December 2001

(28/12) *NSYNC Are #1 in MTV Asia's Top 100 
Source: nsynclandonline.com  

Wanna let you know that Nsync is #1 in the Top 100 of the year of MTV Asia. Here are the top 30 songs (I wasn't able to keep track of the other songs because of the holidays): 
30. Uptown Girl - Westlife (My song!!)
29. When It's Over - Sugar Ray
28. Lovin' Each Day- Ronan Keating
27. Never Had A Dream Come True - S Club 7
26. Crawling - Linkin Park 
25. Get Your Freak On - Missy Elliot
24. It Wasn't Me - Shaggy
23. Ms. Jackson - Outkast
22. Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim
21. Elevation - U2
20. When You're Looking Like That - Westlife
19. Can't Fight The Moonlight - Leann Rimes
18. Rollin' - Limp Bizkit
17. One More Try - A1
16. Love Don't Cost A Thing - J. Lo
15. More Than That - Backstreet Boys
14. All The Love In The World - The Corrs
13. Hero - Enrique Iglesias
12. Lady Marmalade - Pink, Lil' Kim, Mya, Christina Aguilera
11. Eternity - Robbie Williams
10. Nobody Wants To Be Lonely - Ricky Martin & Christina Aguilera
9. You Rock My World - Michael Jackson
8. Jaded - Aerosmith
7. I'm A Slave 4 U - Britney Spears
6. Shape of My Heart - Backstreet Boys
5. Can't Get You Out Of My Head - Kylie Minogue
4. Tomorrow Comes Today - Gorillaz
3. All For You - Janet Jackson
2. Survivor - Destiny's Child
1. Pop- Nsync  **Impressive. *NSync were not on any charts that I listened to, not videos or songs. Aww**

(28/12) *NSYNC May Play SuperBowl Again 
Source: http://www.nola.com/t-p/, nsyncwebguide.com 

Mariah Carey and (maybe) *NSYNC join the Super Bowl pre-game and halftime entertainment rosters 
OK, this story gets a little tangled as we go along so please pay attention. 

In an effort to shore up confidence in potential advertisers, the NFL and the Super Bowl committee today announced that every recording artist who has released a record in the past five years will be playing at the Superdome on Feb. 3. 

They were going to go back 10 years but then someone realized that would include those Macarena guys, so they cut it off at five. 

OK, not really, but close. 

As you know, U2, whose members seem to comfortably wear the title BIGGEST ROCK BAND IN THE WORLD, was booked a few weeks ago to play the Doritos/Chevrolet/Budweiser/Cottman Transmission/Boudreaux's Butt Paste/Odor Eaters Halftime Show. (That's not really the name of the halftime show; I'm just being a snarly columnist here. Seriously folks, E*Trade is sponsoring the show so let's hear a big hand out there, thank you, thank you.) 

Executives are now filling out the rest of the entertainment bill for the Greatest Show on Earth (this column is an attempt to see how many commercial trademark violations I can commit in one day) and here's what we think we know: 

The NFL confirms that Mariah Carey will be singing the National Anthem before the game starts. I could easily make a joke here, something about precious diva-hood, but I'll leave it be; Mariah's been a trouper of late, giving her all for the men and women in uniform and that strikes a warm chord with me so I'll just throw in this gratuitous barb: 

If your dining plans for Super Bowl week include Jacques-Imo's restaurant Uptown, plan on getting there early -- Mariah ate the entire seafood inventory last time she was in town. 

Also included on the pre-game entertainment bill will be the Boston Pops Orchestra, known for years and by many as "America's Orchestra." They'll be performing the requisite patriotic fare, a selection of American classics, led by conductor Keith Lockhart. 

These acts have been confirmed by NFL officials. Unconfirmed at this point -- but I have it on good information -- is that *NSYNC may be joining U2 at halftime. 

An NFL source said he knew nothing about *NSYNC playing at the game but conceded: "There will be more announcements in the near future." 

*NSYNC's presence would not be a stretch, for several reasons. One: Clear Channel Communications, one of the biggest production companies on the planet, is producing the halftime event for E*Trade. In addition, Clear Channel just happens to be producing both U2 and *NSYNC's current tours. 

Coincidence? I think not. (Then again, Clear Channel produces Madonna's tour also, but I don't think that means the Material Girl will be appearing. But then again, I may be wrong.) 

We also have it on good information that *NSYNC has already booked accommodations in town for that weekend, but then there's also another reason they (or at least one of them) could be coming to town and it is this: The official press junket for Britney Spears' upcoming debut feature film, "Crossroads," will open in New Orleans on the day after the Super Bowl. 

What does a press junket entail? Mobs of entertainment reporters swarming around Britney and her co-stars (most notably, "Sex in the City's" Kim Cattrell) and a red-carpet preview of the film and lots of parties and "Entertainment Tonight" in your face. 

As if there wasn't enough going on in town but I say: BRING IT ON. 

This is big news for New Orleans. We never get film premieres, even big flicks that film here like "Double Jeopardy" and "Monsters Ball." But the Britney connection is no doubt a big one and the lights of the entertainment world will focus on New Orleans even after the Fox Sports guys have packed up and some Super Bowl MVP has announced to the world that he's going to Disney World. 

The premiere will be at a yet-undisclosed Canal Street theater venue (see if you can narrow it down to two) and planners for the big MTV after-party are looking at El Matador, Ampersand or the Red Room for a post-premiere throw down. 

Now, with Britney in town, maybe she will also be drafted into the Super Bowl entertainment orgy. Who knows? She rocked with Aerosmith last year; no reason she can't get down with U2 and Lord knows she can lip-synch with the best of them. (And wait a minute: Isn't she friends with. . . . MADONNA!?) 

This whole Super Bowl entertainment extravaganza has become just about the biggest production in the business, the milieu for millionaires and experts and corporate schmoozers, but please allow me to make two suggestions. 

First of all, with the available technology -- and considering the complete lack of shame or subtlety involved by halftime organizers -- why not just book the Beatles? They can put John Wayne and Fred Astair in beer and vacuum cleaner ads, after all. Why not hire Ringo and Paul and then digitize John and George onstage and let's forget about all pretenders to the throne and book the greatest rock band that ever lived? 

(Wait a minute; we should probably digitize Ringo too, huh? Hell, while we're at it, somebody call Col. Parker and see if Elvis is available.) 

Just a suggestion. 

