I think people liked Justin because he was younger and since many of the fans were younger, he was a little more relatable I guess? Idk I am a JC Stan. Even back then I didn't get why everyone loved Justin. I really think it was age, then of course he dated Britney which was really exciting to some of their fans.
Justin was the youngest one. Plus he was incredibly attractive and so, so charismatic. Compared to Justin, JC is more quiet and reserved. Justin stole the spotlight. Not necessarily on purpose, but he was the loudest and the shiniest.
JC was an absolute jack rabbit onstage who did not hold back anything, but he was usually more reserved and laid back in their interviews.
Justin's extroverted persona made him stand out on and off stage. He just sparkled all the time.
Yeah JC was actually being such a menace on stage with those smirks while hip-thrusting and then the goddamn charisma that literally NOBODY asked for...i mean the sheer audacity of this man
That man had springs on his feet on stage!! Wasn't it him that said (in the backstage interview of the PPV concert) Justin was a smoother dancer, he was hyper, and someone piped in with Joey being hammy. I loved their interviews, and I was a quieter more introverted teen, so I never got the appeal of Justin. JC Stan all the way (as an introvert, I can completely understand why he's withdrawn from the spotlight, but I don't have to like it!! )
JT didn’t steal the spotlight because JC never wanted it. Justin was the youngest, cute, extroverted and charming in interviews, and was in a power couple with the biggest popstar on the planet. He was basically everything people wanted out of a celebrity.
JC on the other hand while being hyper and domineering on stage, was very reserved and quiet when it came to his personal life. In interviews he would either ramble on for a bit or be the “straight man” when the other guys would joke around so he was seen as the more serious one of the group. A mysterious allure might be a draw for some, but for teen girls who wanted to know everything about the famous guy they had a crush on, Justin was seen as more accessible.
Obviously, both incredible talents. JT was always the bigger star in Nsync. His solo sound translated to more pop audiences. JC’s album, although I loved most of it, was not for everyone. It was oversexed and explicit which was hard to sell back then and the single releases got messy. He had a great launching power with Blowing Me Up, Some Girls, but then the others fell flat. When your songs aren’t doing as well as others at a label they pivot and focus more attention on artists that are. Purely a money making business decision.
Still wish JC would release the songs he produced for the second album, because they felt more in line with what his Nsync audience would have expected from him. You can listen to a lot of them on YouTube!
I thought the age gap had a lot to do with it. Justin was closer in age to \*NSYNC's top demographic, at the time. More teenage girls liked to daydream about being in love with a boy closer to their own age.
Anyway, I love them both. 😄
this \^ JC was in his 20s at \*NSYNC's height and justin was still a teenager. There was a lot of love for JC and the other guys too, but most of \*NSYNC's demographic was young teens and even preteens who related more to teenage justin than the 20s-30s of the other guys. For example when I became a fan I was 13, Justin was 17 and JC was 22. It was weird to be thirsting after an adult.
Big same! I'm also ten years younger than JC and as a fourteen-year-old obsessing over him I was sure I was mature enough to be his girlfriend the moment I turned twenty. 😂
I certainly was the demo! I had a JT poster on the back of my door from 6th to 9th grade. And yes, JT is 7 years younger than me and I could totally envision us being an item bc my parents are 7 years apart 😂
A few reasons:
1. He was younger and a large base of fans tend to be a little younger compared to artists so I think while the group was relevant Justin captured audiences that way. For instance I’m closer in age to Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, and Jesse McCartney but they were “young” to me.
2. He was blonde, at that time the heart throbs were Zach from saved by the bell, Leo DiCaprio a few years out of titanic, Nick from BSB etc. blonds really were an it factor (not saying there were not other looks).
3. When the craze for the boys started and the labels realized Justin was picking up steam they pushed him out front in the group. While JC led parts you started seeing Justin more- there are actual Justin fans that will argue he was the lead singer with the most talent- it became a narrative that so many bought.
I liked JT (then & still now!) because he was super into basketball and I have always loved sports as well. Also I always just thought he was super cute!
Oh JT was cute for sure. I only asked because JC was quite clearly a sex-pest onstage and its actually overwhelming how often he steals the stage for absolutely no reason other than to be a menace but JT is also very talented. .
Justin also had a different kind of star power at the time vs the rest of the guys in the group, because he was dating Britney Spears. The media singled him out and reported on his personal/romantic life in a way that the others didn't experience, at least from what I recall.
