news archives

July 31, 2002 -  Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Times profiled Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, and Michelle Branch, who profiled the young women who write most of their own song, and how it is showing teens have outgrown teen pop. "What happened in the teen pop wave is that a small group of producers and writers wrote the majority of the hits for *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, [Britney Spears] and 98 Degrees, and there was a sameness to it," A&M Records President Ron Fair says. "With radio, once they feel a certain sound is working with listeners, they'll really pound it. It's a vicious circle. That sound becomes saturated, then one day, it is no more. Along come Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch, who are doing something different, something that's coming from more of a rock place." Read more.

July 31, 2002 - Access Hollywood spoke with the guys from *NSYNC as well as Lance's parents from the Challenge for the Children event in Orlando over the weekend. When asked what the group was planning on doing once Lance got back from space, Joey Fatone joked, "Breaking up and going home." Joey added, "Right now, we're obviously taking a break, everybody is doing their separate things and start beginning of next year, we'll start writing." Read more. Also, check out a video clip of the guys from their interview with Pat O'Brien here.

July 30, 2002 - Access Hollywood had the first of their two part feature on *NSYNC from the Challenge for the Children event over the weekend. Chris Kirkpatrick modeled his new mohawk, while Justin Timberlake bragged about beating Brian McKnight in a fierce shootout. "Brian buckled under the pressure," Timberlake said. "I won the contest. I did my part." On Tuesday's show, they'll talk with Justin about his solo album, and the group will comment on Lance Bass' plans to visit the Russian space station. Read a transcript from the clip here.

July 29, 2002 - LatiNsync of the JJB message board provided a rundown of the highlights at this weekend's *NSYNC Challenge for the Children event in Orlando. Check out highlights from the skills challenge here and the game (including photos of O-Town's Trevor Penick) here.

July 29, 2002 - kktwins writes "*NSYNC will be featured on Monday's edition of Access Hollywood. Subjects will include Justin's single life, Lance's space expedition, and their future."

July 29, 2002 - Renee writes on the Abstracts.net message board in regards to this weekend's Challenge For The Children event, "Sam just got back from the skills competition. She said they did alot games like relay, hoops, obstical course. Chris' hair didn't look bad, Joey was good with crowd and responding. Him and Chris at one point ran up the stairs and there were shrieks, but Justin never looked up or responded at all. He turned and walked towards the seats and I guess everyone thought he was going to go up that way." Read more.

July 29, 2002 - Fans on the JJB message board are sounding off on *NSYNC's spokeswoman Melinda Bell over her treatment of fans, most recently at this weekend's Challenge For The Children in Orlando. You Cant Own Me writes, "I saw her at the hotel I'm staying at and I was walking down the hall with my friend carrying my camera and we were talking out loud about CFTC and Melinda stops and goes: 'I hope you aren't considering bringing THAT to the event because for the thousandth time THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED!' I was like, 'I know that' and before I could even finish the sentence she was like 'Obviously not,' pushed me out the way, and kept walking." Read more.

July 28, 2002 - Getty Images has photos of *NSYNC's JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Justin Timberlake, as well as O-Town's Trevor Penick and actress Shannon Elizabeth during the skills competition portion of the Challenge for The Charity weekend July 27th at the TD Waterhouse Center in Orlando, Florida. Celebrities and athletes participated in various competitions to raise funds different charities. Check out the photos here.

July 28, 2002 - For those that have AOL, *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake has been keeping a diary there this month. In one of Justin's entries, he writes, "I have really been enjoying our time off this summer. Most days I am in the pool. I needed a tan and enjoy cooling off from the Florida sun. My parents were able to come for a visit and we had a wonderful time together. My mom and I love to ride our Harleys. My dad and I can be found on a golf course every chance we get." Read more.

July 28, 2002 - Getty Images and WireImage.com have additional footage of *NSYNC's press conference for their Challenge for the Children IV at Universal Studio's Royal Pacific Resort on Friday, July 26th in Orlando, Florida. The band is hosting the event, which runs through July 28th as a benefit for youth. Check out the Getty Images photos here and WireImage.com's pictures here.

July 27, 2002 - Video captures of *NSYNC, minus Lance Bass, have emerged from their press conference in Orlando on Friday for Challenge for the Children weekend. Check out pictures of the mohawk sporting Chris Kirkpatrick, along with Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Justin Timberlake here.

