A Message To Justin Timberlake

*** I posted this little tid bit on my instagram yesterday to honor Justin Timberlake on his incredible tour and I thought I’d share because it gave me an idea for a blog post.***

For the past 2 years I have gotten the chance to fall back in love with an artist who I have always admired. Ever since his video explaining he was ready to release new music to the release of suit & tie to the release of both albums to the tour I have been on this non stop wild ride. Over the 2013-2014 period I was blessed to have been in the audience for three of his shows and they were all phenomenal. Justin Timberlake you are a true legend in the making, there’s a reason why they call you the next Michael Jackson. Best of luck as you close out your 2 year tour with these last 2 shows. Vegas is lucky to have you. It’s been an amazing time making fun memories with this album…and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us in the future. But not before you take some much needed time off! Pros need rest too. P.S. Congrats to you and @jessicabiel … I hear you’re gonna be a daddy 🙂 @justintimberlake

Follow me on twitter @shellbelle91

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Over the past 2 years Justin Timberlake has been touring for an album or rather two volumes that brought us hit songs suit & tie, mirrors, tunnel vision, take back the night, tko and not a bad thing, along with videos. To the many magazine covers, tv appearances and awards shows we finally got to see him nominated for his own music yet again and see him grace the stage for performances and acceptance speeches, to a 2 minute mini *NSYNC reunion. It’s been amazing to see Justin Timberlake make his return to music. Below you can follow my past two years as a mega fan girl for The 2020 Experience….or what I’d like to call the greatest return to music…ever! Wow man when you come back you really come back!  Looking back at all these posts makes be feel so great, that I have them to always look back on and remember. It was around the time of when I started this blog, that Justin announced his “come back.” I had been waiting tirelessly but it was definitely all worth the wait. Read along and follow my fangirl journey!

He’s Ready…Are you?

The Year of Justin Timberlake *legends of the summer tour review* – did I call it or what?

The Justin Timberlake Madness Begins

Justin Timberlake…nuff said

The 20/20 Experience Review Tracks 1-4

The 20/20 Experience Review Continues with Tracks 5-8

The 20/20 Experience Review Wraps Up w/ Tracks 9-12

My 2020 Experience…Volume 2

In recent Justin Timberlake fan girl news… *2020 tour concert review including track list*

Get Ready With Me For, Justin! *includes 2020 tour concert vlog*

Love Never Felt So Good

Love Never Felt So Good Comes To Life

Oprah’s Master Class with Justin Timberlake

The 2013 American Music Awards

*It wasn’t all hugs and kisses though…but we got through it 😉

Nsync Fans Rejoice! (please be true, please be true)

Slowly Recovering…

“Feud” Update

Ok…um, found my soulmate

25 SIGNS you may be obsessed with Justin Timberlake ***uh ya think? 😉

That last one pretty much sums up this obsession and tops this post off perfectly. I bet you were reading this thinking “man this girl is obsessed,” well I already know that and I am fine with it, I have accepted it so ha! No shame here my friends, no shame. I think I called it when I posted my “Year of Justin Timberlake” piece….but it was more like 2 years 😉 So hats off Mr. Timberlake and the TN kids, thank you for the music, and for the memories, we love you!….now go get some rest…you’re gonna need it! Daddy duty will be calling your name soon enough 😉 (I know I know he hasn’t confirmed…but let’s be honest here people. More on that when he does actually confirm!)

Shout out to a man who knows what hard work means! 2 years touring the world, giving fans a true experience, I can safely say I myself even witnessed history in the making. Only having to cancel/reschedule at most a handful of shows due to illness, he kept it going night after night. He’s shutting down Vegas tonight for the last show of The 2020 Experience world tour. I was at opening night for this tour and I can’t believe he’s been back 2 years already! Go out big tonight JT…and then go soak in some Epsom salt hahaha (just try not to wait another 7 years for the next one, huh?)

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the Justin Timberlake images used in this post most are credited to       Justin’s facebook and JustinTimberlake.com*

Here’s to the next chapter J.T. … can’t wait!

Kiss Me At Midnight…A Short Story

“Kiss Me At Midnight”

A short story

Soundtrack: LISTEN as you read 😉

Follow Aidan & Chloe’s New Year’s Eve  journey.

#Dreamcasting

The party is in full swing the minute Aidan walks into the room.

Balloons, streamers and confetti are literally everywhere.

The music is loud and Aidan knows he’s walking away with a headache tonight and not the kind you get from getting drunk and hung-over.