And now, one more -- and a serious one, at that. 

The whole show sounds like it's gonna be a bloated, self-indulgent pop fest completely lacking in any poignancy or meaning -- except maybe for the Boston Pops thing -- but I think this can be remedied. 

The NFL and Clear Channel and everybody else may not know this, but Lee Greenwood is going to be in town in the days prior to the Super Bowl. He happens to be playing at, of all things, the National Automobile Dealers Association convention the week before the game. 

You remember them, right? They're the group of 30,000 conventioneers who so graciously (and for a cool $7.5 million NFL buyout) offered up their first-weekend-in-February convention dates so that the Super Bowl could be played in New Orleans and the rest of us could dance on our heads. 

Anyway, Lee Greenwood, I hope you know, recorded "Proud to be an American" which, for my money, is the only song that rivals Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful" for sheer goose bumps quotient. Teardrop City. It's a killer. 

If that song doesn't rip your heart up and out of your throat here at the end of 2001, you must be a cold man or Taliban. 

This is the first Super Bowl after Sept. 11 and I don't mean to be maudlin or cynical here, but can't we give the 7 trillion Super Bowl broadcast viewers worldwide a taste of what it means to be us? A small, tiny dose of what it really means, even if it's something as silly as an old country music hit? 

I mean, U2 -- God bless ‘em -- but they ain't us. Bring me the Red, White & Blue and let's get it on. 

Are you ready for some football? 

(22/12) *NSYNC Gets Neptunes to Help them Score 'Girlfriend' 
Source: launch.com, nsyncwebguide.com 

*NSYNC is preparing to release the video for its new single, "Girlfriend," on December 31. The video is a take on film The Fast And The Furious, and was shot in downtown Los Angeles on December 6 and 7. 
The song, produced by the Neptunes, is expected to cross over to urban markets, following the path of its predecessor "Gone," produced by lead singer Justin Timberlake. It's currently Number 15 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. 

Mimi Valdes, editor at large for Vibe magazine, says she's not surprised by the group's popularity on the R&B charts. She interviewed the quintet in April for her feature in the August 2001 issue of Vibe. 

"'Girlfriend,' I love that song so much," says Valdes, who adds that the song reminds her of early music from '80s R&B group New Edition. She says "Girlfriend"'s lyrics are pure and innocent, and the song brings a cool R&B vibe to the marketplace. "I think R&B was just missing [that]," she says. "It's just ironic that these white boys just brought that back." 

(22/12) *NSYNC, Shaggy, Enya are Year's RIAA Hotshots 
Source: dailynews.yahoo.com 

During what has been a less than stellar year for album sales, a few big stars stand out. Crossover reggae-rocker Shaggy, New Age chanteuse Enya and pop boys 'N Sync scored the highest-selling albums of 2001, according the Recording Industry Association of America. 

Shaggy's "Hotshot" (MCA), released last year, has sold more than 6 million copies in 2001, making it the year's top-selling album. 

Enya's "A Day Without Rain" (Reprise), fueled by the Sept. 11 tribute radio mix of "Only Time," and 'N Sync's "Celebrity" (Jive) tied as the second best-selling albums of 2001 as each was certified for sales of 5 million copies. Commenting on the diversity of the top sellers, RIAA president and CEO Hilary Rosen said, "When the industry has a year when you can mention Shaggy, Enya and 'N Sync in the same breath, there is a clear indication that Americans are not turning to any one genre of music."


The year also produced a breakout superstar -- Alicia Keys. The singer-songwriter's debut album for Clive Davis' new J Records, "songs in A minor," was certified four-times platinum. 

Warner Bros. Records scored a hit with alt-metal group Linkin Park as "Hybrid Theory" remains in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified five-times platinum. 

The year's highest-selling soundtrack is the companion to the Coen brothers film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" released on the new alt-country label Lost Highway. The soundtrack, named album of the year by the Country Music Assn., has been certified for sales exceeding 3 million copies. 

Additionally, six albums during 2001 received the RIAA's prestigious diamond award for sales of more than 10 million copies. Led Zeppelin now ties the Beatles with the most diamond awards as the legendary rockers received their fifth diamond honor for their self-titled box set. The Eagles and Madonna each received their second diamond award for "Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2" and "The Immaculate Collection," respectively. Aerosmith earned its first diamond for "Aerosmith's Greatest Hits." 

Creed, whose current release "Weathered" tops the Billboard 200, picked up their first diamond award for "Human Clay" (Wind-Up), and Kid Rock scored his first diamond for "Devil Without a Cause" (Lava/Atlantic). 

Garth Brooks continues to make country music history as his comeback album "Scarecrow" has sold more than 3 million copies, making it the year's highest-selling country album. Brooks, who has released 14 albums for Capitol Nashville, is the best-selling certified solo artist in history, with cumulative sales of 104 million. 

During 2001, the RIAA certified 327 gold, 227 platinum and 243 multiplatinum albums. 

(22/12) Former Opening Act, Sugar Hill, to Record with *NSYNC 
Source: sonicnet.com, nsyncwebguide.com 

Recent years have been pretty lean for the Sugar Hill Gang when measured against more financially successful rappers. But now that a New York District Court judge has awarded the hip-hop pioneers nearly $3 million ? in a case against the Snapple Beverage Corporation and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. ? the Gang will no longer have to eat at friends' houses where "the macaroni's soggy, the peas are mushed, and the chicken tastes like wood." 
Those culinary catastrophes are bemoaned in the group's legendary single "Rapper's Delight," a live video performance of which Snapple and Turner were found guilty of unlawfully pilfering in a 1998 ad for the Goodwill Games, an event produced by Turner. 

In a case filed in January 1999, the Sugar Hill Gang claimed it was told the performance in question would only be broadcast by Snapple on closed-circuit monitors during a party at Studio 54. The rappers said they were shocked to later see the clip used for the Goodwill Games. 

"A month after we did the show, I get calls congratulating me on my new commercial," said Gang member Joey Robinson Jr. "I went, 'What are you talking about?' We never consented to it, we never got paid for it, and Snapple never wanted to settle with us." 

In court, both Snapple and Turner claimed the group knew in advance that footage would be used for television advertisements, but the judge sided with the rappers. In June he granted a summary judgement on behalf of the Sugar Hill Gang, and on Friday a jury awarded it $165,000 in compensatory damages and another $2.8 million in punitive damages. 

