Career Timeline of Justin Timberlake: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Justin Timberlake, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Justin Timberlake, an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer, is recognized as the "Prince of Pop" and one of the best-selling music artists. Billboard has lauded him as one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
1993: Joining The All New Mickey Mouse Club
In 1993, Justin Timberlake became a Mouseketeer on The All New Mickey Mouse Club, where he worked alongside future stars like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell.
1995: Recruitment into NSYNC
In 1995, Justin Timberlake recruited JC Chasez to join an all-male singing group, which was formed by Chris Kirkpatrick and financed by Lou Pearlman, leading to the creation of NSYNC.
1996: NSYNC Recording and Performing in Europe
In 1996, NSYNC, with Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez as lead singers, began recording and performing in Europe.
1998: NSYNC's Debut Album
In 1998, NSYNC gained prominence in the United States with the release of their self-titled debut album, which sold 11 million copies and included the single "Tearin' Up My Heart."
2000: Film Debut in Model Behavior
In 2000, Justin Timberlake made his film debut in The Wonderful World of Disney film Model Behavior, playing the role of Jason Sharpe.
2000: NSYNC Releases 'No Strings Attached'
In 2000, NSYNC released their third album, No Strings Attached, which sold 2.4 million copies in its first week, setting a record for the fastest-selling album of all time. The album features the hit singles "It's Gonna Be Me", "Bye Bye Bye", and "This I Promise You". NSYNC also performed at the Academy Awards.
2001: Writing 'Gone' for Michael Jackson
Around 2001, Justin Timberlake wrote the single "Gone" for Michael Jackson, but Jackson turned it down; the song was later recorded by NSYNC.
2001: Appearance in Elton John's Music Video
In 2001, Justin Timberlake appeared as a young Elton John in the music video for John's song, "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore".
2001: Release of 'Celebrity'
In 2001, NSYNC's fourth album, Celebrity, was released, achieving financial success with 1.8 million copies sold in its first week and featuring the top-five single "Girlfriend".
August 2002: Debut Solo Performance at MTV Video Music Awards
In August 2002, Justin Timberlake performed at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, premiering his debut solo single, "Like I Love You".
2002: NSYNC Hiatus and Solo Work
By 2002, when NSYNC went on an indefinite hiatus, Justin Timberlake partnered with Pharrell Williams and Timbaland to start working on new music.
2002: Start of solo career and evolution of style
In 2002, Justin Timberlake began his solo career with the release of Justified, initiating a style evolution from synchronized boy-band attire to a source of men's fashion inspiration.
2002: Release of "Justified" and Co-Headlining Tour
In 2002, Justin Timberlake released his debut album, Justified, which blended R&B with dance-pop, funk, and soul, influenced by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He then co-headlined the Justified and Stripped Tour with Christina Aguilera, receiving praise for his performance.
2002: Multiplatinum release of Justified
In 2002, Justin Timberlake released his multiplatinum album, Justified.
2002: NSYNC's Indefinite Hiatus
In 2002, upon the completion of the Celebrity Tour, NSYNC went on an indefinite hiatus.
2002: Performance at the Winter Olympics
NSYNC performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
October 2003: Saturday Night Live Hosting Debut
In October 2003, Justin Timberlake made his first sole appearance on Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest, partnering with Jimmy Fallon on The Barry Gibb Talk Show skit.
2003: Spoofing Punk'd on Saturday Night Live
In 2003, Justin Timberlake spoofed Ashton Kutcher and Punk'd on Saturday Night Live. He also co-starred in The Barry Gibb Talk Show skit with Jimmy Fallon.
2004: Focus on Acting After Super Bowl Incident
After the Super Bowl incident in 2004, Justin Timberlake opted out of an NSYNC reunion and focused on his acting career.
2004: Recording 'Good Foot' for Shark Tale Soundtrack
In 2004, Justin Timberlake recorded "Good Foot" with Timbaland for the soundtrack of the film Shark Tale.
December 2005: Production of FutureSex/LoveSounds Begins
In December 2005, Justin Timberlake began production on his second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, with producer Timbaland.
2005: Creation of FutureSex/LoveSounds
Justin Timberlake created his album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, between 2005 and 2006.
July 2006: Release of "SexyBack"
In July 2006, Justin Timberlake released "SexyBack", the lead single from his album FutureSex/LoveSounds, which quickly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
July 18, 2006: Direct-to-Video Release of 'Edison Force'
On July 18, 2006, Edison Force, filmed in 2004 and starring Justin Timberlake as a journalist, was released direct-to-video.
September 12, 2006: Release of FutureSex/LoveSounds Album
On September 12, 2006, Justin Timberlake released his second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 684,000 copies in its first week. The album featured guest vocals from Snoop Dogg, Three 6 Mafia, T.I., and will.i.am.
December 16, 2006: Saturday Night Live Hosting
On December 16, 2006, Justin Timberlake hosted Saturday Night Live, serving as both host and musical guest. During the show, he and Andy Samberg performed "Dick in a Box", an R&B song for a skit that became a viral hit.
2006: Release of "FutureSex/LoveSounds"
In 2006, Justin Timberlake released his follow-up album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, which explored a broader sound, incorporating elements of rap, rock, funk, soul, gospel, new wave, opera, and world music. The album drew inspiration from artists like David Bowie and Prince.
January 2007: FutureSex/LoveShow Tour
In January 2007, Justin Timberlake began the FutureSex/LoveShow tour.
June 2007: Collaboration with Duran Duran
In June 2007, Justin Timberlake co-wrote, produced, and provided vocals for the songs "Nite Runner" and "Falling Down" for Duran Duran's album Red Carpet Massacre.