People are either dancing or making out, there’s no in between, well except for a few loners here and there.

They are my bread and butter Aidan thinks, nodding along through the crowd.

As he looks around searching for the one familiar face he cares about, the crowd parts and there she is.

Aiden’s gaze finally lands.

He gulps nervously and hopes she doesn’t notice.

As Chloe walks towards him in her sparkly gold dress and high heels, her spicy red lips circle into a big smile.

She glides across the room like she owns it.

In the most modest of ways.

Without even knowing it she has been charming him forever.

And he wondered if he’d finally get the chance to tell her.

She stops in front of him.

“Hey you made it.” She says, pulling him into a hug.

He is speechless for a few seconds melting in her arms like a love sick puppy.

Much like every time he talks to her, looks at her, or is even in the same room as her.

It’s easy to admire her.

Although no one is without flaw.

To him she is perfect.

It was always like that.

Ever since they were young kids growing up together.

Ever since he thought she had “cooties.”

There was always something about her that stood out from all the rest.

In a sea full of normal, she was his extraordinary.

But of course he could never tell her that, right?

After years of conversations about their futures, and what they wanna be when they grow up, brooding over stressful school years, enjoying hysterical inside jokes, and being the shoulder she’d use to cry on while he had to painfully watch countless asshole boyfriends hurt her. Hurt her.

I swear even the idea of causing her any pain, doesn’t even make the tiniest bit of sense to me. Seeing her smile is my favorite thing in the entire world. And knowing I put a smile on her face, makes it even more worth it. Making her happy is what it’s all about.

But as Aidan’s mind begins racing, it occurred to him.

That maybe this was something bigger than the both of them…Bigger than he imagined.

It’s easy to call it love.

It’s easy to say that I do in fact love her.

But the truth is it’s on a different level.

A level that even Aidan himself can’t quite understand enough to even try to explain.

So I stood there across from her, staring intently I’m sure.

Contemplating will tonight be my night?

There was too much at stake…too much to lose.

I’ve been here before. There will always be excuses.

Excuses that stop us from going after what we want, or who we want.

But yet the wonder will always be there…so why not just go for it right?

I know I know, grow a pair, is what you all say…

But that’s easier said than done, trust me.

What would she say if she knew?

How would she feel?

It’s something I’ve always dreamed of.

But I guess in this case telling your best friend you’ve been harboring feelings for her all these years may not always have the outcome you want.

I have to prepare myself for rejection.

Although if I’m being honest; I think if that rejection does happen…it’ll stay with me forever…

It’ll haunt me and it’ll be impossible for me to get over.

So what do I do?

Do I tell her I love her and risk losing her friendship if she doesn’t feel the same way?

Do I not tell her and have it slowly bring me to the point of insanity…Zac, Chris, Malcolm, Ian…who’s next?

OR door number three; best case scenario I tell her and she feels the same and we ride off into the sunset like in those cheesy old movies.

I have to admit my cowboy standards aren’t up to snuff.

I guess no matter what I choose there’s a risk in everything.

But tonight she is mine. Not in the derogatory, cave-man kinda way…allow me to explain.

Back when we were teenagers we made a pact that if we were ever dateless on New Year’s Eve, we would kiss each other at midnight…her idea not mine.

Could you imagine my excitement?

But low and behold, to my dismay, (but not much of a surprise) she had been in some way, shape or form “taken“ every New Year’s Eve since we were teenagers.

But this year she is not.

Thanks to douchey boyfriend Zac….man I hated that guy, I wanted to punch him in the face every time I saw him.

You ever meet someone you just want to punch in the face? They don’t even have to speak, you just know they’re an asshole. Well that was Zac. When I met him, I knew I’d be picking up the pieces a few weeks later.

Nevertheless, she is free. Chloe is a single woman tonight for the first time in what has felt like forever.

And tonight, she is mine.

I know what you’re thinking….What if she doesn’t even remember our pact?

Oh don’t worry I am well aware of that and I have obsessed over and over it.

But she’s my best friend and she will remember.

I can feel it.

It’s my chance…It’s my chance to give her a glimpse of what we could be.

Of the magic she and I could create together.

Sappy I know…

Over the years she’s made me watch way too many chick flicks for my own good.

So with everything in me here goes nothing.

As I walk over to where she stands, smiling at me…

It’s as if she knows what’s about to happen.

I knew she’d remember.

