Justin Timberlake: A Musical and Cultural Icon

Justin Randall Timberlake, a name synonymous with talent and versatility, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Often referred to simply as Justin Timberlake, he has garnered acclaim and admiration across various domains, from singing and songwriting to record production, acting, dancing, and even business ventures. His journey through the entertainment industry has earned him titles such as the "President of Pop" and the "Prince of Pop," signifying his iconic status.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, Justin Timberlake is the son of Randall Timberlake and Lynn Bomar. Tragically, he had a twin sister who passed away shortly after birth, casting an early shadow on his life.

Justin's entry into the world of entertainment began as a young singer when he joined the cast of the Mickey Mouse Club. However, it was at the age of 14 that he achieved international recognition as a member of the sensational "Boy Band 'N Sync." The group's first two albums achieved diamond certification due to exceptional sales in the United States and their chart-topping success worldwide. In October 1995, 'N Sync made their debut performance at Pleasure Island, an entertainment venue within Walt Disney World.

A Solo Career Takes Flight

In August 2002, Justin Timberlake embarked on his solo career with a spectacular performance at the MTV Music Awards, where he introduced the world to "Like I Love You." The song was released in October and swiftly soared to the top of charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. A month later, he unveiled his debut solo album, "Justified." One of its standout tracks, "Cry Me a River," also ascended to chart-topping heights, earning Justin two Grammy Awards for Best Vocal Pop Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. To promote the album, he embarked on two tours, one in Australia and Europe called "Justified and Lovin' It Live" and another, "Justified and Stripped Tour," in collaboration with Christina Aguilera, featuring shows across the United States.

From Music to McDonald's

In 2003, Justin Timberlake lent his vocal prowess to the catchy jingle "I'm Lovin' It," which would become famously associated with McDonald's commercials.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show

The year 2004 marked a significant moment when Justin joined Janet Jackson as a special guest during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, creating an unforgettable and controversial moment in pop culture history.

Challenges and Diversification

In May 2005, a vocal cord nodule forced Justin into a brief hiatus from his musical endeavors. During this period, he founded Tennman Records, his own record label. He also delved into acting, appearing in films like "Edison" (2005) and "Alpha Dog" (2006).

The Return with "SexyBack"

After recovering from his surgery, Justin Timberlake made a triumphant return to the music scene in 2006 with his chart-topping single "Sexy Back," which conquered charts in the United States, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and more.

"FutureSex/LoveSounds" and Continued Success

In September 2006, he released "FutureSex/LoveSounds," his second studio album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned hit singles like "My Love" and "What Goes Around... Comes Around," both reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

A Year of Accolades

The year 2007 was filled with accolades for Justin, including three American Music Awards, two Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, and an Emmy Award. He also embarked on the "FutureSex/LoveShow" tour and lent his voice to the character Artie in the animated film "Shrek The Third." Additionally, he appeared in movies like "Black Snake Moan" and "Southland Tales."

More Grammy Success

In February 2008, Justin Timberlake secured two more Grammy Awards for his tracks "What Goes Around... Comes Around" and "Love Stoned/Think She Knows."

A Stint on Late Night and Saturday Night Live

In 2009, Justin was a special guest on Jimmy Fallon's debut as the host of "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" and made sporadic appearances on "Saturday Night Live," earning him his second Emmy Award.

Venturing into Hollywood

The year 2010 saw Justin Timberlake's acting career soar with a role in "The Social Network." He also lent his voice to the character Bear Bubu in the animated film "Yogi Bear."

The Journey Continues

In 2011, he starred in films like "Bad Teacher," "Friends With Benefits," and "In Time," earning two additional Emmys for his appearances on "Saturday Night Live."

By 2012, Justin focused on producing his third album. On October 19 of that year, he tied the knot with Jessica Biel in southern Italy.

"Suit & Tie" Marks the Return

In January 2013, Justin Timberlake returned to the music scene with the release of his single "Suit & Tie," which quickly climbed the charts in multiple countries. A month later, he released "Mirrors," surpassing the success of his previous single and achieving platinum certification in North America and various European countries.

"The 20/20 Experience" Dominates

In March of the same year, he released his third album, "The 20/20 Experience," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album also dominated charts in Germany, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Russia.

Legends of the Summer

Between July and August, Justin Timberlake embarked on a tour in North America in collaboration with Jay-Z, known as "Legends of the Summer," to promote his albums "The 20/20 Experience" and "Magna Carta... Holy Grail."

A Continuation of Excellence

In September, he released his fourth album, "The 20/20 Experience (2 Of 2)," which also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification.