I'm just getting into NSYNC and I was born in 1999, JC is my fav alongside Lance and I'm wondering that as well?!?! JC was and still is HOT, he felt more like a gentleman with the right amount of ✨bad boy vibes✨, his stage presence felt more powerful and organic. The dude was literally everything I wish male singers were nowadays: he could dance, produce, sing lead while running and jumping and dancing for over an hour, he was kind, funny, had a cool personality and he was serving looks. I'm mad at how everyone turned their backs on him, he deserved and still deserves so much better.
I can't answer this for you because it's always been JC for me. I will say that as a 40 year old I have definitely noticed Chris more these days. I was sleeping on Chris back in the day.
He's the best. I met him a couple of weeks ago at a M&G, and he's so laid back and chill. Him and I were bantering back and forth about the Hot Ones episode. My 9 year old did the box with me, and I was teasing about how they were hot but not pooping for days (his words except he didn't use pooping) hot. Lol.
JC has been my forever boyfriend since the first releases in Canada and the Disney special. I always fell for his deep introspective personality and kindness. I think Justin got some of the more outgoing girls because of his charisma and also those who were into blonde hair and baby blue (baby blue was a whole thing in culture then), but there are definitely many of us day one JC girlies!!! I think there were almost as many of us as Justin but Justin won by a bit of a margin. Also definitely agree, JC is way more of a dreamboat just objectively looking at his face and JAW geez, plus his gorgeous voice, it wasn't squeaky like Justin's lol.
(Disclaimer: I like Justin, have seen him in concert once and I'm going again in October. But I'm just talking about how it felt at the time)
Also I was kind of young when they came out - 11 when JC was 21 - so I'm one of the younger ones that zoned in on JC right away. I was always a deeper kid though.
My sister's favorite was Lance lol
Tbf, image control of the era gave them all these niche roles that they played in public.
JT was the "baby", Lance was tbe sweet Southern church boy, Joey was the goofy older brother, and Chris was the immature oldest one. JC was left to be the responsible one, and a lot of the fans older than 16 loved him for it. He seemed levelheaded and mature, even when he WAS playful. It was like a sneak peek into their lives to see playful JC back then. I'm absolutely sure he was much different when there were no cameras and relaxed and joked with his friends, but we never saw it. There was no direct link to celebrities like we have today. Everything was very curated.
But some of us? We noticed JC, we noticed his smooth voice and the slightly naughty innuendo when he danced. We saw it and we liked it. He just didn't get the attention JT did.
Every boyband of the time had their assigned roles and every fan knew them. Kinda sucks bc today, we'd know a lot more about each person's personality instead of whatever Jive used to let us have. Lol
Justin fans were/are just so loud about it, honestly. I was a Lance fan myself but my friend group of 7-8 were split almost evenly between Justin and JC.
ahaha i love that! So whenever nsync came into the conversation, the group randomly split into their faction like ''**AVENGERS ASSEMEBLE!!!'**'
MAN...i would have loved to have been there too.
JT acted all shy and cute. He was also silly and outgoing and fun and playful. For the majority of the audience who was a little bit younger at the time - he was perfect.
JC was mature and had a great singing voice but so do all of them. I was a JC girl but my best friend was a JT girl. At the time I liked them both but had to choose and had to be different lol
I’m not sure I can explain it really. I am almost 38 and NSYNC was first a thing for me in like 6th grade I want to say. Justin was the youngest/closest to my age while still being like 5 years older than me which even seemed pretty taboo when you are 12, but close enough that there was a glimmer of hope.
I think his charisma and yeah, probably the fact that he was dating Britney, who was also extremely impressionable to a 12 year old just starting to try to understand what it meant to be sexy and all we wanted to do was literally be her, so that made him THE dream guy in every sense.
I never paid much mind to JC honestly but sure, he was next and the other 3 did nothing for me really.
TBH, I’m still in love with JT and he’s my #1 all-time celebrity crush. He has more of the all-around it factor to me but age probably played a big part.
And we wonder why people are hesitant to be excited about an NSYNC reunion. This fanbase is hellbent on pitting the guys against each other for clicks. People liked who they liked.
First off I love them both.
The comments about who he was dating are not why. This is such a misconception and urban legend. He had emerged as a fan favorite way before that, as early as their days in Germany.
Before they even got the states, he was already the group heartthrob. For example there would be German magazines (see Google) where he would be the big picture and the other four guys in the corner.
There is one interview where they flat out ask him how he handles being the favorite.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnC1xwmq71M/?igsh=MXgyczhuMWwwb3RiZw==
So just wanted to clear up the timing. Not about her.