The crowd begins to count down 10, 9, 8, 7, 6…

And before I know it… my longest running dream is a reality.

So I have to wonder…

Will 2015 be a year of new beginnings?

It kinda feels like it already is.

Cheers to hoping so.

-<3-

*I do not take any credit for any gifs or images used*

*Happy & Healthy New Year!*

My Top 12 Christmas Songs

Christmas music is a source of happiness for the ears. You can quote me on that 😉

When I was younger I would be playing Christmas music as early as October, sometimes I would even let it slip in during the summer. I’ve had Christmas in July and ugly sweater parties. And in order to create ambiance I realized nothing puts you in the mood for Christmas like listening to your favorite Christmas songs. Here are some of my favorites.

 

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My Top 12 Christmas Songs

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree– Brenda Lee

*Every time I hear this song I think of the scene in Home Alone where Kevin is having his fake house party with dancing mannequins and such.*

What Christmas Means to Me– Stevie Wonder

O Holy Night -*NSYNC

*Celine Dion’s version also makes me cry every damn time. It’s beautiful.

And this is a GORGEOUS performance by the former duo Everly.

(Bethany Joy Lenz & Amber Sweeney)

The First Noel– *NSYNC

This Christmas– Donny Hathaway

Last Christmas– Hilary Duff

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays– *NSYNC

Santa Claus is Coming to Town– Justin Bieber

Christmas Love– Justin Bieber

Christmas Eve– Justin Bieber

War is Over – The Fray

Kiss Me At Midnight– *NSYNC

Enjoy!

And listen to the songs that touch your soul during this holiday season!

*All these songs remind me of a poem I posted a while back and because it’s snowng out here now, I thought it was fitting to re-introduce it. Take a read if you wish. 😉

In honor of snow…

**I do not take credit for any images used**

-<3-

The Essential *NSYNC Album Review

Download on iTunes, find on Amazon, or in Walmart, etc.

I realize this is quite late. But better late than never, right? 😉

“I think the entire compilation is a really good overall encasing of what *NSYNC was known for; talent and entertainment and for basically making all us young girls giddy as hell! It’s a serious throwback and we 20 something year olds have basically named ourselves the nostalgia generation. So if this fits you, and you’re a hardcore *NSYNC fan, buy it!”- Michelle Leigh Writes

It all started with a tweet. Isn’t that always the case? We are living in the new digital age. R.I.P sweet typewriters, dell computers, aim, and let’s face it…aol.com. Anyway, getting back to the good stuff. On July 28^th my jaw dropped for a brief…VERY brief second when 1/5 of *NSYNC; Lance Bass sent the tweet pictured below.

A NEW *NSYNC album. And only ONE day notice! But I need to dig out my t-shirt and my bobble heads and…. BUT HOW CAN YOU DO SUCH A THING to a MEGA Fangirl!

*pause for fangirl moment*

Click the link, Michelle, click the damn link…

$13.88??….what get it for $11.88 at Walmart!

 In that minor second of happy panic I knew it was too good to be true.

 Oh. It’s just another form of a greatest hits album. So it’s not really “New” is it?

Sigh.

*pause for 90’s girl sigh*

Fangirl hearts breaking everywhere. EVERY.WHERE. Mine amongst the many.

*Although I have to admit the faux *NSYNC reunion rumors are getting easier to ignore, it’s happened just too many times, I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes!

Nope boys I don’t buy it…try again. #IWANTAREALREUNION

I took my slight frustration to my Facebook; as we all do. Don’t lie. You do it too.

July 28^th my status read:

So apparently Walmart’s releasing a new *NSYNC album tomorrow, swell, glad I had no idea…P.S. it’s basically a greatest hits…which just sucks…don’t give false hope Walmart just don’t!

July 29^th my status read:

Omg my inner 90’s self is so pissed…Dear Media, *NSYNC did NOT “drop a new album” none of the guys knew about it AND there’s no new music on it!

So what’s the deal with this album? *NSYNC members had no clue this was being released. Why was the label being so secretive? Well after Lance’s tweet, I googled my ass off…naturally. And checked my *NSYNC related sources and by sources I mean I stalked the guys social media accounts and found that the “new” album was a compilation of old hits, some unreleased/unreleased commercially tracks, some fun collabs and covers, soundtrack contributions and some random tracks that were released as side projects. [AKA the Britney Spears/*NSYNC McDonalds CD]

Lance did a whole interview about the album release on his radio show and he basically won me over! Listen to it HERE!

