The Incredible Evolution of Justin Timberlake: From ‘Star Search’ Sensation to NSYNC Heartthrob and Grammy Award Magnet
From his early days on ‘Star Search’ to his rise with ‘NSync and ultimately becoming a Grammy winner, witness Justin Timberlake's remarkable journey through the years
Justin Timberlake has made great strides in his career, starting from his modest start in Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to his role as a cast member on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club alongside notable figures such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell, Timberlake showcased his talents on Star Search in 1992.
After their time as Mouseketeers, Timberlake and Chasez remained friends and eventually formed a band called ‘NSync. They were joined by Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. Together, they released three albums (including a Christmas record!) from 1997 to 2001 before deciding to disband and focus on their individual projects. Since then, Timberlake has released four solo albums and has had the honor of performing at the Super Bowl halftime show on two occasions.
Content The Grammy winner has successfully ventured into acting, appearing in notable films such as The Social Network, Alpha Dog, Bad Teacher, and Friends With Benefits. Timberlake even made a brief appearance in his wife Jessica Biel's film, Candy. Take a look below to view a collection of photos showcasing Timberlake's evolution over the years.
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Justin Timberlake Through the Years: From ‘Star Search’ to ‘NSync to Grammy Winner
Justin Timberlake has come a long way since his humble beginnings in Memphis, Tennessee.
Timberlake participated in the Star Search competition in 1992, a year prior to joining The All-New Mickey Mouse Club as a cast member alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell.
Following their time as Mouseketeers, Timberlake and Chasez maintained their friendship and eventually became bandmates in 'NSync, along with Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. The boy band released three albums (including a Christmas record!) from 1997 to 2001 before disbanding to pursue their own solo endeavors.
Timberlake has released four LPs following the breakup of the boy band and has even performed at the Super Bowl halftime show on two occasions.
In addition to his musical success, the Grammy winner has delved into acting, appearing in notable films such as The Social Network, Alpha Dog, Bad Teacher, and Friends With Benefits. He even made a brief cameo in his wife Jessica Biel's film, Candy.
Scroll down to see photos of Timberlake through the years:
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1992
At the age of 11, Justin Randall, the singer, participated in the 1992 Star Search competition. He appeared as a cowboy, dressed up and performed a rendition of Alan Jackson's "Love's Got a Hold on You". Unfortunately, he narrowly missed winning by .75 stars.
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1993
Timberlake became a Mouseketeer on Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Club revival in 1993. The show was canceled the following year.
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1997
‘NSync's first album, which was titled after the band, was initially released abroad in 1997 and later in the United States in 1998. The album featured several popular singles, namely "I Want You Back," "Tearin' Up My Heart," and "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You."
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1999
The performer started dating Spears in early 1999, right after her career took off with her debut single, "...Baby One More Time." They were practically always together during their relationship, and famously sported coordinating denim outfits at the 2001 American Music Awards. The couple ended their relationship the following year amidst allegations of infidelity.
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2000
Timberlake made his movie debut in Disney Channel’s Model Behavior in 2000, playing actress Maggie Lawson’s love interest, Jason Sharpe.
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2000
‘NSync's highly successful second album, No Strings Attached, hit the shelves in 2000, setting a remarkable record by selling 2.4 million copies within the first week alone. This impressive achievement remained unbeaten until 2015, when Adele's 25 took over with 3.38 million copies sold. No Strings Attached showcased unforgettable tracks like "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me."
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2001
The last album released by the group in 2001 was called Celebrity. It featured the singles "Pop," "Gone," and "Girlfriend." Following this album, 'NSync declared a hiatus in the following year, which eventually led to a permanent breakup.
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2002
Timberlake showcased his independence in the music industry when he released his first solo album, Justified, in 2002. This album included chart-topping hits such as “Like I Love You,” “Cry Me a River,” “Rock Your Body,” and “Señorita.” As a testament to his talent, he received five Grammy nominations and emerged victorious in the categories of Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album.
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2003
Timberlake and Diaz began their relationship in 2003, having met at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Keeping their romance mostly private, they eventually parted ways in 2006. However, they continued to collaborate in the films Shrek the Third and Bad Teacher.
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2004
The hitmaker faced heavy criticism for ripping off a portion of Jackson's outfit while performing at the Super Bowl, precisely during the line, "Gonna have you naked by the end of this song." This incident popularized the phrase "wardrobe malfunction" and resulted in the FCC imposing a fine on CBS.