Also, I've never once seen a JT fan say he has a better voice. It might help to take that out of the equation. If it was strictly voice competition, I think most JT girls (with ears) would say JC. Lol
Might be the age thing for some, but I don't think it's that simple. Plenty of girls closer to JC's age were still JT girls. And plenty of younger girls liked JC.
I think it boils down to why he's still a superstar today. He had charisma and star power about him. Not saying JC, Chris, Lance, and Joey aren't stars. But the same reason Justin was the one who emerged out of all the 2000s boyband era. That special thing that can't really be put into words.
I'll put it this way… There were just less girls that age back then checking for the gorgeous yet moody choir/theater-type guy with the pipes that could reach the back of the auditorium. They were swooning over the cute tall jock with the curls, the bling and the swagger. The captain of the basketball team. Just look at how they introduced them on the Disney concert. JC alone working on music on the piano, and Justin at the arcade scaring Chris on the simulated roller coaster, while wearing the jersey and backwards ball cap. I'm painting a picture here! Lol.
Just like JC said in that Iowa interview (on YouTube), it's like being popular in high school, it's just a really really big high school.
Great post. I agree with most of it. I wish this would've been posted closer to when this thread was started because it deserves to not be buried at the bottom and should have major upvotes.
The high school analogy is really accurate. Funnily enough, my fangirling over only Justin ended shortly after I finished high school, and I realized that JC was equally as talented in different ways. Sadly, by that point, JC was so far behind Justin in popularity that he was forgotten. But that's water under the bridge now and I am happy for both of them. I just selfishly wish I would've gotten to hear more of JC's lovely voice over the years.
This is a really tired opinion. Was JC the best vocalist? Ya.
But this whole narrative has been so exhausted.
They were a cohesive group. Let’s appreciate that.
From my understanding is that both of them were signed onto the same label after NSYNC but they poured all their money into Jt and basically sunk JC on purpose. They knew JC was a big competitor and they placed their money on JT. How true that is IDK! But that’s what I’ve heard.
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted, but I agree. At the time there was a boy and formula: heartthrob, second, shy one, silly one, edgy one. JT was marketed as heartthrob and JC as second. We were all children with little to no media literacy, so we accepted it. Plenty of girls still had JC as their fave, but JT dominated because of intentional marketing and PR choices.
this is totally how it seemed at the time. i remember being annoyed that JT was always featured way more than JC (and everyone else) in music videos, promo, everywhere.
JT's my boy as he's handsome, talented and has that amazing voice as well as good charisma 💙 JC's also good and talented too but not my type lol
Lots of people here are JC girlies, while I'm a JT girlie 😁
I think it was a combination of two things.
1) Justin was younger and closer to the fans in age- even if only by the smallest of margins.
2) Justin’s personality is much more outgoing than JCs. He is much more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, giving an interview, and being the center of attention. JC is much more reserved and seems to be at his happiest performing and making music. The fame seemed to be something that he just kinda dealt with instead of reveling in like Justin does. It was easier for fans, especially tweens, to “connect” with and be drawn to Justin because of that.
I’m a new nsync fan and I noticed nsync fans only obsess over JC and JT (who are both extremely adorable charming and very talented) but I rarely see anyone admire the other guys, who are just as sexy, hot, charming and talented. Idk for me Lance caught my eyes first, he’s just so effortlessly gorgeous and a close second is Chris, his smile is everything! Joey is super super super cute too!!
It’s a shame to not see much love for the other guys tbh.
It was the ramen noodle hair 😆. No but really it's because Justin was closer in age to most of us. He was born in 1981 and so when they hit the scene in 98, us 12-16 year olds were swooning over the 17 year old and not the 22 year old. Trust me though, JC did not go unnoticed! Now that I'm in my 40s, Joey is the new crush lol
People keep saying it’s the age thing, but I don’t think it is. Justin and JC didn’t look much different in age back then. And it’s not like fans looked up their ages and said “Ok, Justin is the youngest, so I’m gonna like him more”.
Lance is the second youngest, but JC had way more fans than him.
Umm I still know Justin's birth date to this day lol. Soooo yes we def did know their ages 😆 And when you are 14/15, you sure can tell the difference between a teenager and someone in their 20s. Also, Lance was gay and we all knew it (except for those that were Team Lance lol) and he wasn't close to JC or JT's level of hotness 🤷🏻♀️☺️
So, first I have another question. Were JC fans really outnumbered by JT fans? Or was it more even but yeah you could say that Justin was the favorite? I always felt it was the latter but I could be wrong. Would love to know, though.