By the way take my Facebook anger with a grain of salt. I wasn’t angry at the band or their music. I LOVE their music. I love them! I was just frustrated that no one knew about this album. The guys should have been notified it is their voices, and some of the tracks Sony used on this CD were actually written by members of the band. And I’m not gonna lie even though I knew it wasn’t gonna happen, I was secretly hoping for real deal 2014 music. Not to say that the unreleased tracks aren’t boss. Cuz they are. But being the psycho fan I am, I pretty much heard 99% of the album (unreleased tracks and all) back in the 1996-2002 time period, thanks to Lime Wire.

OMG who remembers Lime Wire?

Initially my first thought was well I have almost all of these songs; I own all their albums and have most of the other singles thanks to Lime Wire again. (I was a kid, please don’t punish me…free music is free music.) But when the thought of not buying the CD came into my mind, my 90’s fan girl grilled me and put her hands on her hips, tapping her foot at me. She was pissed. So naturally I gave the album a listen on YouTube. [GOD I LOVE YOUTUBE!] And I basically fell in love. So a month later and here we are. “New”/ Old *NSYNC album playing in my ears. I guess I’m growing up a little since I didn’t run out and get it right away, I waited it out….

But I was up in Pennsylvania on vacation and consciously sought out a nearby Walmart and bought my copy. (So there’s that.) I guess there are some things I just can’t help. It was the right thing to do. Here’s how it went.

My Brother: What’d you get?

Me: What do you think I got? (holds up cd)

My Brother: (gives me a face) So you bought a cd you already have all the songs to?

Me: Um that’s not true…there’s unreleased music.”

#ImJustified

My cousin: “I didn’t know people still bought cds?”

Me: Oh I do. I love cds. There are some people that I just feel like I need to own their CD.”

I gotta say new album or not, *NSYNC looked nice back up on a shelf….right next to Ms. Britney Spears. The way it should be.

Band member Lance Bass said of the album on his radio show, Dirty Pop: “There’s a lot of these songs I don’t think I’ve ever heard, I remember recording them but I’ve never heard them before, so I’m interested in just hearing them.” JC Chasez tweeted about the album’s release, stating: “I had the strangest dream last night that some old friends and I had a top 10 record on iTunes. Crazy right…” “Chris Kirkpatrick said of the album; “It’s great to release some of the songs that had never made a record before! I’m glad our long time fans get some new music!” Joey Fatone also said; “Pretty interesting this album comes out, which I really had no idea, and it’s in the top of Amazon and iTunes… we owe it to our fans. Thank you.” ^{–Via Wikipedia}

And yet Justin Timberlake has yet to comment. But instead of getting all angry fan girl on him, I will just chalk that up to the fact that homeboy needs to learn how to tweet for himself more. I hate seeing –Team JT (no offense Team JT, we do appreciate the updates).

 ***

Random thoughts while listening….via my twitter

The world is ready for a REAL reunion, give the people what they want.

JC’s vocals are SICK!

Chris kills it in “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

*NSYNC were vocalists…always knew it, always believed it, still do!

The universe is tryna tell ya’ll somethin…REUNION!

The Essential *NSYNC is boss, such good vibes listening to it.

***

There is something about listening to *NSYNC and hearing young Justin Timberlake vocals that transports me back to the amazingness of the 90’s and my childhood and how everything was just so much easier. Memories are connected to those songs. And hearing those voices again just reminds me of what made me fall in love with them in the first place. It’s a feeling I can’t seem to let go of.

*Some of my favorites*

(not including the original *NSYNC hits and awesomeness…

we’ve all heard them and we already know we love them!)

Off of Disc 1

Music Of My Heart- Gloria Estefan & *NSYNC

Are You Gonna Be There

If I’m Not The One

Off of Disc 2

More Than A Feeling (Boston Cover)

Best Of My Life

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Trashin’ The Camp- Phil Collins & *NSYNC

On The Line (seriously though how GOOD is that movie tho!)

That Girl (Will Never Be Mine)

Falling

Feel The Love

 *NSYNC may have been known as a boy band, but they started off as an A Capella group. If you really take the time to listen to their self titled debut album, you will see that their vocals are a lot more clear and there is less room for fancy background music and beats and you realize they actually can sing. They all harmonize so well together, and each shine in their own tone of voice, creating a nice dynamic group. It was a beautiful thing to see vocals that fell through the crack back then, like “I Thought She Knew,” “Sailing,” and “Selfish,” be given new life on this album. I think the entire compilation is a really good overall encasing of what *NSYNC was known for; talent and entertainment and for basically making all us young girls giddy as hell! It’s a serious throwback and we 20 something year olds have basically named ourselves the nostalgia generation. So if this fits you, and you’re a hardcore *NSYNC fan, buy it! And if you’re not, buy it anyway…maybe after hearing such a great selection of songs; it’ll turn you into a fan. Crazier things have happened.