July 27, 2002 - A poster on the JJB message board claims to have seen *NSYNC stars Justin Timberlake and Chris Kirkpatrick at a club called The Matrix in Orlando. 'You Cant Own Me' says Chris was sporting a mohawk and added, "He is seriously a 12 year old trapped in a man's body. The boy had fun. And when they played Girlfriend we has doing the moves and everything. He's wild, too. Seems like the type of guy you'd looooove to hang out with." As for Justin, she claimed, "He basically picked the big boobed blonde up and was humping her up against the wall while the other was grinding him from behind." Read more.

July 26, 2002 - NSYNC's Joey Fatone spoke with MTV News about his upcoming role in the Broadway musical 'Rent'. Joey explained his move to stage saying, "It's very exciting. I've always wanted to do Broadway... About a year ago I went and saw 'Rent,' and it was really cool, and I thought it would be a cool show to do. It's so edgy and so based on real life. It's something I would love to do, and now we have that window." Read more.

July 26, 2002 - Basstronautical.ohgo.com reports the following comment was made by Lance Bass' manager Cindy Owen: "Lance will not be at CFTC. He has had his commitment for this event in his "space" contract since we began this process in February. Unfortunately, two days before we were to leave Russia, the powers that be felt it would hinder his chance for flying since he was under such a tight training schedule anyway. He truly hated learning this at such a late notice but it was something completely out of his control."

July 26, 2002 - Conan O'Brien ran a short segment joking about *NSYNC star Lance Bass and his getting approval to join a Russian space crew for an upcoming mission, and his requirement to learn Russian phrases. Read on for the transcript.

July 25, 2002 - Billy Watkins of the Clarion-Ledger spoke with Lance Bass' mother Diane Bass about her son's space flight training. Diane says she and Lance's father Jim had planned to see him at *NSYNC's annual Challenge for the Children charity event in Orlando, "but the Russians were pretty adamant about Lance staying there and not wasting any training days," she said. "The training has been pretty intense, but Lance has done just great. It's challenging both physically and mentally for him. He does a lot of swimming, some weight-lifting." Read more.

July 25, 2002 - Destiny's Child star Beyonce Knowles was on with Rick Dees yesterday and talked about the rumor she and *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake are romantically involved. Beyonce says that whole story that had her talking about what a good kisser Justin was never happened. Beyonce didn't know where that rumor came from, but she did say she's met Justin and says he is a nice guy. Listen to the interview (she talks about Justin about 16 minutes in) here.

July 25, 2002 - NSYNC star Joey Fatone showed off a clean-shaven face at the Boyz II Men album release party Tuesday, July 23rd in New York City at Suede. Besides Joey, Lyric, Ashley Angel and Trevor of O-Town, Quddus, Mario, and of course Boyz II Men were in attendance. Check out photos from GettyImagesand WireImage.com.

July 25, 2002 - Mario chatted with fans on TeenPeople.com Monday, July 22. When asked about the big names that watched him perform at Clive Davis' Grammy party, Mario said, "Yeah, everybody was there. Janet, my man Justin Timberlake - I call him by his last name. We sat right across from each other, and he told me that he thought I would last a long time in the game." Read more.

July 24, 2002 - Reuters reports *NSYNC star Lance Bass has signed an initial deal to join a Russian mission to the International Space Station in October despite US worries that the star is ill-prepared for the flight, officials said. "Lance Bass has signed a preliminary contract, he is officially a candidate," a spokesman for Russia's Rosaviakosmos said on Tuesday. "Whether he actually flies or not is a question that will be decided in the near future." Read more. Check out a video clip on the news from Associated Press here.

July 24, 2002 - Popdirt.com's last poll that asks which boy band star has the best shot at solo success had nearly 8,500 people vote and by a nose Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter with 35.3% edged Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC with 34%. *NSYNC fans can point out though that with JC Chasez getting 14.6%, the *NSYNC combination got more vote than Nick and AJ McLean (5.73%). Drew Lachey was voted least likely to succeed getting only .32%. Check out the entire results here.

July 24, 2002 - Corey Moss of MTV News attempted to piece together the details we know so far on *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake and his highly anticipated solo debut that he tells Orlando's WJHM FM he hopes to have out "this fall." Amongst those that are working with Timberlake are the Neptunes, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Angie Stone, and perhaps Usher as well. Read more.