"It was a blessing," Robinson said. "It was like three-and-a-half years of fighting had finally come to a head. It was a cheerful joy of happiness." 

Snapple and Turner did not return calls for comment. 

Recently, the Sugar Hill Gang appeared in a commercial for Coca-Cola that they were actually paid for, and in January the group will return to the studio to finish its first album of new material in 21 years. 

"It's not gangsta at all," Robinson said. "It's a little bit like Will Smith, a little bit Sisqó ? like a 'Thong Song.' It's got a little Aersomith/Run-D.M.C. flavor. We did a remake of [Def Leppard's] 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' that's really hot. The album won't confuse people, so they'll know it's Sugar Hill Gang, but it's updated to what's happening now." 

The group has recorded seven of 13 songs, including a duet with LFO called "Girl I Want You," and there are plans to record a new song with 'NSYNC , whom the Sugar Hill Gang opened for during 1999 and 2000. 

"They want to do a record with us, and we want to do one with them, so we're getting some tracks together to submit to them," Robinson said. "Those guys are great guys." 

Also, the Sugar Hill Gang is trying to recruit Def Leppard to contribute to the "Pour Some Sugar on Me" cover. But that's not the most surprising development for the old-school rappers ? in March they'll play what might be their strangest venue to date. 

"We were just with Liza Minnelli at her private party with [event producer] David Gest, and David asked us to perform in March for their wedding," Robinson marveled. "He said, 'Joey, please, I'm gonna ask you, would you mind performing?' And I said, 'Are you kidding? It would be an honor.' " 

Needless to say, nobody from Snapple is invited, and the event will not be broadcast on Turner. 

(21/12) Justin Talks About Christmas on Morning Radio Show 
Source: nsyncwebguide.com 

Justin was on my local radio this morning. Here's a brief run-down: They asked him what he was getting from Santa & what present he wanted. Then they joked that he was gonna get more platinum & he joked back about getting a check. He said he didn't know & he didn't really have anything he wanted cuz already has so much. 

The guys asked about what he was gonna get Britney and Justin said she was impossible to shop for. He said she was the hardest person to get things for because she has EVERYTHING. Justin did admit he got her something special that he didn't buy, but wouldn't say what it was b/c he wanted her to be surprised. He also divulged that they've been dating for 3 yrs. 

Then they started taking about his family. He has 2 half bros & the radio asked him what was the most expensive gift he ever bought for 
someone else. Justin said he got a bunch of stuff in one year ( "the motor year" ). He got a 4-wheeler for his now-8-yr-old brother, matching motorcycles for his parents, and matching 4-wheelers for his father and grandfather. He said there's a lot of places in Tennessee for 4-wheelers. 

He said he drives an escalade, a viper, and a prowler. His first car was a Mercedes truck. He got it when he was 17. Before that, all his friends used to make fun of him because they were all driving & he didn't even have a car. Then he showed up with a Mercedes and they all shut up. 

His fave rapper is Jay-Z. 

They all started to talk about Christmas music. He said they had a Christmas album out a few yrs ago & the radio ppl were wondering if 
the group was gonna have a new one. Justy said he'd love to record new Christmas tunes & it'd be fun in the future. 

He said the guys in the group all exchanged little Christmas gifts, but nothing extravagant. The radio guy said that sucked, and was like, "I'm glad I'm not in that group. I want the big presents." 

The radio ppl mentioned having their families on the Ananda show & said it was really sweet. Justin said he loved Ananda to death & wanted to do something special for her show, so that's how that came about. 

(21/12) Celebrity Certified 5 times Platinum 
Source: dailynews.yahoo.com 

Reggae artist Shaggy's ''Hotshot'' album was the hottest-selling record in 2001, totaling 5.5 million units sold since January, the Recording Industry Association of America said Thursday. Certified six times Platinum for sales of one million units, Shaggy was among three very diverse artists jockeying for best-selling record of the year. 

"Hotshot'' was followed closely behind by Irish new age artist Enya's "A Day Without Rain'' and 'N Sync's "Celebrity,'' which each sold five million copies this year, tying them for second. 

Shaggy's album, released in late 2000, had sold about 500,000 copies prior to January 2001, the RIAA said. 

The trade group said 2001 was also noteworthy as the year when new artists achieved superstar status, such as R&B chanteuse Alicia Keys, whose debut "Songs In A Minor'' sold an impressive four million copies. The metal quintet Linkin Park also enjoyed success with their debut album, "Hybrid Theory,'' which now stands at five times Platinum. 

(21/12) Happy Holidays From the *NSYNC Family! 
Source: nsync.com, Melissa 

The guys are finally taking a couple weeks to be with their family and friends during the Holidays. All will go be with their families and give their office people a chance to catch up. :) Originally we planned on having the guys be off all of December...my how plans change. We have been non stop from the beginning of the month. December started off with the Billboard Awards, then they just finished shooting a commercial for Chilis and the Girlfriend Video. The video is going to Premiere on MTV New Years Eve. In addition *NSYNC through their foundation, Challenge For The Children, treated 50 underpriviledged children to a day of fun where they took them to XS Game Room at Pointe Orlando, watched a movie and gave them Gift Certificates to buy something special at FAO Schwartz. It was a fun day for everyone. 

Holidays are a special time, be sure to take that extra moment to enjoy life and the people you share it with. 

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us. 

Stay *NSYNC, Melinda 

(20/12) *NSYNC on the Cover of CosmoGIRL 
Source: nsync-world.com 

*NSYNC will once again grace the cover of CosmoGIRL! The issue hits the stands on January 1st. Cosmogirl.com will be celebrating by 
allowing you to record a greeting from the guys on your answering machine and also send out an exclusive *NSYNC CG! e-card We hear it's really hot! Stay tuned to *NSYNC-World.com and Cosmogirl.com for more info. 

(20/12) *NSYNC and Others Set for Olympic Concert Series 
Source: mtv.com 

'NSYNC, Creed, Dave Matthews Band, Marc Anthony and Foo Fighters are among the artists scheduled to perform during a series of 16 nightly concerts at the Olympic Winter Games in February.

The Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series will also feature Stone Temple Pilots, Sheryl Crow, Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth and Train, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC) announced Tuesday (December 18).

The concerts will be held at Olympic Medals Plaza in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the games will be held. With an estimated capacity of 20,000, the plaza will host the largest medal celebrations in Olympic history, the SLOC said.