And to answer your question, much like everybody else has said, it’s the age thing. It was the fact that JT was the youngest and the *NSYNC demographic (pre-teens and teens) could see themselves having him as a boyfriend more so than JC because he was in his 20s. Of course, this is relative since I never minded the 10-year age difference and JC was always my favorite but I could see why a lot would choose JT. You can add the fact that he was more extroverted and funny on interviews so he seemed more approachable.
Now, you have to be aware that the videos you’re watching now are seen with an adult eye. The things we liked as teenagers are so different from what we like now as adults and that's one of the reasons so many fans have shifted from JT to JC. You see him doing his thing on stage, with his jaw and perfect cheekbones, being all sexy shaking his body, hip thrusting, and licking stages then we watch his interviews and he's reserved and mysterious so of course we found him more attractive. He appeals to a different side, a side that wasn't as awake yet if you know what I mean 😂
I think I have the same question way back but now I understand. I remember when they both pursued solo careers and as much as I wanted to support JC’s music because I truly believe that his voice is better than JT, JT has better music back then. I listened to some of JC’s solo album songs and there were ones I really love, but it was either too rebellious or too provocative. Also I think he wasn’t as supported by their record company as JT was. And while JC is very talented, he could be too serious at times. Justin knows how to entice his fans. I learned that it’s not just the talent that matters when you’re in the entertainment industry
Never understood Justin's appeal, either. I was 13/14 when they took off here in the USA and even then i thought he was cocky and immature (I know he was just a kid then), and his nasaly voice grated on my nerves. 🤷♀️. I was a JC and Joey girl from the get go (they had the best voices), and it always bugged me that Joey didn't get more singing time. But now, as an adult, I understand why JT was the hotshot. He was definitely more outgoing than JC, and I guess he had the dreamboat look of the 90's/2000s (blond hair and blue eyes has never been my thing, i prefer them tall, dark, and, handsom. Lol). JC says he liked to perform and write music but was never that into the rest of it and never wanted to be a solo artist, so there's that. Plus, He describes himself as introverted. But even so, I will die on the hill that he is the best and most talented member of NSYNC and its a damn shame we didn't get to enjoy that beautiful voice more post-NSYNC.
Simply put, JT was hot. He had (and still has) the "it" factor. I didn't care that was he was younger, so age had nothing to do with it for me. He was cute, goofy, and charming. He made all of us girls melt. He was an absolute dream. Most of us were rocking "Mrs. Timberlake" necklaces. I always thought JC was cute too. I lost my attraction for JT around the time of Celebrity and still don't find him attractive. But for JC, his light keeps shining brighter and brighter.
I’m 39 and JC has always been my fav and the hottest to me by far. He also has the best singing voice. I never got the appeal of JT back in those days.
Look I was not a JT fan. I am just now beginning to like him as a person. He was always my least favorite. I found him cocky and arrogant. I always thought JC was better looking than JT. I think their talents are equal really, just different styles and strengths. JT was also apart of the golden couple at the time, which greatly made him more appealing. Lance was my fave then and still now, closely followed by Chris.
If it were up to me I would have given them all the chance at solo albums like one direction. They all were talented. JT appealed to the younger demographic, I think, because of his age, his gf problems, and bluesy voice. I was not a younger teenager or tween so was not JT’s target demographic for likability. To me it seemed since he was the youngest he was more relatable of them. That would be an easy sell for the company to promote. Why push someone who they feel is not able to stand alone who attracts the older part of their demographic? You take the one with younger fans and cultivate him. He is a better investment. They look at you like a product. JC was not as marketable imho for these reasons in their eyes.
I think people liked Justin because he was younger and since many of the fans were younger, he was a little more relatable I guess? Idk I am a JC Stan. Even back then I didn't get why everyone loved Justin. I really think it was age, then of course he dated Britney which was really exciting to some of their fans.
Justin was the youngest one. Plus he was incredibly attractive and so, so charismatic. Compared to Justin, JC is more quiet and reserved. Justin stole the spotlight. Not necessarily on purpose, but he was the loudest and the shiniest.
JC was an absolute jack rabbit onstage who did not hold back anything, but he was usually more reserved and laid back in their interviews. Justin's extroverted persona made him stand out on and off stage. He just sparkled all the time.
Yeah JC was actually being such a menace on stage with those smirks while hip-thrusting and then the goddamn charisma that literally NOBODY asked for...i mean the sheer audacity of this man
Hahahahaha I'm convinced he knew what he was doing to us, but then when I see him in interviews I'm not sure if he knew exactly everything he was.