Continuing to Make Music History

In 2014, Justin released his single "Not a Bad Thing" and collaborated with the late Michael Jackson on the song "Love Never Felt So Good," both of which achieved global success.

The Tonight Show and Fatherhood

In 2015, Justin made an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." On April 11, his son Silas Randall Timberlake was born. The same year, he was inducted into the Musical Hall of Fame of Memphis, becoming the youngest recipient of this prestigious recognition.

The Multi-Talented Artist Continues

In 2016, Justin Timberlake was chosen to create soundtracks for the films "The Book Of Love" and "Trolls," for which he also lent his voice to the character of Branch.

"Can't Stop The Feeling!"

On May 6, he released his hit single "Can't Stop The Feeling!" as the primary single from the "Trolls" music. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the best-selling song in the United States in 2016. The song won a Grammy for Best Written Song for an Audiovisual Media and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.

Discography

Studio Albums as a Soloist:

• 2002: "Justified."
• 2006: "FutureSex / LoveSounds."
• 2013: "The 20/20 Experience."
• 2013: "The 20/20 Experience."

Studio Albums with 'N Sync:

• 1998: "Nsync."
• 2000: "No Strings Attached."
• 2001: "Celebrity."

Filmography

Justin Timberlake's cinematic journey includes roles in various films, including:

• 1999: "Touched by an Angel."
• 2000: "Longshot."
• 2000: "Model Behavior."
• 2001: "On the Line."
• 2005: "Edison."
• 2007: "Alpha Dog."
• 2007: "Black Snake Moan."
• 2007: "Shrek III" (Voice).
• 2008: "Southland Tales."
• 2008: "The Love Guru."
• 2009: "The Open Road."
• 2010: "The Social Network."
• 2010: "Yogi Bear" (Voice).
• 2011: "Friends with Benefits."
• 2011: "Bad Teacher."
• 2011: "In Time."
• 2013: "Inside Llewyn Davis."
• 2016: "Trolls."
• 2017: "Wonder Wheel."

Musical Tours

As a Soloist:

• 2003-2004: "Justified and Lovin' It Live."
• 2007: "FutureSex / LoveShow."
• 2013-2015: "The 20/20 Experience World Tour."

With 'N Sync:

• 1997: "For The Girl Tour."
• 1998-2000: "NSYNC In Concert."
• 2000-2001: "No Strings Attached Tour."
• 2001-2002: "Pop Odyssey Tour."
• 2002: "Celebrity Tour."

Awards and Accolades

Justin Timberlake's remarkable career has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including:

American Music Awards:

• 2003: Favorite Pop/Rock Album for "Justified."
• 2007: Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist.
• 2007: Favorite R&B/Soul Album for "FutureSex / LoveSounds."
• 2013: Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist.
• 2013: Male Artist R&B/Soul Favorite.
• 2013: Favorite R&B/Soul Album for "The 20/20 Experience."

Billboard Music Awards:

Justin has received several Billboard Music Awards throughout his career, including Top New Pop Artist, Top Hot Mainstream Top 40 Artist, and Top Hot Dance Club Play Artist, among others.

BRIT Awards:

• 2007: Best International Male Artist.
• 2004: Best International Male Artist.
• 2004: Best International Album for "Justified."

Emmy Awards:

• 2007: Best Music and Original Lyrics for "Dick in a Box."
• 2009: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for "Saturday Night Live."
• 2011: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for "Saturday Night Live."
• 2011: Best Music and Original Lyrics for "Justin Timberlake Monologue."

Grammy Awards:

Justin Timberlake's Grammy wins include Best Written Song for a Movie and Television for Can't Stop The Feeling! and Finest Tune Video for Suit & Tie featuring Jay-Z.

iHeart Radio Music Awards:

• 2015: Innovator Award (Winner).
• 2017: Song of the Year for "Can't Stop The Feeling!"

MTV Video Music Awards:

Justin has received multiple MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Pop Video for "Cry Me a River," Best Male Video for "Cry Me a River," and Video of the Year for "Mirrors," among others.

People's Choice Awards:

• 2007: Favorite R&B Song for "SexyBack."
• 2008: Favorite Pop Tune for "What Goes Around... Comes Around."
• 2014: Favorite Male Singer.
• 2017: Favorite Male Singer.
• 2017: Favorite Song for "Can't Stop The Feeling!"

NRJ Awards:

• 2008: Best International Male Artist.

World Music Awards:

• 2007: Best-selling Male Pop Artist of the Year.
• 2007: Best-selling American Artist of the Year.
• 2014: Pop Artist/Bestselling Male Rock of the Year.