Aside from the rock and pop artists mentioned above, the Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series will also include country favorites Martina McBride and Brooks & Dunn and Motown legends the Temptations. Headlining artists for four of the nights and opening acts for all of the dates will be announced in January, according to the SLOC.

Olympic Medals Plaza will be open nightly from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. and admission is free, though tickets are required to attend. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

NBC, who will broadcast the Olympic events, will televise one song from each musical performance as part of the network's coverage.

Dave Matthews Band will kick off the series on February 9, and the Temptations will wrap it up on February 25. The Olympic Medals Plaza concerts are separate from the extravagant opening and closing ceremonies, which will feature 'NSYNC, Christina Aguilera and Bon Jovi. Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster ("The Bodyguard" soundtrack), film composer Michael Kamen ("Die Hard," "Lethal Weapon") and songwriter Robbie Robertson (The Band) will compose the music for the ceremonies.

In other Olympics music news, Neil Diamond and Melissa Etheridge recently recorded a new version of "America," Diamond's hit from his 
1980 movie, "The Jazz Singer," to serve as theme music for NBC's promotion of the Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, soul legend Aretha Franklin has recorded a new song called "Carry the Flame" which is the official song for the carrying of the Olympic Torch.

Academy Award-winning composer John Williams ("Star Wars," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") is composing the official theme of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. *** It's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone dammit! ***

The Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series schedule, according to the SLOC (additional headliners to be announced):

2/9 - Dave Matthews Band 
2/11 - Foo Fighters 
2/13 - Barenaked Ladies 
2/14 - Sheryl Crow 
2/15 - Smash Mouth 
2/16 - Brooks & Dunn 
2/17 - Train 
2/19 - Creed 
2/20 - Marc Anthony 
2/23 - 'NSYNC 
2/24 - Martina McBride 
2/25 - The Temptations 

(20/12) *NSYNC do Drag for 'Girlfriend' Video 
Source: mtv.com 

If the shortest route to a man's heart is through his stomach, the quickest way to a woman's affection is with a really fast car- at least according to 'NSYNC. 
A need-for-speed theme runs through the group's new video for "Girlfriend," filmed in Los Angeles December 6 and 7 by director Marc Klasfeld (Alien Ant Farm, Jay-Z, Sum41). In the clip, the guys, dressed all rough-and-tumble in knit caps, leather jackets and well-worn jeans, are seen wooing the ladies with the help of such gearhead trappings as muscle cars and motorcycles, while asking, "Why don't you be my girlfriend?" 

Of course, the clip isn't all hot rods and hot bods, as more playful moments of back-alley dancing- synchronized atop car roofs- and romancing- some backseat paradise by the dashboard light- are also integral parts of the treatment. It's ultimately a drag race, however, that gets Justin, kicking asphalt in a vintage Ford Mustang, the trophy girl's hand. 

"Girlfriend" is the third single from the group's latest album, Celebrity, following the vibrant "Pop" and tender "Gone." 

The clip for the clickety-clack rump shaker is scheduled to premiere December 31 on "MTV's New Year's Eve 2002." 

(18/12) *NSYNC: MTV's 2001 Highlights 
Source: mtv.com 

This job would admittedly be a lot easier if Celebrity were a bad album. We could've easily dismissed the disc as the dying gasp of the boy band era, and wrapped it up with a few choice words about the ultimate triumph of artistry over marketing. Alas, that is not to be. We come not to bury 'NSYNC but to praise them — for releasing a work that, as aided by the deft hands of several of-the-moment producers 
(BT, the Neptunes, Brian McKnight, Rodney Jerkins), emphatically raises the bar for any new entries in the teen pop sweepstakes. Celebrity is a few good songs short of becoming a new gold pop standard (Michael Jackson's all-hits Thriller still holds that distinction), but with its well-balanced dance track-to-ballad ratio and uniformly infectious grooves, it does come within moonwalk striking distance — and, interestingly, gets there through a King of Pop-like mix of well-crafted love songs, edgy dance grooves and a hint of star-powered paranoia. 

Album-opener "Pop" sets the overall tone with funk guitar, deep bass and processed sounds so warped, the track sounds like three different songs being played at the same time — yet all in the same hard-working groove. 

It's a fast-paced ride from there until the Neptunes-produced "Girlfriend", a bona fide midtempo R&B number — not just a boy band approximation of one. "The Two of Us" is highly reminiscent of Jordan Knight's drum'n'bass-goes-pop hit "Give It to You," and it's followed by the ballad "Gone," whose lean arrangement effectively communicates the loneliness in its lyrics. Later on, there's the adult contemporary radio-ready "Selfish", produced by Brain McKnight. Yes, it's saccharine-sweet ("You can call me selfish/ 'Cause all I want is your love/ And you can call me hopeless/ 'Cause I'm hopelessly in love"), but it's also undeniably well done. And the bubbly, positive-thinking closer, "Do Your Thing," boasts the album's handsomest harmonies. 

No, it isn't all so great. It's hard to feel sympathetic for these mega-stars when they belt out fame-is-a-bitch lyrics on such otherwise enjoyable dance jams as "The Game Is Over," "See Right Through You" and the title tune. And "Something Like You" is a formulaic slice of mush that adds insult to injury when guest Stevie Wonder supplies a virtual replay of his harmonica part from the old cheesefest "That's What Friends Are For." 

(It also must be noted that if your bedroom is plastered with pictures of Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass and/or Joey Fatone, you might be disappointed to hear your favorite 'NSYNC-ers relegated to supporting roles behind Britney boy-toy Justin Timberlake and jock-turned-fashion-plate JC Chasez — who've presumably earned the right to stand out more, thanks to their collective writing credits on 10 of this album's 13 songs.) 

Boy-band-era this, teen-pop-is-over that — blah, blah, blah. All we can say is, if Celebrity is indeed going to be the genre's last will and testament (until the next spin cycle, that is), at least these dancing pretty boys can honestly say they went out on a high note. 

(18/12) *NSYNC to Present at American Music Awards 
Source: mtv.com 

Britney Spears, Mick Jagger and Usher are the latest performers who have been added to the 29th annual American Music Awards roster, joining previously announced artists Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz and Shaggy. 
P. Diddy, who'll co-host the show with former MTV personality Jenny McCarthy, will also perform, according to a spokesperson for Dick Clark Productions, Inc. 

