Justin Timberlake has remained a dominant force in entertainment for nearly three decades. You likely know him for his smooth vocals and sharp dance moves. However, his career extends far beyond catchy pop hits. He started as a country singer before becoming a boy band icon. Today, he balances serious acting roles with major business ventures. Consequently, his influence touches everything from tequila to golf courses. Let’s explore the surprising history of the Prince of Pop.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake started his career singing country music under the name Justin Randall. He even wore a cowboy hat during his television debut on Star Search.
Surprisingly, his mother created the name for the band NSYNC. She simply took the last letter of every member’s first name to form the word.
He wrote the iconic “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle for McDonald’s in 2003. The fast-food giant paid him an estimated $6 million [€5.7 million] for the catchy tune.
A fan once bought his half-eaten French toast for over $1,000 [€950] on eBay. A radio DJ collected the leftovers after an interview and sold them online.
He suffers from a mild form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Therefore, he needs all objects lined up perfectly and cannot tolerate chaos in his home.
Justin Timberlake owns his own premium brand of tequila called Sauza 901. The number 901 represents the area code of his hometown in Memphis, Tennessee.
He famously cried during an episode of the prank show Punk’d. Ashton Kutcher tricked him into believing the government was seizing his house and dogs.
The singer is an avid golfer. Furthermore, he purchased an eco-friendly golf course in Memphis to save it from developers.
He voiced the character Artie in the animated movie Shrek the Third. This role marked his first major step into voice acting before the Trolls franchise.
Surprisingly, he wrote the hit breakup anthem Cry Me a River in just two hours. He rushed to the studio immediately after a difficult argument with Britney Spears.
He holds a minority ownership stake in the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. He frequently attends home games to support his favorite NBA squad from the sidelines.
Justin Timberlake was the very first celebrity to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He surprised the host during her debut episode in 2003 to wish her luck.
He helped redesign the social media platform MySpace in 2011. He bought a stake in the company and attempted to revive it as a music hub.
His famous “wardrobe malfunction” at the Super Bowl changed television history forever. Consequently, live broadcasts now use a five-second delay to prevent similar incidents.
He keeps his sneakers fresh by wearing a new pair almost every day. He owns hundreds of pairs, including exclusive Air Jordans designed specifically for his tours.