However, do I think they missed a few key songs? But of course.

Songs They Forgot

“That’s The Way Love Goes” duet with Janet Jackson.

“Dancing Machine” Live duet with Michael Jackson.

“I’ll Never Stop”– *NSYNC

“What’s Going On”– (Marvin Gaye Cover) All Star Tribute; feat. *NSYNC

Just a few that came to mind.

*NSYNC’s transition to more pop like music happened in their second studio album and the world loved it. Songs like “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me” made us all sing at the top of our lungs and dance those synchronized dance moves we all know and love. But their third and final album (as a current band) was a play on their new found fame, with songs like “POP” and “Gone” we saw the boys had turned to men and they wanted to be recognized as such. And to be recognized as actual artists. Hence….Justin Timberlake’s soon to be exit from the group, breaking teenage/pre-teenage hearts everywhere.

For me, *NSYNC is always going to be golden. They were such a crucial part of a golden era and I loved everything they’ve ever put out…even the album they had no clue about. It’s a great 2 disc, 34 song track list,!!!!34!!!! ($11.88 at Walmart…2 discs, 34 songs, I’ve bought many cds in my life and I thought that was a steal!) The album pays homage to their vocals and gives us all a little hope that one day it may just actually happen. If you ask me I think if the label was looking for some kind of validation from the fans as to whether or not an *NSYNC album would do well on today’s charts. Well I think you got your answer.

The Essential *NSYNC was released July 29^th. And was quite beautifully received by fans, via twitter people praised their favorite old tracks and newly released favorites. It was even in the top 10 albums on iTunes, next to new generation boy bands. Fangirls got you *NSYNC. Always. Believe in us. We believe in you. Come back for real and you’ll see.

2013 Vmas “Reunion” a year ago…hmmm and this album just dropped…hold onto hope fellow fangirls!

Ugh these dang reviews always turn into a love affair of me pouring my guts out to you…so let’s wrap this up before I think of more to say. In a nutshell, 90’s girls will never forget and never let you go…accept that *NSYNC. Accept that Justin Timberlake. And tweet me back will ya? #HowRude 😉

If you missed my usual lyrics sharing I usually do in my album reviews…share some of your favs with me in the comments below, let’s fangirl together!     

tweet with me @Shellbelle91

“The album pays homage to their vocals and gives us all a little hope that one day it may just actually happen. If you ask me I think if the label was looking for some kind of validation from the fans as to whether or not an *NSYNC album would do well on today’s charts. Well I think you got your answer.”- Michelle Leigh Writes

-<3-

Oprah’s Master Class with Justin Timberlake

**Pardon the abundance of Justin Timberlake/Michael Jackson posts as of late…this is quite the week for them…and I feel it is only natural I share my excitement. #fangirllife**

Master Class Highlights…

Justin Timberlake’s advice on hard work, dedication and

becoming a “master” at your craft…

*Just say “Amen”

*Defeat isn’t failure

*It won’t be easy

*Give it a shot

*Remember this moment

*Step out on your own

*It’s about the song

*Sexyback

*Make ’em laugh

*Finish what you start

*Love

*Always be a beginner

Key Quotes that stuck with me

“I learned what success and defeat meant and that they really didn’t matter.”

[on his experience on losing “Star Search” as a child.]

“The most valuable piece of advice I ever got was from my mother, she said to me, I want you to know that you have a gift. None of us know where it came from, but you have a gift. And that gift is going to make your life more challenging in a way, because it’s going to test your character. She said, you know just because you have this thing that you do really well, that’s instinctive and natural to you, it doesn’t mean that you are better than anyone else. And to the point your gonna have to work harder to realize that.”

“We didn’t know anything about anything, but we knew we could sing together.”

[on the formation and great success of *NSYNC at such a young age.]

“I remember looking at JC and saying “Remember this moment, because there’s a very good chance that nothing like this will ever happen again.””

[on shutting down Times Square while appearing on TRL for the release of

*NSYNC’s “No Strings Attached.”]