That man had springs on his feet on stage!! Wasn't it him that said (in the backstage interview of the PPV concert) Justin was a smoother dancer, he was hyper, and someone piped in with Joey being hammy. I loved their interviews, and I was a quieter more introverted teen, so I never got the appeal of Justin. JC Stan all the way (as an introvert, I can completely understand why he's withdrawn from the spotlight, but I don't have to like it!! )
JT didn’t steal the spotlight because JC never wanted it. Justin was the youngest, cute, extroverted and charming in interviews, and was in a power couple with the biggest popstar on the planet. He was basically everything people wanted out of a celebrity. JC on the other hand while being hyper and domineering on stage, was very reserved and quiet when it came to his personal life. In interviews he would either ramble on for a bit or be the “straight man” when the other guys would joke around so he was seen as the more serious one of the group. A mysterious allure might be a draw for some, but for teen girls who wanted to know everything about the famous guy they had a crush on, Justin was seen as more accessible.
I agree! I just thought about another factor: Justin's megawatt smile. The control it had over me was unreal.
This is an excellent assessment of this situation. Timberlake demanded to be seen. JC was just so good and he didn’t desire all the attention.
Obviously, both incredible talents. JT was always the bigger star in Nsync. His solo sound translated to more pop audiences. JC’s album, although I loved most of it, was not for everyone. It was oversexed and explicit which was hard to sell back then and the single releases got messy. He had a great launching power with Blowing Me Up, Some Girls, but then the others fell flat. When your songs aren’t doing as well as others at a label they pivot and focus more attention on artists that are. Purely a money making business decision. Still wish JC would release the songs he produced for the second album, because they felt more in line with what his Nsync audience would have expected from him. You can listen to a lot of them on YouTube!
I thought the age gap had a lot to do with it. Justin was closer in age to \*NSYNC's top demographic, at the time. More teenage girls liked to daydream about being in love with a boy closer to their own age. Anyway, I love them both. 😄
this \^ JC was in his 20s at \*NSYNC's height and justin was still a teenager. There was a lot of love for JC and the other guys too, but most of \*NSYNC's demographic was young teens and even preteens who related more to teenage justin than the 20s-30s of the other guys. For example when I became a fan I was 13, Justin was 17 and JC was 22. It was weird to be thirsting after an adult.
I was 10 years younger than JC and would tell everyone that it would not matter when I was 30 and he was 40 🤣
Big same! I'm also ten years younger than JC and as a fourteen-year-old obsessing over him I was sure I was mature enough to be his girlfriend the moment I turned twenty. 😂
My fellow '86 baby!! Best time to be alive ❤️❤️
I certainly was the demo! I had a JT poster on the back of my door from 6th to 9th grade. And yes, JT is 7 years younger than me and I could totally envision us being an item bc my parents are 7 years apart 😂
JT had the TRL interview charisma. It's hard to overstate the influence of TRL on so many of these 90s/00s pop groups.
A few reasons: 1. He was younger and a large base of fans tend to be a little younger compared to artists so I think while the group was relevant Justin captured audiences that way. For instance I’m closer in age to Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, and Jesse McCartney but they were “young” to me. 2. He was blonde, at that time the heart throbs were Zach from saved by the bell, Leo DiCaprio a few years out of titanic, Nick from BSB etc. blonds really were an it factor (not saying there were not other looks). 3. When the craze for the boys started and the labels realized Justin was picking up steam they pushed him out front in the group. While JC led parts you started seeing Justin more- there are actual Justin fans that will argue he was the lead singer with the most talent- it became a narrative that so many bought.
I was blinded by the curly hair
Same those noodles fascinated me
That is fair enough
I second that! They were luscious 🥰
I liked JT (then & still now!) because he was super into basketball and I have always loved sports as well. Also I always just thought he was super cute!
Oh JT was cute for sure. I only asked because JC was quite clearly a sex-pest onstage and its actually overwhelming how often he steals the stage for absolutely no reason other than to be a menace but JT is also very talented. .
"sex pest" I'm dying 🤣🤣
OKAY BUT WHERE IS THE LIE😭😭😭
You aren't lying. It's just a fun and funny way to say it.
It was the entire theme of the Schizophrenic tour!
Justin also had a different kind of star power at the time vs the rest of the guys in the group, because he was dating Britney Spears. The media singled him out and reported on his personal/romantic life in a way that the others didn't experience, at least from what I recall.
I'm just getting into NSYNC and I was born in 1999, JC is my fav alongside Lance and I'm wondering that as well?!?! JC was and still is HOT, he felt more like a gentleman with the right amount of ✨bad boy vibes✨, his stage presence felt more powerful and organic. The dude was literally everything I wish male singers were nowadays: he could dance, produce, sing lead while running and jumping and dancing for over an hour, he was kind, funny, had a cool personality and he was serving looks. I'm mad at how everyone turned their backs on him, he deserved and still deserves so much better.