Spears will render "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" from her third album, Britney, while Usher is slated to deliver "U Got It Bad" from his latest LP, 8701. The Rolling Stones frontman hasn't decided exactly what will comprise his stage show. 

Cher, gospel artist Yolanda Adams and country stars Toby Keith and Brooks & Dunn round out the list of performers. 

Additionally, 'NSYNC, Pink, Faith Evans, the Calling, Lit, Mandy Moore, Uncle Kracker and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss have 
signed on to present winners with the awards, as have such non-musical guests as Christina Applegate, Melissa Joan Hart, Rose McGowan and Tiffani Thiessen, among others. 

Previously announced presenters include India.Arie, Alicia Keys, and Master P and Lil' Romeo. 

The 29th annual American Music Awards will take place January 9 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium and will be broadcast live on ABC, except on the West Coast, where it will be tape-delayed. 

(18/12) *NSYNC is 2001's #1 Searched Group 
Source: billboard.com, nsyncwebguide.com 

For the second year in a row, 'N Sync tops online search engine Lycos list of most searched music groups. The boy band beat out the likes of Destiny's Child (No. 2), Backstreet Boys (No. 3), Limp Bizkit (No. 4), and the Beatles (No. 5) for the honor. 
Britney Spears leads the list of top women searched for in Lycos' 2001 Web's Most Wanted wrap-up (she's No. 2 on the overall most searched list, behind the animated Japanese show "Dragonball"). Eminem pulls in at No. 2 on the top men list, behind terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden. On the overall list, Eminem is at No. 34, down from last year's No. 15 ranking. 

A lot of searching led alternative rock act Linkin Park to earn the biggest new band of the year crown, pulling in at No. 10 on the list. For more lists, visit the Lycos 50 web site. 

(16/12) *NSYNC's Challenge for the Children Holiday Event 
Source: nsync.com 

*NSYNC brightened up the season for 50 children Saturday at Pointe Orlando, Florida, as part of *NSYNC's Challenge for the Children, which has raised over $1,000,000 for children's charities across the nation. 

These kids were treated to a fun filled day beginning at XS Orlando's game room where they were greeted with overflowing gift bags from Santa Claus and a special visit from the Universal Studios Characters. When Santa called upon his helpers for the handing out of the bags, to the kids' surprise Chris, Lance, Justin, JC and Joey answered the call. The kids were also given gift certificates to FAO Schwarz for their holiday wish list. 

The kids were selected from outreach programs including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, and the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families. Other children were selected from XL106.7 radio promotions. 

(13/12) Exclusive "Girlfriend" Ending On New Years Eve 
Episode: MTV's New Year's Eve 2002 
Network: (MTV) Music Television 
Date: Monday - December 31, 2001 
Time: 10:00 pm - 12:30 am ET 

Featured Artists 
City High, Mandy Moore, N Sync, O-Town, P.O.D., Ja Rule, Sum 41 

About MTV's New Year's Eve 2002 

MTV goes live with the coolest music event and party as the New Year is ushered in on December 31st. As the clock counts down to January 1, 2002, P.O.D., Ja Rule, O-Town, Sum 41 and City High will perform live at "MTV's New Year's Eve 2002." Host MTV's Carson Daly and co-host Jaime Pressly (Not Another Teen Movie) will be joined by MTV talent including Mandy Moore, Kurt Loder, Molly Sims, Dave Holmes, Suchin Pak, Sway, Brian McFayden, Iann Robinson, KK Holiday, Quddus, Hilary Burton, and the cast of The Real World NY to give MTV viewers the best seat in the house for all the New Year's Eve festivities in Times Square. 

House DJs will spin the tunes to keep the party going. Celebrity guests will be stopping by to join in all the revelry! In addition, MTV will world premiere *NSYNC's music video "Girlfriend," which will feature an exclusive ending to the music video that fans wouldn't want to miss to be shown only on MTV on New Year's Eve! Then at midnight, MTV breaks into the New Year with a surprise cover song performed by P.O.D. 

(11/12) Joey's Top 10 Videos 
These would be from Tuesday's TRL... 
10. Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It 
9. Blink 182 - All the Small Things 
8. Sum 41 - Fat Lip 
7. Janet Jackson - Love Will Never Do (Without You) 
6. Weird Al Yankovic - Eat It 
5. Leader of the New School - Case of the P.T.A. 
4. Shakira - Whenever, Wherever 
3. Madonna - Who's That Girl 
2. Missy Elliott - Get UR Freak On 
1. Michael Jackson - Thriller

(11/12) E!'s End Of Year Review 

Source: www.nsync-land.com 
Hey! E! Online is having their End of Year Review poll now so you can vote for what was hot and what was not in 2001. There are some good and funny Q's on there like: 

-Worst Cumulative Performance 
-Best Mariah Carey Moment (heavy sarcasm question) 
-Entertainer You Will Most Miss (who have passed away this year) 

NSync is in the poll a couple of times for: 

Best Reason to Blow Your Paycheck on a Concert Ticket Nominees: 
-U2 
-'N Sync 
-Britney Spears 
-Madonna 
-Dave Matthews Band 

AND 

Song We Could Have Done Without Nominees: 
-"Lady Marmalade," Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink 
-"Cuz I Got High," Afroman 
-"Pop," N Sync 
-"Smooth Criminal," Alien Ant Farm 
-Any song by Linkin Park 

The results are out on Dec. 29 

Also there is a TV specail called "E! Looks Back at the Highs and Lows of 2001." It premieres December 25 @ 6:30 p.m. and airs at these later dates: Dec. 26, 8 a.m.; Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 28, 7 a.m., 8 a.m.; Dec. 29, 7 a.m.; Dec. 30, 10 a.m., 2 a.m. 

I'm not positive Nsync will be on it but you never know. 

Well everyone needs to go vote (hopefully just for the best concert and the not most annoying song one) Here is the link to the poll: 

http://www.eonline.com/Features/Features/Poll2001/index.html  

There is also going to be a poll coming out on Dec 19 for The Year's 25 Best CDs and I'm sure you will be able to vote for Nsync's Celebrity there. **Note: I'm always too lazy to vote for any of these damn things, but U should definitely go and vote :)**

 

(10/12) Britney Talks Wedding Plans 
The pop princess, whose eagerly anticipated album "Britney" hits stores Tuesday (Nov. 6), tells MTV U.K. that she hopes to marry the *NSYNC hottie in the near future. 