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2006
Timberlake’s second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, was released in 2006 and received high praise. The popular singles from the album were “SexyBack,” “My Love,” and “What Goes Around … Comes Around.” Similar to his debut album, Justified, FS/LS received five Grammy nominations and won two awards: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Dance Recording.
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2006
In 2006, The Lonely Island collaborated with Timberlake on an SNL sketch called "Dick in a Box," earning a Primetime Emmy Award for its uproarious lyrics.
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2010
The 2010 biographical drama The Social Network depicted the founding of Facebook and featured the multihyphenate opposite Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Armie Hammer. In the film, Timberlake portrayed Sean Parker, the founder of Napster.
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2011
Timberlake and Mila Kunis costarred in the 2011 romantic comedy Friends With Benefits.
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2012
Timberlake and Biel got married in Italy in October 2012 following a five-year relationship. Among the attendees were Jimmy Fallon, Andy Samberg, Timbaland, and the bride's fellow cast member from 7th Heaven, Beverly Mitchell.
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2013
Timberlake made a musical comeback in 2013 with The 20/20 Experience, over six years after his last album FutureSex/LoveSounds. This jazz-infused album featured hit singles such as "Mirrors" and "Suit & Tie," the latter of which earned a Grammy for Best Music Video.
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2013
Timberlake's career-spanning performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards brought him back together with his former 'NSync bandmates. In addition to this reunion, he was also bestowed with the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award during the ceremony.
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2013
The musician dropped The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 that same year, unveiling hit songs such as "Take Back the Night," "TKO," "Not a Bad Thing," and "Drink You Away."
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2015
Timberlake and Biel welcomed their son Silas in April 2015.
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2016
The singer-songwriter played the character Branch in the 2016 film Trolls and also took on the role of executive producer for the movie's soundtrack. The soundtrack, highlighted by his Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated sensation "Can't Stop the Feeling!", featured prominently during the film.
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2018
Timberlake dropped his fifth album, Man of the Woods, in 2018. It included the hits “Filthy” and “Say Something,” the latter of which was nominated for a Grammy.
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2018
Fourteen years following Nipplegate, Timberlake received an invitation to return to the Super Bowl for the 2018 halftime show, where he took on the role of the headliner. On this occasion, his renditions of popular hits such as “Rock Your Body,” “SexyBack,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Mirrors” delighted the audience, while his impromptu act of pausing for a selfie with a fan during the performance made waves in the news.
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2019
The photo of the Palmer actor and his costar Wainwright holding hands at a bar in New Orleans in 2019 caused a lot of controversy. After facing criticism, he publicly apologized on Instagram, acknowledging his mistake and stating that he should have known better. He expressed that his actions were not setting a good example for his son. According to multiple sources, Biel, his wife, was upset about the scandal, but ultimately forgave him.
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2020
Brian McKnight confirmed in July 2020 that Timberlake and Biel secretly welcomed their second child.
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2021
Timberlake made his revelation about the arrival of baby No. 2 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in January 2021. "We've named him Phineas and he's absolutely amazing and incredibly adorable. Although sleep is lacking, our happiness knows no bounds. We are sincerely grateful."
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2021
Timberlake chose to slow down and enjoy quality time with his family by moving back to his native Tennessee. According to a source speaking to Us in August 2021, "[He and Biel] made the decision to get out of Los Angeles and take some time away, and they're both thrilled with their choice." The source further added, "They both have a preference for the rural lifestyle. It's particularly wonderful for their children as they have ample space and freedom to explore. ... Timberlake always expressed his desire to settle down and raise his kids there."
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2022
Timberlake and Biel celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in a private and intimate ceremony. Biel shared on the Today show in November that the event was initially almost canceled due to doubts about its significance, but in the end, it turned out to be a deeply meaningful experience for the couple. She expressed their commitment to continue this tradition, reflecting on the joy it brought them.
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2023
In September, Timberlake and his previous cohorts from ‘NSync unexpectedly showed up at the MTV VMAs where they presented Taylor Swift with the prestigious Best Pop Video award. This surprise appearance at the award show gave a glimpse into the band's first venture in 20 years - a track titled "Better Place." (This single was specifically recorded to complement Timberlake's animated movie, Trolls Band Together.)