I was always a JC fan from the start so I can’t speak for the Justin fans, but I’ve always loved that NSYNC had a choice for everyone 😁
I can't answer this for you because it's always been JC for me. I will say that as a 40 year old I have definitely noticed Chris more these days. I was sleeping on Chris back in the day.
Chris seems super nice and I think he used to hide behind jokes so we couldn't always see his personality
He's the best. I met him a couple of weeks ago at a M&G, and he's so laid back and chill. Him and I were bantering back and forth about the Hot Ones episode. My 9 year old did the box with me, and I was teasing about how they were hot but not pooping for days (his words except he didn't use pooping) hot. Lol.
I was a Chris girl at 13, and always liked that goofy energy.
JC has been my forever boyfriend since the first releases in Canada and the Disney special. I always fell for his deep introspective personality and kindness. I think Justin got some of the more outgoing girls because of his charisma and also those who were into blonde hair and baby blue (baby blue was a whole thing in culture then), but there are definitely many of us day one JC girlies!!! I think there were almost as many of us as Justin but Justin won by a bit of a margin. Also definitely agree, JC is way more of a dreamboat just objectively looking at his face and JAW geez, plus his gorgeous voice, it wasn't squeaky like Justin's lol. (Disclaimer: I like Justin, have seen him in concert once and I'm going again in October. But I'm just talking about how it felt at the time) Also I was kind of young when they came out - 11 when JC was 21 - so I'm one of the younger ones that zoned in on JC right away. I was always a deeper kid though. My sister's favorite was Lance lol
Tbf, image control of the era gave them all these niche roles that they played in public. JT was the "baby", Lance was tbe sweet Southern church boy, Joey was the goofy older brother, and Chris was the immature oldest one. JC was left to be the responsible one, and a lot of the fans older than 16 loved him for it. He seemed levelheaded and mature, even when he WAS playful. It was like a sneak peek into their lives to see playful JC back then. I'm absolutely sure he was much different when there were no cameras and relaxed and joked with his friends, but we never saw it. There was no direct link to celebrities like we have today. Everything was very curated. But some of us? We noticed JC, we noticed his smooth voice and the slightly naughty innuendo when he danced. We saw it and we liked it. He just didn't get the attention JT did. Every boyband of the time had their assigned roles and every fan knew them. Kinda sucks bc today, we'd know a lot more about each person's personality instead of whatever Jive used to let us have. Lol
JC is my favorite, then and now! 🥰😍
Justin fans were/are just so loud about it, honestly. I was a Lance fan myself but my friend group of 7-8 were split almost evenly between Justin and JC.
ahaha i love that! So whenever nsync came into the conversation, the group randomly split into their faction like ''**AVENGERS ASSEMEBLE!!!'**' MAN...i would have loved to have been there too.
Lol. I was obsessed with JC since I was 11 hahaha. I liked JT but I've always thought JC was better looking and more talented. Still do to this day!
JT acted all shy and cute. He was also silly and outgoing and fun and playful. For the majority of the audience who was a little bit younger at the time - he was perfect. JC was mature and had a great singing voice but so do all of them. I was a JC girl but my best friend was a JT girl. At the time I liked them both but had to choose and had to be different lol
I’m not sure I can explain it really. I am almost 38 and NSYNC was first a thing for me in like 6th grade I want to say. Justin was the youngest/closest to my age while still being like 5 years older than me which even seemed pretty taboo when you are 12, but close enough that there was a glimmer of hope. I think his charisma and yeah, probably the fact that he was dating Britney, who was also extremely impressionable to a 12 year old just starting to try to understand what it meant to be sexy and all we wanted to do was literally be her, so that made him THE dream guy in every sense. I never paid much mind to JC honestly but sure, he was next and the other 3 did nothing for me really. TBH, I’m still in love with JT and he’s my #1 all-time celebrity crush. He has more of the all-around it factor to me but age probably played a big part.
And we wonder why people are hesitant to be excited about an NSYNC reunion. This fanbase is hellbent on pitting the guys against each other for clicks. People liked who they liked.