"I love Justin and want to spend the rest of my life with him," Britney is quoted as saying. "I want to grow old with him ... I couldn't ask for a kinder and lovelier boyfriend. We are going to get married. We were thinking about next year but it all depends on our schedules, really." 

(8/12) Justin: Unrecognizable as Young Elton
- from www.nsync-land.com  

It appears Elton John is not longer interested in being an MTV icon. The singer is leaving the glory and the fame to those like Robert Downey Jr. and… Justin Timberlake? 

Following the example of John's last video, "I Want Love," which featured troubled actor Downey lip-synching to the lyrics of the single, the "Rocket Man's" new video will star the *N Sync member pretending to sing John's song "The Train Don't Stop There Any More," according to New York Daily News. 

Timberlake even went as far as donning John's trademark big, round glasses and platform shoes for the video. 

"I thought I'd have to coach Justin, but he ended up blowing everybody away," marvels director David LaChapelle. "He knew so many of Elton's mannerisms." 

The "Train" video will debut in late December. (Click the picture for a bigger one)

(8/12) NSYNC Unveil Wireless, Game 
- from EveFrances 

Need more *NSYNC in your life? You can be rest assured the boys are doing all they can to be with their fans at all times. 

Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Jay-Z have teamed up with JCOR Wireless to provide a combination of music, voice and text messages for cell phones, which will become available in early 2002. 

"Getting a backstage update from a celebrity like Justin Timberlake on your cell phone is a powerful touch point for music fans," Jed Alpert, president of JCOR Wireless, said. 

But that's not the only place where fans can get their fill of the *NSYNC hottie. Now, the "*NSYNC Get to the Show" game for Game Boy has players living life on the road -- running errands, cooking and even playing hackey sack -- with the guys. 

And for those who still can't get enough, the *NSYNC bobblehead dolls are available for purchase at Best Buy. After buying $25 in merchandise, shoppers can add an *NSYNC doll to their cart for just $10. Lance Bass is on sale through Dec. 8. 

(8/12) *NSYNC Game for GameBoy Color 
Source: prnewswire.com, nsyncwebguide.com 

*NSYNC fans can now hit the road with their favorite band! The *NSYNC Get to the Show(TM) game for Game Boy(R) Color from Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) lets players travel with their favorite band and help them get ready for their concert. 

You're on the road with the #1 band in America and there's a lot to do before a show! With the *NSYNC Get to the Show game, it's your job to keep the band happy by helping them get ready for the big night. Grab the keys to the limo and run errands, keep hotel guests quiet so the guys can get a good night's sleep, make their favorite burgers and even play a quick game of "hackey sack" to warm up before the show! And just like regular guys, the band has errands they need to do too! Take them to the post office, gym or florist and help them get it all done!  

Keep your fan rating high throughout the game and you'll unlock the ultimate reward -- creating your own *NSYNC show! Put together some cool dance moves, pump up the music, set the mood with lighting - watch the band perform your show! 

"*NSYNC is the hottest band in the country and we're thrilled to work with them again to deliver another game their fans can enjoy," said Petrina McPhee, director of kids marketing for Infogrames' Beverly studio. "Their fans would love to be on the road with the guys and with the *NSYNC Get to the Show game, they can feel like they really are." 

Developed by Stunt Puppy Entertainment, Inc., *NSYNC Get to the Show is rated 'E' for Everyone and is available at most major retail outlets for an estimated retail price of $29.99. *NSYNC Get to the Show for Game Boy Color is also compatible with Nintendo(R)'s Game Boy(R) Advance. 

Currently available at retail is the *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone & CD-ROM Game which includes five games that allow fans to connect with the band one- on-one. Developed with input from the band members themselves, this game allows fans to experience the band's real voices, view never-before-seen video footage and learn new trivia. The interactive phone acts as the game's controller and allows players to receive special voicemail messages from the band and to customize it with their name, birthday and bedtime. The *NSYNC Hotline Fantasy Phone & CD-ROM Game is currently available at retail for an estimated price of $39.99. 

(8/12) FuManSkeeto "Made in the U.S.A." Shirts 
Source: launch.com 

If you're still searching the malls for holiday gifts, Chris Kirkpatrick, the *NSYNC member and founder/CEO of the FuMan Skeeto fashion design company, might have a unique last-minute gift idea for you. 

Kirkpatrick recently told LAUNCH about a limited-edition red, white, and blue FuMan Skeeto "Made In The U.S.A." shirt that his company redesigned after September 11. 

"We had a shirt that was called 'Made In The F.U.S.A.', and as soon as everything happened we just kind of changed it to just 'Made In The U.S.A.' because we didn't want to put any marketing ploy on anything and try and make money off of what's going on," he said. "We just wanted to put something out that said we're feeling what everybody else is feeling, you know? Our national pride is coming out and we just wanted to give people a chance to wear their national pride around, too." 

FuMan Skeeto products can be found at your local Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Eatons, Fast Forward, or Vanity retail store, or online at fumanskeeto.com. 

(5/12) *NSYNC Win Special Award 
Source: AP, nsyncwebguide.com 

Singer R. Kelly was the big winner at the Billboard Music Awards on Tuesday, taking home six awards while Destiny's Child and country crooner Tim McGraw picked up five apiece. 

Destiny's Child won artist of the year, the top honor among the trio's five. McGraw's honors included country artist of the year. 

Kelly, whose remix of the hit song "Fiesta'' with Jay-Z topped the charts this year, dominated the awards in the R&B/hip-hop category. He won artist of the year, albums artist of the year, singles artist of the year and songwriter of the year in the R&B/hip-hop category. He also was honored for album of the year and single of the year in the same category. 

"It's just a constant reminder of how hard work paid off,'' he said, wearing a Boston Celtics jersey, hat and green towel tossed over his shoulder. 

For country album of the year, McGraw's "Greatest Hits'' album beat the hit album "Breathe'' by his wife, Faith Hill. 

"I think that I'm a fan of music in general and always have been since I was a kid,'' McGraw said. "I just try to make the music I hear in my head and hope everybody likes it.'' 

The awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas began with Britney Spears in a pre-recorded performance in front of the 
dancing fountains at the Bellagio hotel-casino. Alicia Keys, 'NSync, McGraw and Shaggy were also scheduled to perform. 

Comedian Bernie Mac, who was the host of the show broadcast Tuesday night on Fox, had a few tips for the winners' acceptance speeches. 

