's and HOT HITS, comes in five fruity flavors: lemon, strawberry, fruit punch, orange and grape. Each piece of candy, has one of the guys' names on it. And believe it or not: they're FAT FREE! But that's not all folks. These fruit snacks are also nutritional. With added vitamins A, C and E, how you can resist? Each box comes with eight pouches of fruity goodness. These *NSYNC fruit snacks are a must-have for any fan. For a limited time only, get one free fake backstage pass in every box. *NSYNC fruit snacks can now be found in most supermarkets for $3.
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*NSync and Mike *NSync had the honor of inducting pop king Micheal Jackson into the Hall of Fame. Click here for a pic. You can catch *NSync and Mike along with Aerosmith, Steely Dan and others Wednesday, March 21 on VH1. VH1 Back

*NSync Barbie Yes, it's true. There will now be a *NSync fan Barbie for kids (and kids at heart) to play with. There are three Barbies who each come with their own special remix cds (Barbie- Bye,Bye,Bye ; Teresa- This I Promise You ; Christie- It's Gonna Be Me). They also come with their own "On Tour" Cards. They are available at most Toy Stores and Wal-Mart. Back

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Bye Bye To Meet And Greets?

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Bye Like they always say, out with the old, in with the new. Right? Well, this tour will be no different. Remember those old meet and greets where you (along with a LOT of other fans) got put into a room, quickly got to shake *NSync's hand and then got put into chairs to try your best to hear what was being said? A lot of fans got put in the back of the room and could hardly hear or take pics. Now that is all changing. Fans lucky enough to get backstage passes will now be taken into the arena and be seated in the first couple rows. *NSync will perform on stage a couple of songs for just these fans. Cool huh? That ain't all of it though! Microphones will be placed down with the fans so they will be able to ask questions for everyone to hear and the guys will answer with their mics. This insures all the fans will be able to hear everything. At the end, you will also get a pre-signed photo of the guys. Now there are some petitions going around trying to get the old meet and greets back. *NSync decided to change the meet and greets to this to benefit all fans. They felt the old ones were too rushed and too many fans were put too far away. Many fans couldn't hear questions/answers. They feel this is a much better way to run the meet and greets. If you think about it, maybe it ain't so bad! :-) I'm starting to like it.
*Thanks to Geri at the offical *NSync Fan Club
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Craig Kilborn Gets Call From Justin

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On the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn Friday night, Craig was doing a gag where he was dancing (or attempting to.) As he's doing this, the phone rings and he says something along the lines of: "What do you mean I can't dance on my show? Hey, you don't own me, Timberlake!!"
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Chris and Dani Break Up

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Chris and his long time girlfriend Danielle. Danielle also works with him on FumanSkeeto. Chris mentioned the breakup on Larry King Live. You can read that transcript hereDanielle also posted this message on FumanSkeeto.....
Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to begin. This will be the hardest post I've ever written so I hope you all can bear with me. First of all, a huge, huge hug to those of you that have responded in a positive way to Chris and I's situation. To read how much you guys care about Chris and our relationship is absolutely unbelievable, you have no idea how much you guys have touched my heart! I haven't posted anything about our breakup because Chris and I have always kept business and personal separate, but because most of you have been nothing but supportive of us and respectful to me, not to mention the family you have created on this forum, I feel like I can share my heart with you.
Yes, Chris and I broke up. On the business end, I know many of you worry about how the company will continue to run, but please know that Chris and I still care about each other very much and above all else remain best friends. From the beginning I have said that I run this company because I am qualified to do so, not because Chris and I are together, and our current situation proves that. We started this company together and will continue to run it together like mature adults. I am a strong believer that there is a reason for everything and there is no doubt in my mind that God brought Chris and I together for a purpose. Chris and I know that this company is special and will touch many lives and regardless of what happens in our personal lives we will always do what's best for the good of the company and that means that we put our personal feelings aside.
On a more personal note...I want you all to know how much I care about Chris, if you all can imagine how you feel about him, times that emotion by a 100% and it doesn't even come close to how special he is to me. I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love him but some things are beyond my control...this whole situation is very hard for the both of us and we are just trying to deal with it the best way we know how. Chris and I have a connection with each other that most people look their whole lives for and never find, its something very special and unique. Even if we always remain just friends I will be eternally grateful for having him in my life. I have said to his mother that he is the only one for me and if there is such a thing as a soul mate, he is it, but unfortunately at this time we just cannot be together. I hope all of you can continue to be supportive and understanding of our situation. I don't know what the future holds but stay positive. For those of you who have sent your prayers, thank you so much, they are always needed!
With Much Love,
Danielle
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Britney's Beau Urges Cover-Up Oops! She did it again - and her boyfriend's had enough. *NSYNC sensation Justin Timberlake wants girlfriend Britney Spears - who's been criticized for flaunting her body - to cover up her curves in public. The hunky boy-band sensation - who also proudly admitted he's a virgin - said he was making the plea to the pop princess out of "concern" that she's setting a bad example for her millions of adolescent fans. "She's making some big mistakes. I'm talking critical mistakes," Timberlake said, according to the British tabloid The Star. "Britney needs to slow down and count her blessings," the 19-year-old star added. "She needs to recognize that there are thousands of young girls out there who watch her and think it's all right to dress like that. "I love her with all my heart. She's been my best friend forever, so I speak out of concern," he said. But it's unlikely the sultry Spears - who sent pulse rates rising when she appeared dressed in next to nothing at the MTV Music Awards show this year - will throw on a robe anytime soon. The starlet recently said her mom taught her not to hide her body, because "it's a beautiful thing." Meanwhile, Timberlake said that despite the hundreds of teenyboppers who throw themselves at him, he's saving himself for his bride on his wedding night. "I don't follow the crowd, and I really don't feel that I need to go and prove my manhood by jumping into the sack with every girl that comes along," he said. NyPost.com Back Justin: Love and No Sex, Yet Britney Spears' pop pin-up boyfriend Justin Timberlake appreciates the crazy singer's need to put love before sex because he's a virgin too. The *NSYNC star admits it's often tough to resist the temptations of groupies, but he's determined to stay pure until his wedding night. He says, "I'm probably the only guy my age that I know who's a virgin and that's ok by me. "I have the opportunity that most guys would kill for and I just throw it all away -- but it's all about love for me. "I don't follow the crowd and I really don't feel that I need to prove my manhood by jumping in the sack with every girl that comes along." And Timberlake admits one of the reasons why he and Britney are so happy is because they believe in the same values. He adds, "I want to marry a girl who shares the same values I do. I have a lot of friends who messed up their lives because they couldn't keep it zipped." Mtv Asia Back