First off I love them both. The comments about who he was dating are not why. This is such a misconception and urban legend. He had emerged as a fan favorite way before that, as early as their days in Germany. Before they even got the states, he was already the group heartthrob. For example there would be German magazines (see Google) where he would be the big picture and the other four guys in the corner. There is one interview where they flat out ask him how he handles being the favorite. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnC1xwmq71M/?igsh=MXgyczhuMWwwb3RiZw== So just wanted to clear up the timing. Not about her. Also, I've never once seen a JT fan say he has a better voice. It might help to take that out of the equation. If it was strictly voice competition, I think most JT girls (with ears) would say JC. Lol Might be the age thing for some, but I don't think it's that simple. Plenty of girls closer to JC's age were still JT girls. And plenty of younger girls liked JC. I think it boils down to why he's still a superstar today. He had charisma and star power about him. Not saying JC, Chris, Lance, and Joey aren't stars. But the same reason Justin was the one who emerged out of all the 2000s boyband era. That special thing that can't really be put into words. I'll put it this way… There were just less girls that age back then checking for the gorgeous yet moody choir/theater-type guy with the pipes that could reach the back of the auditorium. They were swooning over the cute tall jock with the curls, the bling and the swagger. The captain of the basketball team. Just look at how they introduced them on the Disney concert. JC alone working on music on the piano, and Justin at the arcade scaring Chris on the simulated roller coaster, while wearing the jersey and backwards ball cap. I'm painting a picture here! Lol. Just like JC said in that Iowa interview (on YouTube), it's like being popular in high school, it's just a really really big high school.
Great post. I agree with most of it. I wish this would've been posted closer to when this thread was started because it deserves to not be buried at the bottom and should have major upvotes. The high school analogy is really accurate. Funnily enough, my fangirling over only Justin ended shortly after I finished high school, and I realized that JC was equally as talented in different ways. Sadly, by that point, JC was so far behind Justin in popularity that he was forgotten. But that's water under the bridge now and I am happy for both of them. I just selfishly wish I would've gotten to hear more of JC's lovely voice over the years.
This is a really tired opinion. Was JC the best vocalist? Ya. But this whole narrative has been so exhausted. They were a cohesive group. Let’s appreciate that.
From my understanding is that both of them were signed onto the same label after NSYNC but they poured all their money into Jt and basically sunk JC on purpose. They knew JC was a big competitor and they placed their money on JT. How true that is IDK! But that’s what I’ve heard.
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted, but I agree. At the time there was a boy and formula: heartthrob, second, shy one, silly one, edgy one. JT was marketed as heartthrob and JC as second. We were all children with little to no media literacy, so we accepted it. Plenty of girls still had JC as their fave, but JT dominated because of intentional marketing and PR choices.
this is totally how it seemed at the time. i remember being annoyed that JT was always featured way more than JC (and everyone else) in music videos, promo, everywhere.
Alex Greggs was on a podcast and said all this (for anyone who didn't know)
Justin was way hotter - especially to teenage girls. This is the main reason.
JT's my boy as he's handsome, talented and has that amazing voice as well as good charisma 💙 JC's also good and talented too but not my type lol Lots of people here are JC girlies, while I'm a JT girlie 😁
I think it was a combination of two things. 1) Justin was younger and closer to the fans in age- even if only by the smallest of margins. 2) Justin’s personality is much more outgoing than JCs. He is much more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, giving an interview, and being the center of attention. JC is much more reserved and seems to be at his happiest performing and making music. The fame seemed to be something that he just kinda dealt with instead of reveling in like Justin does. It was easier for fans, especially tweens, to “connect” with and be drawn to Justin because of that.
It’s always been JC for me but I was 20 in ‘99 so a little bit older… 24 years later I am in fact still a JC girl tho.
I’m a new nsync fan and I noticed nsync fans only obsess over JC and JT (who are both extremely adorable charming and very talented) but I rarely see anyone admire the other guys, who are just as sexy, hot, charming and talented. Idk for me Lance caught my eyes first, he’s just so effortlessly gorgeous and a close second is Chris, his smile is everything! Joey is super super super cute too!! It’s a shame to not see much love for the other guys tbh.
I always loved JC. Even in middle school. Lol
A mix of personal taste, Britney, and he was Jive's favorite. 💁♀️
blonde hair, blue eyes, pretty voice. that's it.
It was the ramen noodle hair 😆. No but really it's because Justin was closer in age to most of us. He was born in 1981 and so when they hit the scene in 98, us 12-16 year olds were swooning over the 17 year old and not the 22 year old. Trust me though, JC did not go unnoticed! Now that I'm in my 40s, Joey is the new crush lol
People keep saying it’s the age thing, but I don’t think it is. Justin and JC didn’t look much different in age back then. And it’s not like fans looked up their ages and said “Ok, Justin is the youngest, so I’m gonna like him more”. Lance is the second youngest, but JC had way more fans than him.
