Jul 24 2025

*NSYNC’s ‘Celebrity’ 24th Anniversary

Today marks 24 years since *NSYNC released their fourth studio album, Celebrity, on July 24, 2001. It’s hard to believe that an album we blasted in our CD players, memorized word for word, and screamed along to on tour is now two dozen years old. But here we are, still celebrating the unforgettable sound of *NSYNC that shaped a generation of pop fans.

Following the explosive success of No Strings Attached, *NSYNC pushed even further with Celebrity, experimenting with sounds that ranged from progressive pop and R&B to hip hop and UK two-step. The group set out to prove they were more than just a boy band. They were artists. Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez co-wrote 10 of the 13 tracks and took creative control behind the scenes. From the bold, beatbox-heavy “Pop” to the heartbreak of “Gone” and the slick R&B groove of “Girlfriend,” Celebrity showcased a band growing up and growing bolder.

The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 1.9 million copies in its first week, making it the second-best debut week in US chart history at the time. It’s since been certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA and remains a favorite among fans who watched the group transform before our eyes.

The collaborations on Celebrity were just as iconic as the tracks themselves. BT brought in edgy vocal effects on “Pop.” The Neptunes produced “Girlfriend,” which later got remixed with Nelly. Wade Robson co-wrote and produced “Gone,” a ballad originally intended as a duet with Michael Jackson. Even Stevie Wonder contributed harmonica on “Something Like You.”

The group’s desire to push the envelope was clear, both musically and visually, and fans felt that energy. I definitely did. In fact, to celebrate the release of Celebrity back in 2001, I got an *NSYNC-inspired tattoo. It felt like the perfect tribute to a band that meant (and still means) the world to me. I wanted to carry a piece of that moment with me forever.

Even now, Celebrity holds up as a daring, genre-blending record that helped pave the way for what pop music could become. It was the soundtrack to an era, a turning point for the band, and a love letter to the fans who were growing up right along with them.

To mark the anniversary, enjoy a throwback with the official music videos for the album’s unforgettable singles: “Pop,” “Gone,” and “Girlfriend.” Happy 24th Anniversary, Celebrity!