“I was 19 going on 20, and I really felt like it was time for me to figure out who I was as an artist…to find my own voice. I would wake up every morning feeling more and more of an urge to step out on my own, to try my own hand as a musician.”

“It’s one of the best/worst things that I have ever done…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.”

[on his decision to go solo.]

***I’m really happy that there was a decent segment on *NSYNC, I feel like I’ve been uncertain on the details of his departure for so many years, I’m glad we finally got some answers.***

“I like being a beginner. I like looking at everyone and saying, I have no idea how to do this…let’s figure it out.”

“To be a master at something it takes a long time, at a high level and for me the way to do that is to always be a beginner.”

“Continue to do the thing maybe you think you cannot do, because you find out what you’re made of, you find out what material you’re made of.”

“Just because you get married, doesn’t mean you stop dating…that’s what keeps it exciting for me, I think.”

“I had to convince people that it was my song, people didn’t even think it was me, they thought it was a joke.” [On Sexyback’s release.]

***I have to admit I was one of those people. When I first heard it, I thought there was something wrong with the track. I kind of hated it, and I remember being so upset because I was such a fan and I was so in love with Justified. “Sexyback” was like nothing I had ever heard, and I didn’t get it, but then it just grows on you. And I guess that was kind of the point. Hence, why it became (and still is) one of the most iconic Pop songs. No matter how many years go by, when that song starts playing at his concerts, people just lose their minds. It just gets in your veins, and I think he knew that. Trust your instincts people, trust them.***

“People kept telling me, “This will never work,” but I just kept saying “Just put the song out.””

[On choosing Sexyback as his first single off his sophomore album.]

“I knew that I was going to make a living off of the one thing everyone told me not to do.”

[On becoming a musician.]

“Loving what you do is extremely valuable.”

“If you’re not moving forward within it, your doing yourself a disservice.”

“You’re not meant to do what’s easy, you’re meant to challenge yourself.”

The Michael Jackson Stor(ies)

“I think I pulled every “Thriller” move out that I could.”

[on auditioning for the Mickey Mouse Club.]

Justin Timberlake drops a major song bomb on us *NSYNC fans as he admits the mega *NSYNC hit “Gone” was originally written for Michael.

Justin had thought the song had not been heard. But then got a call from the King himself asking for a duet, instead.

At that point *NSYNC had already cut the record as a part of their third studio album. Justin inquired about doing an *NSYNC ft. Michael Jackson, or Michael Jackson ft. *NSYNC track.

“He was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between him and I.”

“I can’t…and… I’m literally punching myself…”

*****HaHaHaHa damn that must have been rough, it’s the freakin’ KING calling you asking for a duet on a track YOU wrote for HIM…damn I gotta say after all the shit I give him for always snubbing *NSYNC, I have to say that I was very proud of him for honoring them and keeping “Gone” an *NSYNC track…although if there is a MJ/JT “Gone” duet out there that can possibly resurface in the near future, I will need to be picked up off the floor. HOWEVER, I honestly can’t imagine that song being sung any other way. *NSYNC fan at heart, always.*****

Fast Forward to the year 2014…

“Love Never Felt So Good”– Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake…guess you both got your duet! (and so did the rest of the world…we’ve been waiting on such magic!)

“I think it’s the first idea that I ever got about doing something on my own. Because it was the first time I ever really felt the confidence to do it. I knew that the music that I was interested in and writing at the time was different than what we and previously done, and it felt like a real departure. I never told anybody that Michael Story.”

***I was kind of slapped in the face by this story, it was kind of bizarre to me. I was just like hold up wait, is this real, did you just make that up? It made me all kinds of happy, yet sad. In a nutshell I guess we can all blame Michael Jackson for the demise of *NSYNC. hahahhahahaha lmaoooo ;)***

***P.S. Cool side-note***

*Justified’s hit “Rocky Your Body” was originally written for Michael Jackson by The Neptunes, but when he passed on the track, it later became Timberlake’s 2003 hit single.*

Justin explains that growing up in Memphis, Tennessee they didn’t have concerts make their way to them often, and if they did he didn’t get to go because his family was on a budget.

“I never saw Michael Jackson perform live until I was on stage with him. I only saw videos of it…it wasn’t Michael Jackson, it was Michael Jackson’s songs. We had the radio. [I grew up admiring] the movies, tv shows, songs…the thing that was being made.”

His relationship with his mom is so beautiful, I can’t even tell you how many times he mentioned her throughout that interview.

