This page compiles monthly references to NSYNC’s group activity, side projects, and public speculation around solo work throughout 2001. Entries are grounded in primary or secondary sources from the period—archived news articles, fan site reports, televised appearances, and artist commentary—preserved via web crawls, video uploads, and digital memoirs. The focus is on source transparency and media context, not interpretation.
January - Media outlets speculated that Justin Timberlake intended to pursue solo work. Additional reports suggested multiple members were interested in separate projects and that the group’s next album might be its last.
February - A British website reported that the National Enquirer claimed Justin Timberlake was planning a solo album produced by Richard Marx. The rumor was attributed to an anonymous contribut.
March - Reports surfaced of Justin Timberlake visiting a recording studio alone, which a representative denied. Melinda Bell confirmed Lance Bass and Joey Fatone were working on On The Line, while a columnist claimed Timberlake met with Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch.
April - Joey Fatone and Lance Bass completed filming On The Line, missing the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards as a result. Later that month, NSYNC appeared together on TRL @ Your House, where Justin Timberlake denied solo project rumors.
May - During a fan webchat on the MSN website, NSYNC’s road manager Melinda Bell denied that the group members had signed solo contracts. She stated that each member pursued independent projects when time permitted.
June
July - A fan site reported on an MSN-hosted live chat for NSYNC’s Artist of the Month feature, where only Joey Fatone may have participated. A fan question about solo plans was met with a denial of any solo singing pursuits, though JC Chasez was said to be producing and Justin Timberlake was reportedly featured on a Brian McKnight track.
August - In an interview with TV Guide, Wayne Brady discussed collaborating with Justin Timberlake and Brian McKnight for the premiere of his variety show. When asked about Timberlake’s potential solo career, Brady noted that he expected Justin to stand out “after the ‘NSYNC thing is finished.”
September
October
November - In separate interviews, Lance Bass stated that no NSYNC member had expressed interest in going solo, while Joey Fatone shared that he wanted a break from touring and expected the group to resume in April 2002.
December - NSYNC performed with the All Stars at the Billboard Music Awards on December 4th. Later that month, the group participated in a CFTC charity event and appeared in MTV’s TRL Secret Santa segment. In his memoir, Lance Bass recalled that following the MTV taping, Justin Timberlake suggested the group take a break so he could pursue a solo album for Jive Records.