Battle of the boy bands

It might sound crazy but it's gonna be us

By Jeff Dickerson

TV/New Media Editor

Not since Frankie goes To Hollywood has a musical act garnered as much attention as pop sensation 'N Sync. With two multi-platinum albums under their belts, Justin, Joey, JC, Chris and Lance have captured the hearts (and panties) of America's youth. This boy band is far from a fad; their legacy has lingered for nearly three years. With a new album coming in the summer and the Super Bowl halftime show next week, 2001 promises to be another landmark year for the talented young men.

The Michigan Daily: Thanks guys for giving up your time normally reserved for touch sessions with preteens, it's an honor to be with you. How are things shaping up for the big halftime show?

Joey: We've been in Tampa all week getting ready for the big show. This is going to be a big event for us. We'll be on live TV.

Chris: Ever since I started my clothing line "FuMan Skeeto," I haven't really had time to think about the show. Right now I'm concentrating on this new venture. I have to be brutally honest. I'm 28 years old and this boy band thing isn't going to last much longer for me.

TMD: Are there ever squabbles between the members? Recently Justin has been getting a flood of media attention because of his intimate relationship with Britney Spears. Does this pose a problem for the rest of you?

JC: Do you know how much money we make? What's there to complain about?

TMD: How does it feel to be in the limelight, Justin?

Justin: I'm the cute one.

Chris: Not true, we're all prissy bastards.

JC: There's no "I" in 'N Sync!

Lance: Whoa there, mouseketeer, I think you need to use spell check.

TMD: How do you approach your albums knowing your rivals, the Backstreet Boys, are analyzing your every move? What kind of preparation do you guys undergo before heading into the studio?

Joey: Good question. We don't really feel we're competing with any band out there. We focus on our music, on our fans, that's what it's all about.

Justin: If you look at us and them, it's not really fair. We have an extra guy on our roster. A pinch hitter if you will. When we need another hit, he's always there. That's why it's so critical to have five guys instead of four, because you have one more person singing.

TMD: If I'm not mistaken, the Backstreet Boys also have five members.

Justin: I'm dating Britney Spears.

TMD: Justin, how would you describe your fellow band mates?

Justin: Joey is the womanizer, and Lance is the businessman. Chris is the psycho, and JC's sleepy.

TMD: Lance, would you say that's a fair assessment?

Lance: There is an idea of a Lance Bass; some kind of abstraction. But there is no real me: Only an entity, something illusory. And though I can hide my cold gaze, and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable ... I simply am not there.

Joey: What about me?

TMD: Nobody cares about you. Any closing comments Justin?

Justin: I'm the cute one.