Justin first got his courage to sing in Church and the relaxed pressure free platform it created. Singing helped him to learn more about who he was as a person. Justin also goes on to explain how he never really felt like he ever fit one mold; with various interests in all walks of music, movies, and comedy Justin gives 115% to everything he does. And makes it look easy. Something he says is even harder to do, “to make it look easy is the hardest part.” In this documentary Justin gives key advice to becoming your own driving motivation and how to follow your dreams. Justin also explains how we should always be beginners, continue to learn our craft, try new things within our craft, and be thankful. That no matter what it is you do, things are going to be received in different ways, it shouldn’t change your ambitions or why you’re there, or why you were apart of the project in the first place. You’re not responsible for how other people receive whatever art you put out. Between the baby Justin flashbacks on Star Search and The Mickey Mouse Club , and all the old *NSYNC footage, and his savvy yet adorable story telling of his experiences with his musical heroes, I swear your heart is bound to melt. It was a joy to watch Justin in such a candid interview. There’s a good story about his performing with the Stones, that you really should tune in for!

Justin Timberlake is slowly becoming a master at his craft, but has a lot more in him. And we will be singing his songs and watching his success for years to come. I swear the way my parents recall Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, and Elvis to me, I can safely say I cannot wait to school my future kids on the greatest of “my time;” Justin Timberlake.

Catch Oprah’s Master Class On Demand

or HERE

**I do not take any credit for any images.**

-<3-

Love Never Felt So Good

Ok so anyone who knows me personally, or even if you’ve stumbled upon this blog from time to time….there’s a pretty overpowering chance that you understand that I’m a Justin Timberlake fan-girl and prior to, a Michael Jackson fan (thanks mom). So with that being said, you also understand that this little tidbit just sat all kinds of right with me. This my friends is the ultimate, this….is everything.

The Prince & The King of Pop ❤

Read the (Duet Version) Lyrics HERE

(Although I’m not entirely sure if they’re correct, lol.)

Listen to the original MJ version HERE

When Michael Jackson first passed away, I remember the news saying there was a lot of unreleased music he had been either working on or hiding ;). And that he left them to his children to release when they felt was right, or to do as they wished. So now  years later after the release of his first posthumous album “This is it”, a new Michael Jackson album is soon to be released. In fact as of lately Michael Jackson supporting social media were hinting that it’d be sooner than later. Imagine my overly excited reaction when Justin Timberlake himself posted this…

Captioned: Stay Tuned…. and I was like Oh Holy Shit…I don’t know how to feel.

Read about the song’s history and

how this duet came to be HERE

The Michael Jackson version was first heard on the iheart radio music awards this past Thursday and I liked it (the audio left a little to be desired but the youtube clip I linked above sounds much better) and it makes sense once you learn that the original recording was from the 80’s and we all know 80’s vibes sounded like that. So I do like the original, but I adore the duet version, because it’s fun and beautiful and features two of my favorite human beings in music. It’s EPIC. It’s not over the top, it’s just fun, good music. A lot of critics say it could have easily been a single from Michael’s “Off The Wall” album. The song was just added Timberlake’s vocals (for the second verse) and reworked and con-temporized for today’s radio. Michael Jackson was an artist who always pushed the envelope, he always reinvented himself to keep people interested and keep relevant. But he never did so by failing to remain his signature self. The man who paved the way for many artists today, including the man who is deemed Prince of Pop/President of Pop by many;

Justin Timberlake.

Justin Timberlake is the perfect artist to have Michael Jackson do a duet with for his first single off  his new album. Their vocals blend flawlessly and if you don’t listen closely enough at times it’s almost hard to tell who’s who. Fortunately for me, I’m pro in all things Justin, so I have no problem, lol. It is very evident in Timberlake’s past albums and especially his current album The 20/20 Experience, that he is strongly influenced by Jackson and the legacy he’s left behind. From Timberlake’s dance moves, to his falsetto, the way he dresses, to the way he owns a stage, you can tell Jackson had a hand in making Timberlake the artist he is. But while that may be true, I think it’s safe to say Timberlake is making a legacy of his own, and is here to stay.

On Friday I heard the duet in my neighborhood deli and I instantly felt like it belonged on the radio, 80’s vibes are coming back people!  And I think Michael would be proud. “Love Never Felt So Good” has been on repeat ever since I heard it, it’s been stuck in my head and I’m not even mad about it. That’s the true song test isn’t it? When you find yourself humming a song and it doesn’t even bug you.

