Inside Justin Timberlake’s ‘betrayal’ of NSYNC bandmates which left them ‘heartbroken’

NSYNC were one of the biggest boybands in the world during the 90s, before leaving fans devastated when they split in 2004 but they’re now set to release a new song

NSYNC delighted fans when they reunited for the first time in 10 years and revealed they’ll be releasing their first new song in more than two decades.

The popular 90s boyband came together to present an award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. The bandmates were all smiles as they took to the stage, but it could have gone very differently after Justin Timberlake left his pals “heartbroken” with a huge “betrayal”.

Back in 2002, it was announced that NSYNC would be taking a brief hiatus. The group had just finished their PopOdyssey Tour, which earned them more than $90million (£72million), and felt it was the right time for a much-needed break.

NSYNC were one of the biggest boybands of the 90s (
Image:
Getty Images)

The hiatus was suggested by Justin, according to reports. The singer was said to be interested in making a solo album, with rumours he had already started work on the project.

While the hiatus was meant to be temporary, NSYNC never recorded music together again. A few years later, band member Lance Bass opened up about the split and how he was left devastated by Justin’s departure. He admitted that he originally believed Justin would return after six months to record a new album with NSYNC.

Instead, Lance was left feeling “betrayed” by his friend. “When I talk about that time in Miami when Justin told us he didn’t want to do it anymore, I wanted people to feel what I felt at that time. And it did feel like betrayal. I felt heartbroken,” he admitted.

Justin Timberlake decided to pursue a solo career (
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Getty Images for MTV)

Lance Bass felt ‘betrayed’ by his bandmate (
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GC Images)

However, speaking to the Dallas Observer in 2007, Lance added: “Today, I’m really happy, and Justin and I are really great friends. I don’t hate him at all. And I understand what he was going through.”

Justin also opened up about his decision to leave the band and described it as a “fun snowball fight that was becoming an avalanche”. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, he added: “I was growing out of it. I felt like I cared more about the music than some of the other people in the group.”

The singer also admitted he needed to “follow my heart” as he felt as though he had “other music I wanted to make”. Luckily, the NSYNC members worked through their differences.

NSYNC reunited at the MTV Video Music Awards (
Image:
Getty Images for MTV)Don’t Miss

They all appeared together at the 2023 MTV VMAs, announcing Taylor Swift as the winner of the Best Pop Video award for the music video for her song Anti-Hero. She was stunned by the group standing together on stage and admitted: “I had your dolls,” as she was given her award by the boyband.

Since then, NSYNC delighted fans as they revealed they will be releasing their first new song in more than two decades. Better Place, the band’s first single together since 2001, will be featured on the upcoming animated film Trolls Band Together.

Justin stars in the movie alongside Anna Kendrick and Camila Cabello. NSYNC fans will be able to listen to the song from 29 September before the film is released in UK cinemas on 20 October. The next instalment of the Trolls franchise is centred around the Troll boyband BroZone reuniting after years of estrangement, making it the perfect fit for the NSYNC members.