Umm I still know Justin's birth date to this day lol. Soooo yes we def did know their ages 😆 And when you are 14/15, you sure can tell the difference between a teenager and someone in their 20s. Also, Lance was gay and we all knew it (except for those that were Team Lance lol) and he wasn't close to JC or JT's level of hotness 🤷🏻♀️☺️
I was little but my aunts were obsessed so in turn, I was obsessed. I absolutely loved lance.
So, first I have another question. Were JC fans really outnumbered by JT fans? Or was it more even but yeah you could say that Justin was the favorite? I always felt it was the latter but I could be wrong. Would love to know, though. And to answer your question, much like everybody else has said, it’s the age thing. It was the fact that JT was the youngest and the *NSYNC demographic (pre-teens and teens) could see themselves having him as a boyfriend more so than JC because he was in his 20s. Of course, this is relative since I never minded the 10-year age difference and JC was always my favorite but I could see why a lot would choose JT. You can add the fact that he was more extroverted and funny on interviews so he seemed more approachable. Now, you have to be aware that the videos you’re watching now are seen with an adult eye. The things we liked as teenagers are so different from what we like now as adults and that's one of the reasons so many fans have shifted from JT to JC. You see him doing his thing on stage, with his jaw and perfect cheekbones, being all sexy shaking his body, hip thrusting, and licking stages then we watch his interviews and he's reserved and mysterious so of course we found him more attractive. He appeals to a different side, a side that wasn't as awake yet if you know what I mean 😂
I think I have the same question way back but now I understand. I remember when they both pursued solo careers and as much as I wanted to support JC’s music because I truly believe that his voice is better than JT, JT has better music back then. I listened to some of JC’s solo album songs and there were ones I really love, but it was either too rebellious or too provocative. Also I think he wasn’t as supported by their record company as JT was. And while JC is very talented, he could be too serious at times. Justin knows how to entice his fans. I learned that it’s not just the talent that matters when you’re in the entertainment industry
Never understood Justin's appeal, either. I was 13/14 when they took off here in the USA and even then i thought he was cocky and immature (I know he was just a kid then), and his nasaly voice grated on my nerves. 🤷♀️. I was a JC and Joey girl from the get go (they had the best voices), and it always bugged me that Joey didn't get more singing time. But now, as an adult, I understand why JT was the hotshot. He was definitely more outgoing than JC, and I guess he had the dreamboat look of the 90's/2000s (blond hair and blue eyes has never been my thing, i prefer them tall, dark, and, handsom. Lol). JC says he liked to perform and write music but was never that into the rest of it and never wanted to be a solo artist, so there's that. Plus, He describes himself as introverted. But even so, I will die on the hill that he is the best and most talented member of NSYNC and its a damn shame we didn't get to enjoy that beautiful voice more post-NSYNC.
Simply put, JT was hot. He had (and still has) the "it" factor. I didn't care that was he was younger, so age had nothing to do with it for me. He was cute, goofy, and charming. He made all of us girls melt. He was an absolute dream. Most of us were rocking "Mrs. Timberlake" necklaces. I always thought JC was cute too. I lost my attraction for JT around the time of Celebrity and still don't find him attractive. But for JC, his light keeps shining brighter and brighter.
I’m 39 and JC has always been my fav and the hottest to me by far. He also has the best singing voice. I never got the appeal of JT back in those days.
Right? Ooooweee, JC!
Look I was not a JT fan. I am just now beginning to like him as a person. He was always my least favorite. I found him cocky and arrogant. I always thought JC was better looking than JT. I think their talents are equal really, just different styles and strengths. JT was also apart of the golden couple at the time, which greatly made him more appealing. Lance was my fave then and still now, closely followed by Chris. If it were up to me I would have given them all the chance at solo albums like one direction. They all were talented. JT appealed to the younger demographic, I think, because of his age, his gf problems, and bluesy voice. I was not a younger teenager or tween so was not JT’s target demographic for likability. To me it seemed since he was the youngest he was more relatable of them. That would be an easy sell for the company to promote. Why push someone who they feel is not able to stand alone who attracts the older part of their demographic? You take the one with younger fans and cultivate him. He is a better investment. They look at you like a product. JC was not as marketable imho for these reasons in their eyes.
Teen and pre-teen girls don’t have the greatest taste in men. JC still had a ton of fangirls, but we were outnumbered by Justin fans.
JC is everything
I NEVER understood the Justin hype. He was always my least favorite. I was J.C girl.