There is one small problem I have with the song and that’s the false advertising. Social Media had hyped it up saying Justin would be on the track and that it would be debuted at the awards. So that was the only reason I watched. And to be honest the music awards presented it all wrong. They said the song would be introduced by Usher. And basically it was LA Reid who introduced the song which was supported by Michael Jackson inspired dancers and a screen of Jackson stills while the song played and I was waiting to hear Justin and it never came. Then towards the second verse, Usher came out and danced. Usher, not Justin. That was a bit of a let down. So basically I was terribly confused.

*NSYNC performing with Jackson during his 30th Anniversary special

If you say Michael Jackson’s new single featuring Justin Timberlake is being debuted at the iheart radio music awards, then why they heck would you play the original solo version and have Usher come out instead. It makes no sense. I think being that Timberlake is on tour, and couldn’t be there to perform, the producers probably figured they’d play the original solo version and do a small tribute involving another Michael Jackson inspired artist; namely Usher. I get that. I also get that Michael’s original version deserved to be heard first. I just wish they would have advertised that.

I also wish there would be a suitable (and by suitable I mean EPIC) Michael Jackson tribute for once. Because ever since he passed, I still feel like I haven’t seen one. They have all been kinda low energy based. Which isn’t right since anything Michael Jackson related was and should always be high energy based including all the amazing artists he’s influenced. The bulk of his music is a party, it’s a good time. It’s meant to make you dance…I dare you to try and keep still when you hear the intro to Billie Jean, because I sure as hell can’t do it.

In a nutshell, Justin Timberlake has yet to fully be a part of an all star celebrity Michael Jackson Tribute so basically I’m saying that’s what all these tributes are missing. LOL. I mean hey if you’re gonna name him the Prince of Pop, call him the next Michael Jackson and hand him the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 VMA’s then he sure as hell deserves to be apart of the ultimate MJ tribute. So either he wasn’t asked or he couldn’t, (which I highly doubt he would turn down or take lightly.) I’m just waiting on Justin Timberlake to comment on this whole experience. Because I can only imagine it’s a dream come true for him. It’s definitely a dream come true for me!

Watch the song’s debut at the iheart radio music awards HERE

Justin pays tribute to Michael Jackson on his own…

“Human Nature”

“Shake ya body (Down to the ground)”

How freakin’ good were they…

see I’m telling you…MJ music + JT= EPIC

Hey does anyone remember that Celine Dion performance where she performed an Elvis song with Elvis himself and everyone was freaking out because he looked so real???…well plot twist it was a hologram but it was freakin’ amazing!

Jackson performing with *NSYNC

Well I think that’s what Justin needs to do, he needs to perform with hologram Michael Jackson and just blow the faces off everyone! Next award show…how’s about it Justin? I wouldn’t mind seeing you moonwalk, or do that signature mj leg kick, or pelvic thrust for that matter.

Don’t Forget.
Michael’s Music Legacy lives on

I cannot wait to hear what this album is gonna sound like, if

“Love Never Felt So Good” is any indication,

I think I’m looking at my newest summer playlist.

**I take no credit for any images or video footage/audio**

5-7-14

******LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD UPDATE!!!!!******

Listen to Justin talk to Ryan Seacrest about the whole process and how it was his honor to be on the track…and also listen up for an AMAZING first listen to Michael Jackson’s demo recording (in 1983) of the song…the demo is literally just Michael and a piano and in all it’s simplicity it is heart breakingly beautiful. Goosebumps are inevitable. Enjoy.

http://www.ryanseacrest.com/2014/05/06/justin-timberlake-reveals-he-wrote-nsyncs-gone-for-michael-jackson/

-<3-

Ok…um, found my soulmate

Waddup cyberspace!!!!

So if you read this blog at all…

or even if you peak in once in a while…

you more than likely know

I’m a huge *NSYNC fan and by extension a HUGE Justin Timberlake fan.

So you know…. last year’s VMA’s… I was on that shit like white on rice, and while I’ve said my very emotional piece in a previous post about how I felt about it, and I won’t be going back there…

I recently came across this youtuber…who I feel like totally got it!

Who totally gets the essence and the greatness that is *NSYNC.

We are kindred spirits.

And so I just had to share….

if I had recorded my reactions to both the news of the *NSYNC reunion and the 2013 VMA performance I imagine they would go a little something like this…

So yea, I think I’ve found my soulmate

haha

too bad he just got engaged 😉

-<3-