July 24, 2002 - First he was with Britney Spears, then rumored to be with Janet Jackson. Now, newspaper columnists have *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake hooking up with Christina Aguilera, and KTLA has a video clip on the subject. Check it out here.

July 23, 2002 - Associated Press reports *NSYNC star Lance Bass is is working to finalize his contract with the Russian space agency, Russian officials said Monday. Space agency spokesman Vyacheslav Mikhailichenko said Bass has "serious intentions" and that they are negotiating terms of the flight contract. As for the lack of time Bass would have to train, an unnamed space agency official said the autumn mission could be postponed because of the fuel-line cracks that recently grounded the U.S. space shuttle fleet. He said a delay could give Bass more time to train, though *NSYNC fans likely wouldn't be happy about the added time the group perhaps would be sidelined as a result. Read more.

July 23, 2002 - *NSYNC were nominated for Best Video Of The Year (Gone), Best Group Video  (Girlfriend Remix), and Best Pop Video (Girlfriend Remix) for this year's MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, the Justin Timberlake starring 'This Train Don't Stop There Anymore' video from Elton John was named Best Male Video. Read all the nominations here.

July 23, 2002 - Today's blind item in the Mirror asks, "Which jilted female pop star can relax over fears that her ex has found a new flame? The boyband singer in question has had numerous offers from girls desperate to bed him but so far hasn't taken any of them up. He even spent an entire evening last week trying to shake off a big-breasted fan who threw herself at him."

July 21, 2002 - News of the World reports Natural's Marc Terenzi has admitted to dating Britney Spears for the past two months, while Britney's ex Justin Timberlake has been having secret flings with Christina Aguilera. Aguilera was reportedly was heard telling a record label boss, "I've been seeing Justin, he's lovely. We've been meeting at places you'd never think we'd go to in case anyone sees us." A source told the tabloid that Britney will be furious upon learning her pop rival is dating her ex. "Britney will be furious Justin's been out with Christina, whom she really hates," said the source. "It's the worst thing he could do to her." Read more.

July 21, 2002 - Douglas Quan of the Orlando Sentinel spoke with Joey Fatone's father Joey Sr. about the constant foot traffic that arrives at his door seeking his *NSYNC star son. "They come with maps and ask, 'Where does he live?'" Fatone Sr. explained. Amongst his encounters have been a 16-year-old girl once introduced herself by saying, "I'm your future daughter-in-law." Another girl offered to do the family's laundry. Father Fatone's reaction? "I just smile and laugh it off." Read more.

July 21, 2002 - Adam Piore of Newsweek spoke with Dennis Tito, the world’s first space tourist, for his advice to *NSYNC star Lance Bass, who hopes to become the youngest person to reach space. "My advice as far as planning the flight itself is to really think out ahead of time what he’ll be doing when he’s in space," Tito said. "And to allow time to really enjoy the experience—to look out the window, view the earth—even get some understanding of what the map of the earth looks like so he’ll be able to recognize the places he flies over. Obviously he should take a camera along and take pictures outside as well as inside." Read more.

July 20, 2002 - US Weekly reports that while Justin Timberlake juggles new romances with Janet Jackson and dancer Jenna Dewan, his longtime former girlfriend Britney Spears "is completely miserable" according to a source close to her. "She's very upset that her parents are divorcing and that she's not with anyone." Read more.

July 20, 2002 - US Weekly reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake is doing a little juggling with his current female flings. Timberlake is working with Janet Jackson on a track on his debut solo album, and the pair were spotted at the Lounge in LA being a little closer than a typical work relationship. A source said the pair "aren't really boyfriend-girlfriend, but are having fun." As for Justin's other galpal and someone who has danced on tour with Janet, Jenna Dewan quizzed the *NSYNC'er on what's the deal with Miss Jackson. "He told Jenna it was all business - a good PR move," said an insider.

July 20, 2002 - The New York Post reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake was joined by girlfriend Janet Jackson at a show in Orlando last week. Usher almost had to ask some of his ex-girlfriends who were in attendance at the show to fill in for dancers threatening to walk out on the final stop on his tour. "They were demanding a percentage of his DVD sales on top of the triple-scale fees he was already paying them," explained his rep. After Usher didn't back down and made the contingency plan, the Bloc Agency dancers dropped their demands and went on with the show.
 

