Timberlake finally reveals why he left ‘N Sync

May 13, 2014 5:28 pm 1 comment Views: 14

Justin Timberlake says going solo was bittersweet.
Source: Getty Images

JUSTIN Timberlake has opened up about his decision to go solo right at the height of ‘N Sync’s popularity.

The multiple Grammy award-winning musician, who released Justified in 2002 — his first solo album after touring the world and topping charts with the group — spoke on Oprah’s Master Class about following his instincts to branch out.

“I would wake up every morning feeling more and more of an urge to step out on my own,” Timberlake explained.

“It’s one of the best/worst things that I have ever done,” he added. “It was bittersweet. It was hard to say goodbye to that era, but I felt it changing. I felt music changing. And I felt myself changing.”

The Suit & Tie singer added that fans would continuously question his decision, asking why he would walk away from one of the biggest groups in the world.

N’Sync members JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Timberlake in 2000.
Source: AP

Timberlake’s second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, included lead single SexyBack, which he admitted had such a unique sound that he had to convince people it was actually his song.

“People didn’t even think it was me,” Timberlake said. “They thought it was a joke.”

SexyBack went on to become Timberlake’s first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the charts and earned him a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

“I believed in it. I believed in what it made other people do … I only had my instinct, which is a powerful thing.”