"You got 30 seconds. That's it. Thank the fans, thank the record company, thank the Lord, then sit ... down,'' Mac said. 

Keys, Shaggy, Lil Romeo, Creed and Lifehouse each won two awards. 'N Sync received a special award for "Celebrity,'' the album with the highest one-week sales total in 2001. 

The annual Billboard Awards are determined by the magazine's year-end chart listings, which are based on a combination of record sales and radio airplay. 

(3/12) 200 LE *NSYNC Watches Up for Grabs 
Source: dailynews.yahoo.com 

Pop group NSync has teamed up with a Swiss watchmaker to raise money for children orphaned by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the group announced. 

Audemars Piguet has created 200 limited-edition watches that also will benefit needy children through "Challenge for the Children,'' NSync's foundation. 

The 50 men's watches and 150 women's watches have been engraved with the signatures of NSync's five members and will be priced at $8,500 and $5,900, respectively. 

"We want to help kids affected by the tragedy as much as we can,'' NSync's Justin Timberlake said Sunday. 

Those who purchase one of the watches also will receive tickets and sound-check passes to an NSync concert. 

The fund-raiser is expected to bring in $500,000, of which about half will go to start a children's scholarship fund that will be administered by the foundation, said Barry Klarberg, the band's manager. 

(1/12) Elton John Video Finished 
Source: devil doll 42, nsyncwebguide.com 

At 54, Elton John has figured out a new way to seduce a young audience: Turn himself into 20-year-old Justin Timberlake. 

With the help of big, round glasses, platform shoes and a few hours in hair and makeup, the 'N Sync heartthrob has morphed into the Rocket Man (circa 1974) in a new video that winks at some of Elton's past scandals. 

Just shot in L.A. by director David LaChapelle, the clip for "This Train Don't Stop There Any More" won't air for at least a month. But Elton and Justin gave Kevin Spacey and other friends a peek at their collaboration Tuesday night after Elton's show at Madison Square Garden. 

"Elton didn't want to be in the video," LaChapelle tells us. "But I wanted him — from the days when he was hanging on the wall of my bedroom. 

"I thought I'd have to coach Justin," the director added. "But he ended up blowing everybody away. He knew so many of Elton's mannerisms. Even Elton said, 'My God, the hair stood up on my neck.' " 

Lip-syncing as Elton sings, Timberlake is seen working his way from his dressing room to the stage. Shielding him from hangers-on (who look suspiciously like Liza Minnelli, Halston and Britt Ekland) is Paul Reubens, taking the role of Elton's manager, John Reid, whom Elton sued without success last year for financial negligence. Handed a contract, Timberlake signs it — only to see Reubens rip up the document. 

Timberlake also stops to open the door to a dark room, where people seem to be engaging in the sort of activity that put Elton in rehab. Timberlake quickly slams the door shut, flings a feather boa over his shoulder and takes the stage. 

Goodbye, Britney; hello, "Yellow Brick Road"! 

(1/12) *NSYNC Makes Top-Grossings Gigs List 
Source: Just Justin, VH1.com 

The Concert For New York City benefit, which brought in over $12 million, is Amusement Business' top-grossing concert event of 2001, capping a list that puts pop artists in seven of the year's top 10 moneymaking positions. 

Held on October 20 at New York's Madison Square Garden, the Concert for New York City was organized to raise funds for the families of policemen and firefighters killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Paul McCartney, Elton John, the Who, David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, Jay-Z and many others performed at the concert, which was the only September 11 charity event to make the list. Tickets for the show were priced at$10,000, $5,000, $2,000 and $250. 

The #2 grossing event of the year was the two-night Michael Jackson 30th anniversary tribute concert on September 7 and 10, which featured Jackson, the Jacksons, 'NSYNC, Britney Spears, Destiny's Child, Marc Anthony, Whitney Houston and others. The event, also at Madison Square Garden, brought in $10,072,105, according to preliminary figures from Amusement Business. Ticket prices were $2,500, $1,500, $500 and $45. 

Madonna took four of the top 10 spots, the most by any artist — credit ticket prices upwards of $250 a pop and five-and six-night stints in part for her stellar showing. Her five shows at (where else?) Madison Square Garden between July 25 and 31 brought in a total $9,297,105, earning her the #3 slot, while her six performances at Earl's Court in London between July 4 and 12 earned $8,734,149, landing her at #4. Her four concerts at the Staples Center in Los Angeles between September 9 and 15 grossed $8,303,165, cinching a #5 position. She also nabbed the #8 slot with two shows at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden on September 1 and 2, which brought in $6,503,950. 

'NSYNC and Backstreet Boys earned near-equal billing on the year-end list. 'NSYNC's three shows with BBMak at Giants Stadium in East 
Rutherford, New Jersey, between June 3 and 5 brought in $7,364,012, landing them at #6. Backstreet's three gigs with Krystal at Foro Sol in Mexico City between March 23 and 25 netted $7,240,702, picking up the #7 position on the chart. 

Standing tall for rockers across the globe, U2 and PJ Harvey were able to sneak in at #9 with four concerts at United Center in Chicago between May 12 and 16, which brought in $6,393,525. Dave Matthews Band, Macy Gray and Angélique Kidjo nabbed the #10 slot with three shows at Giants Stadium between June 11 and 13, which netted $6,077,066. 

Data for the list was provided by the Amusement Business Boxscore database and covers shows reported to the company between November 27, 2000 and November 27, 2001.

(1/12) *NSYNC is Far From 'Gone' 
Source: billboard.com

Everyone knows the adage that success is the sweetest revenge. If they had time for such tasty indulgences, 'N Sync members Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Justin Timberlake would certainly have reason to savor the moment in August, when their current album, Celebrity, debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200. 

Despite some critics predicting the quintet would fall victim to the demise of the boyband phenomenon, Celebrity sold 1.9 million copies in its 
first week, according to Soundscan. 'N Sync's preceding album, 2000's No Strings Attached, sold 2.4 million units during its first week at retail, setting a record for most units sold in a debut week. Celebrity holds the second place in that record book. 

"The truth is that it can be tiresome to be continually blasted by critics because we don't fit their preconceived notion of what a 'credible' 
group is," Timberlake told Billboard earlier this year (Billboard, July 7). "I wonder if they listen to our music before, venturing an opinion. In the end, it's no big deal. We make music for the people. Right now, we're extraordinarily blessed; we're reaching a lot of people." 