July 18, 2002 - Someone took the time to type out the recent interview *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake had with Jam 107. Justin talked about his upcoming new album, the Challenge for the Children event, the *NSYNC break, and more. On the *NSYNC break, Justin said, "We're comfortable in our shoes right now. And, and um we like where we're at, and I think at this point it's, it's, it's all about where we go with the next record and uh you know everybody was kinda, kinda feelin just slowin down and takin out time with that, and makin sure we, we do it the right way." Read more.

July 17, 2002 - The New York Daily News reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake was spotted having dinner with a couple of his bodyguards at Nobu in Miami Beach on Saturday night. Timberlake had checked into the Mercury Hotel in South Beach and checked out on Sunday, and reportedly had some company while staying there.

July 17, 2002 - MTV News reports that the Russian Space Agency has finally decided that *NSYNC star Lance Bass has the right stuff for consideration on an October flight. NASA spokesperson Dwayne Brown said on Tuesday, "It's official, he's their candidate. We did indeed receive a letter nominating Lance Bass for the October flight." Financial details have yet to be worked out, but have been moving along. Read more.

July 16, 2002 - New York Magazine reports the fifth annual Dance at Sunset at the Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island had *NSYNC star JC Chasez squeezed between two bikini-clad women for some bumping and grinding to his band's hit 'Girlfriend,' as Alex von Furstenberg sprayed them with Taittinger champagne. Then when Nelly's 'Hot In Herre' played, JC backed off as the two fast women did their own dirty dancing with each other. Read more.

July 16, 2002 - Ashanti stopped by MTV's Total Request Live on Monday to talk with host Carson Daly and perform 'Happy' which is on the countdown. Ashanti touched on going to Janet Jackson's birthday party and says *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake wasn't there, so she's not aware if the two hooked up. Check out rnbdirt.com for a transcript.

July 16, 2002 - Billy Masters of Filth2go.com has his new column out today with thoughts on 'American Idol', Robbie Williams being conveniently photographed in a nude romp with Rachel Hunter, and Britney Spears reportedly pairing with Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter on his debut solo album, and how he'd rather see Nick and *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake paired instead. Read more.

July 15, 2002 - Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan of the Baltimore Sun spoke with Gilda Carle, a psychology professor, on Britney Spears' new song she's been showcasing in concert following her breakup with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake. Britney introduced the track on Wednesday at a concert in Washington, DC, saying, "Honestly, I've been a little bit overwhelmed. Sometimes my life feels bigger than me. ... I've been writing a lot and here's something I wrote just the other day. ... I gave you my heart ... Baby boy, and now you are gone," she belted out. "I'm out the door. I can't take no more. " Read more.

July 14, 2002 - Space.com reports Russian space officials have softened their tough line on the much-hyped plans for a commercial flight to the international space station by Lance Bass of *NSYNC. "Considering our tough economic situation, we believe it would be an inadmissible luxury to use the third seat on the coming October flight for cargo," a top official at the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos) said in an interview July 11. Read more.

July 13, 2002 - 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell weighed in on several pop stars to US Weekly, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Nelly Furtado. On the *NSYNC star, Cowell said, "There is something about this boy that stands out. He is good-looking but not a model - which is a good thing. The whole [breakup] with Britney has done him a world of good. It was all a bit too Ken and Barbie before. Now he is Ken with a dark side."

July 12, 2002 - The New York Post reports the night before Janet Jackson played tonsil-hockey with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake last Saturday, she was hooking up with her other squeeze, Jermaine Dupri. The rapper/producer bolted from an industry retreat with Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs in Atlanta to spend an evening with Miss Jackson, only to find Timberlake move in on his gal the next night.

July 12, 2002 - NSYNC's Joey Fatone talked with MTV Radio on Wednesday about bandmate Lance Bass' mission to outerspace. "We'll see what happens," Fatone said. "People are always going, 'Oh, he's just going to go up in space and mess around' and stuff. But he actually wants to do a lot of different experiments as well as stand around going, 'Look, I'm in space,' so that's pretty good. Not me. I'd be like, 'Let's float around. Let's pee in space' or something. It would be fun." Read more.

July 12, 2002 - Los Angeles Times 'Club Buzz' reports Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott, Mark McGrath, and Justin Timberlake partied last Saturday at A.D. in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Kelly Osbourne showed up with a note from her mom, promising she wouldn't drink. They also report *NSYNC star Lance Bass recently chatted with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash for about 10 minutes backstage at the Forum after a recent Aerosmith visit. Lance actually didn't know who Slash was, but was just being polite. Read more.

July 12, 2002 - Groovevolt.com reports while the Backstreet Boys are recording their next album, they've issued an ultimatum to Nick Carter telling him to either shelve his solo debut or leave the group. "He's torn up about it," said an insider. "He really believes in this album, and wants their support." As for Nick's reported plan to do a duet with Britney Spears (which he denied in an AOL chat yesterday), the insider added, "While there may be animosity in the air, Nick and Britney are great friends and I think this would have happen with or without Justin." Read more, including news on the folks at Virgin Megastore in New York being no fans of *NSYNC, especially Justin Timberlake, here.

July 12, 2002 - MTV News reports Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs is working on new material with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake. Diddy's production partner Mario Winans said their team has fashioned an uptempo Justin solo track that will burn the dancefloors.

July 12, 2002 - Conan O'Brien joked during his Late Night monologue on Wednesday: "Joey Fatone of *NSYNC is in the news. No woos there. [ Laughter ] Joey Fatone of *NSYNC has announced he's going to star in the Broadway musical 'Rent.' [ Audience boos ] Yeah, Fatone says he's going to Broadway because it's his only chance to work somewhere gayer than *NSYNC. [ Laughter ] Ha, ha! Got him! Tomorrow night, Lance Bass! We'll get 'em one by one. They'll pay for singing."

July 12, 2002 - The New York Daily News reports *NSYNC star Joey Fatone celebrated his new role in 'Rent' on Monday night at the China Club, where he dined with pals. Other celebs at the club included Jimmy Smits, Kristen Johnston, Yankee Nick Johnson and Met Jay Payton.

July 11, 2002 - Joey Fatone of *NSYNC stopped by MTV's Total Request Live on Wednesday to clear up that wedding rumor, talk about his role in 'Rent', and what's up with the other guys in the band. While he wasn't sure who started the rumor, popdirt.com kinda did. As you may recall, someone submitted the item that they had been secretly wed, I contacted my source at New York Daily News, he contacted *NSYNC's rep who didn't confirm or deny the story, and there is how the rumor started. Read on for a transcript.

July 11, 2002 - Melinda's *NSYNC updates from the road had an update today with Melinda telling fans, "Here is the big news.... Joey is going to be on Broadway! He is doing the Musical RENT. He is doing the part of Mark. He opens sometime in August, and as of right now will be doing it thru November or December. Justin is still doing his thing writing with different people, Lance is in Russia training and studying away, JC; I can't keep track of him, he has become quite the social butterfly (I think he is catching up with all the friends he hadn't had time to see) hahaha. Chris has also been traveling to different charity events and visiting friends. See you at CFTC."

July 11, 2002 - That lawsuit filed by the Giving Back Fund we reported on awhile back got underway on Tuesday. The fund is suing Mark Steverson, the former manager of Britney Spears, for $15 million claiming he violated his duty as a member of the Giving Back Fund board of directors by advising Spears and *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake to sever ties with the fund last year. Read more.

July 11, 2002 - The New York Post reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake stole Jermaine Dupri's girlfriend Janet Jackson right under his nose. Janet phoned JD to come to last weekend's birthday party for Missy Elliott's at B.E.D in Miami Beach, but when he arrived, Justin and Janet were grinding on the dance floor. "When [JD] showed up Janet was on the dance floor grinding all over Justin. She was going buck wild. Jermaine was not happy." The spy added, "Janet and Justin just started making out in front of everyone. It's like they wanted the whole place to know." A friend of Timberlake's squealed, "Clearly, something's been going on for a while. A lot of people are amazed no one noticed." Read more.

July 11, 2002 - Video captures of *NSYNC star Joey Fatone's appearance on MTV's Total Request Live on Wednesday have appeared online. Check out pictures of Joey being interviewed by Damien here.

July 10, 2002 - What ever happened to that May deadline? Associated Press reports *NSYNC star Lance Bass is negotiating with Russian space authorities for a paid flight to the International Space Station but no date had yet been fixed. A MirCorp spokesman said, "We're still in the early stages of negotiations, and nothing concrete has emerged yet." For its part, the Russian Space Agency, told the Interfax news agency earlier that it was "in negotiations (with Bass), but has agreed with him not to discuss them." Read more.