Indeed they are. No Strings Attached has been certified 11-times platinum by the Recording Industry Assn. of America, and Celebrity has been certified five-times platinum. The group also enjoyed one of the year's most successful tours and took its act to TV Thanksgiving weekend with a network special that was shot in the Bahamas at the Atlantis. 

'N Sync will perform its current single, "Gone," at the Billboard Music Awards. "["Gone"] is about as raw as it gets," Chasez tells Billboard. "It's just us and a beat box, with just a tiny accent of acoustic guitar and violin. That song is a proud moment for us; it really shows how tight we are as a group." 

In addition to their dedication to 'N Sync, the members are also branching out. Chasez is exploring outside production projects. Kirkpatrick has launched a clothing line. Timberlake is sifting through film offers, and Bass and Fatone starred in the Miramax film On The Line. 

(1/12) Justin, Brian & AJ will take part in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic 
Source: thedesertsun.com, nsyncwebguide.com 

Rancho Mirage -- Boy bands, Cy Young Awards and two long-time players will dominate the celebrity field of the 43rd annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. 

A.J. McLean and Brian Littrell, two-fifths of the singing group Backstreet Boys, and 'N Sync member Justin Timberlake are among the first-time players in the Classic next month. Other first-time players include actor Kyle MacLaughlin, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson and professional wrestler/actor Bill Goldberg. 

They are among 28 names released by the Classic Thursday for the tournament's pro-am, to be played during the first four rounds of the five-day PGA Tour event. 

The celebrity field is slanted more toward entertainment figures and less toward athletes this year, though tournament director Mike Milthorpe and president Steve Morton said it was not a specific effort. 

And while Classic stalwarts like Glen Campbell (28 years) and Andy Williams (30 years) will also be in the field, the additions of McLean, Littrell and Timberlake aim the celebrity field at a different demographic. 

"What you are doing with Brian, A.J. and Justin is you skew to a younger crowd," Milthorpe said. "And hopefully you'll get these kids who will talk the parents into taking them out. Then they can experience golf." 

Goldberg, who wrestles under just his last name and has also dabbled in acting, may also attract a younger crowd to the Classic, Morton said. 

"I think what may happen is that kids will come out and maybe they will like golf and maybe they willstrike up an interest in it," Morton said. 

New among the actors in the field are MacLaughlin and Matthew McConaughey. Returning playersinclude Samuel L. Jackson and Joe Pesci. 

Johnson, who won three game as the Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series, will be one of three Cy Young winners in the field. Johnson (four Cy Youngs) will be joined by Roger Clemens of the Yankees (six) and Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves (four). 

Other sports celebrities in the field include Yogi Berra, Ann Myers Drysdale and Emmitt Smith. 

Actors in the field include William Devane, David James Elliott, Thomas Gibson, Kevin Sorbo and Leslie Nielsen. Singers Glenn Frey and Alice Cooper return to the Classic, as do comedian Tom Dreesen, radio personality Rick Dees and television personalities Stone Phillips and Joe Kernen. 

Milthorpe said one or two other could be added in the next week. The Classic accepts that some of the celebrities may have to cancel because of new work commitments, but Milthorpe said each of the announced 28 celebrities has formally committed. 

"As of right now and from what we have been told by the publicist and from them personally, they are coming," he said. 

Classic officials will wait until after the PGA Tour qualifying tournaments, being played this week in Florida, before releasing names of professionals who have committed to the field. Both defending champion Joe Durant and 2000 champion Jesper Parnevik, who did not defend his title because of the birth of a child, are expected to be in the field. Milthorpe said the Classic has extended a sponsor's
exemption to European Ryder Cup member Paul McGinley of Ireland. 

(1/12) Lance Denies Engagement 
Source: www.nsync-land.com 

MuchMusic reported that it turns out in an interview with UK's Smash Hits magazine, *NSYNC's Lance Bass has squashed rumours of the apparent Valentine's Day Britney and Justin wedding. "Oh pul-eese," says Lance in the interview. "They don't ever see each other. No one's getting married anytime soon." Bass' interview follows reports that Britney and Justin apparently told friends to keep February 14th free, hence sparking rumours that the two plan to tie the knot on that day. 

(1/12) *NSYNC Concert Helps CBS Wins a Competitive Ratings Weeks 
Source: www.nsync-land.com  
Maybe not everybody loves Raymond, but enough people did last week to lift the CBS comedy to first place in the Nielsen Media Research ratings. That led CBS to a narrow victory over NBC in the final full week of the November "sweeps'' competition, where ratings are used to set local advertising rates. NBC's "Friends'' was actually the most-watched program, with 24.2 million viewers to 21.9 million viewers for "Everybody Loves Raymond.'' But there were more TV sets tuned on to the CBS show. It was the first time "Everybody Loves Raymond'' finished on top during a regular TV season. The Thanksgiving holiday slightly depressed viewership on Thursday night. Last week's "Survivor'' segment, for example, slipped to 17.7 million viewers and 20th place in the Nielsen standings. In a faceoff of pop stars, Jennifer Lopez (11.8 million) on NBC outdrew Garth Brooks (9.5 million) in the second of his three concerts on CBS. 'N Sync, which had 7.5 million viewers on CBS, came in third. 

(1/12) Joey = dirty, dirty dirty? (That should be a statement, not a question) 
Source: nsync-land.com 
File under "Oh My God!": Was it our dirty minds, or did *NSYNC's Joey Fatone really put what looked to be a bush of mistletoe on his crotch and say, "Who wants to kiss the mistletoe?" in the new MTV promotional spots for the network's Secret Santa with 'NSync Sweepstakes? 

We're certainly not prudes here or anything, but, when the majority of your fans are 10-year-old girls, we'd think any blow job references would kind of be a pretty big no-no. Don't ya think? 

The spots which also feature scantily clad older girls in hot pants helping to trim the Christmas tree – are to promote the contest where fans can win a trip to Orlando to go Christmas shopping with 'NSync, exchange gifts with group, and have a holiday party. 

**Hmm. Well, I don't really care what they do, but I'm glad my little sister (also an *NSync fan) did not see this ad. But, something tells me the 10 year olds are just not doing it for them anymore. Hell, I'd get bored too. Anyway..**

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 Main credits to nsyncstudio.com, nsynclandonline.com, nsync-land.com and lbfc.net 

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