July 10, 2002 - The Sun reports Britney Spears has hired celebrity fitness couple Bobby Storm and Nancy Kennedy in an effort to lose weight. The couple put Spears on a strict diet and banned her from eating donuts, her favorite mid-morning snack. Storm and Kennedy have worked with Jennifer Lopez as well, and hope to help Spears lose the weight she's gained since her split from *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake.

July 10, 2002 - Launch.com reports *NSYNC singer Joey Fatone will make his Broadway debut on August 5th in the musical 'Rent' this summer, according to the show's producers. Fatone began rehearsals for the role as Mark in the musical on July 8th. Read more.

July 10, 2002 - Condolences go out to *NSYNC's Chris Kirkpatrick who lost his grandmother Frances C. Kirkpatrick, 84, of Fourth Avenue, Clarion on Monday. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Grace Lutheran Church in Clarion. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Photo and more information here.

July 9, 2002 - WENN reports rumors are circulating that Britney Spears will be doing a duet with Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter on his solo album. This is said to have Nick's boy band rival and Britney's ex Justin Timberlake upset. One industry source has said, "Justin sees Carter a rival. This will drive him crazy." Read more.

July 9, 2002 - 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell shared his thoughts on *NSYNC to the August issue of Spin magazine. "They're not the best-looking guys on earth," he said. "And they'd never work if they didn't have the Swedes writing records for them."

July 9, 2002 - Popdirt.com's latest poll asks, "Which boy band star has the best shot at solo success?" Vote for Justin or JC here.

July 8, 2002 - 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell shared his thoughts on *NSYNC to the August issue of Spin magazine. "They're not the best-looking guys on earth," he said. "And they'd never work if they didn't have the Swedes writing records for them."

July 6, 2002 - Star magazine reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake was cheating on Britney Spears throughout their relationship with Tonya Mitchell. Britney had found out about the romance when she was one of the opening acts for the *NSYNC 2001 Pop Odyessy Tour and phoned Justin, only to have Tonya pick up the phone saying he was in the shower. "Britney went berserk," said a pal. "She used every four-letter word she knew and threatened to kick Tonya's butt. Britney swore she would have killed Justin if she could have got her hands around his throat." Read more and check out a photo of Justin and Tonya from April 25, 2002 here.

July 6, 2002 - Following Britney Spears breakup with longtime boyfriend and *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake, WENN reports Spears has removed the "Justini" cocktail from Nyla's menu. This follows her decision to drop the 'Pinky's' name of the restaurant, which was Timberlake's pet name for Britney.

July 5, 2002 - E! Online's Ted Casablanca reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake was spotted with his bodybuard/training partner at Crunch in the Sunset 5 complex in West Hollywood. The gay gossip writer said, "Lookin' tall and toned, J.T. wore loose-fitting workout gear for this exercise occasion (You've noticed those taut muscles he's been sporting these days--admit it)." He added, "Whatever the choice, I'd say bachelorhood suits *NSYNC's leading man."

July 4, 2002 - Roger Friedman of FoxNews.com reports JC Chasez was amongst the hundreds of celebrities and fans at Eugene's nightclub on West 24th last night for a party thrown by Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. Read more.

July 4, 2002 - Oasis star Noel Gallagher tells OK magazine that he can't understand why his two-year-old daughter Anais names Britney Spears as one her favorite artists. "'...Baby One More Time' is a classic tune, but she (Spears) didn't write it, she just mimed it on telly a few times. I don't get the Britney thing. I certainly don't get the *NSYNC, the Robbie Williams or the Gorillaz thing. There's a lot of things I don't get."

July 4, 2002 - Star magazine has photos of Britney Spears from her concert in Vancouver on May 28th that show the singer displaying a bit of a spare tire hanging out of her skimpy costume. Pals say Spears has been packing on the pounds because she's depressed over her breakup with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake as well as trouble in her parent's marriage. A pal revealed, "A few weeks ago she went home to her big new house in Louisiana. Before she left L.A., she told me: 'I can't wait to get home, get my sweats on and hit the sofa. When I was around Justin, I was never hungry, because he kept me so happy. Now everthing's changed. All I want to do is sleep and eat." Read more.

July 1, 2002 - Barry Koltnow of The Province chatted with *NSYNC star Lance Bass who says he's no fan of professional autograph seekers. "It's really annoying to have to deal with these professionals," Bass said. "Usually, I just ignore them. But sometimes, I'll grab the photo and either sign a fake name or write some kind of obscenity across it. I've seen some of those photos on eBay." Read more.

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