November 13, 2007: Duran Duran's album Red Carpet Massacre Release
On November 13, 2007, Duran Duran's album Red Carpet Massacre, featuring collaborations with Justin Timberlake, was released.
November 2007: FutureSex/LoveSounds Tour Ends and Film Career Resumes
In November 2007, Justin Timberlake wrapped up the FutureSex/LoveSounds tour and resumed his film career.
December 17, 2007: "4 Minutes" First Played by Timbaland
On December 17, 2007, Timbaland first played the song "4 Minutes" at Philadelphia's Jingle Ball.
2007: The New York Times on Timberlake's sex-symbol edge
In 2007, The New York Times' editor Sia Michel noted that Justin Timberlake had learned how to project sex-symbol edge since his last tour for 2002's multiplatinum Justified.
February 2008: Grammy Awards
In February 2008, at the 50th Grammy Awards ceremony, Justin Timberlake won the Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "What Goes Around...Comes Around" and the Award for Best Dance Recording for "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows".
March 2008: Executive Producer for My Problem with Women
In March 2008, Justin Timberlake was announced as an executive producer for an American adaptation of the comedy My Problem with Women for NBC.
March 17, 2008: "4 Minutes" Release
On March 17, 2008, "4 Minutes", a duet between Justin Timberlake and Madonna featuring Timbaland, was released as the lead single from Madonna's album, Hard Candy.
June 2008: Timberlake's Earnings and Forbes Ranking
In June 2008, Forbes reported that Justin Timberlake earned $44 million between June 2007 and June 2008 from his music, tour, commercials, and hospitality. This made him the world's 4th best-paid music personality, surpassing Madonna and Celine Dion, and ranked him twelfth on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list and second on the "Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30" list.
June 20, 2008: The Love Guru Release
On June 20, 2008, The Love Guru, starring Justin Timberlake, was released.
November 2008: Collaboration with Ciara
In November 2008, it was confirmed that Justin Timberlake would make a guest appearance and produce tracks on Ciara's upcoming album, Fantasy Ride.
November 20, 2008: "Follow My Lead" Release
On November 20, 2008, Justin Timberlake's single "Follow My Lead", featuring Esmée Denters, was released exclusively through Myspace, with proceeds going to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
February 20, 2009: "Love Sex Magic" Music Video Shoot
On February 20, 2009, the music video for Ciara's single "Love Sex Magic", featuring Justin Timberlake, was shot.
March 2, 2009: Appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
On March 2, 2009, Justin Timberlake appeared on Jimmy Fallon's debut as host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
April 21, 2009: Executive Producer on The Phone
On April 21, 2009, Justin Timberlake was the executive producer on the MTV reality series The Phone, which premiered on that date.
May 5, 2009: Fantasy Ride Album Release
On May 5, 2009, Ciara's album Fantasy Ride, featuring Justin Timberlake, was released.
August 28, 2009: The Open Road Release
On August 28, 2009, The Open Road, starring Justin Timberlake, was released.
November 17, 2009: Song Production for Leona Lewis
On November 17, 2009, Justin Timberlake and his production team, The Y's, produced and co-wrote the song "Don't Let Me Down" for Leona Lewis's second album, Echo.
December 1, 2009: Collaboration with Timbaland
On December 1, 2009, Justin Timberlake co-wrote and performed on "Carry Out", the third single from Timbaland's album Shock Value II.
September 12, 2010: MTV VMAs Appearance
On September 12, 2010, Justin Timberlake appeared at the 2010 MTV VMAs.
August 2011: FreeSol Music Video Cameo
In August 2011, Justin Timberlake directed and made a cameo in the FreeSol music video "Hoodies On, Hats Low".
2011: Tom Ford began dressing Timberlake
In 2011, American fashion designer Tom Ford started dressing Justin Timberlake, creating over 600 exclusive pieces for The 20/20 Experience World Tour.
2011: Timberlake supports LGBT equality after New York legalized same-sex marriage
In 2011, after New York legalized same-sex marriage, Justin Timberlake voiced his support for LGBT equality in the U.S., emphasizing acceptance and unity despite differences.
June 2012: Started working on "The 20/20 Experience" album
In June 2012, Justin Timberlake began working on his third album, The 20/20 Experience, without specific rules or goals in mind.
January 2013: Return to Music Industry Announcement
In January 2013, Justin Timberlake publicly announced his return to the music industry and released the lead single, "Suit & Tie" featuring Jay-Z.
February 2, 2013: DirecTV Super Saturday Night Performance
On February 2, 2013, Justin Timberlake performed during the "DirecTV Super Saturday Night" in New Orleans.
February 10, 2013: 55th Annual Grammy Awards Performance
On February 10, 2013, Justin Timberlake performed "Suit & Tie" with Jay-Z at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.
February 11, 2013: "Mirrors" Single Release
On February 11, 2013, "Mirrors" was released as the second single from The 20/20 Experience.
March 19, 2013: "The 20/20 Experience" Album Release
On March 19, 2013, The 20/20 Experience was released through RCA Records. The album broke digital sales records on iTunes and debuted at number one.
July 12, 2013: "Take Back the Night" Single Release
On July 12, 2013, Justin Timberlake's "Take Back the Night", the lead single from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, was released.
August 25, 2013: MTV Video Music Awards
On August 25, 2013, Justin Timberlake received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and won three competitive awards, including Video of the Year for "Mirrors". He also briefly reunited with his former NSYNC bandmates.
September 30, 2013: "The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2" Album Release
On September 30, 2013, Justin Timberlake's fourth album, The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2, was released and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
December 2013: Production Credit on Beyoncé's Album
In December 2013, Justin Timberlake received a production and writing credit on track six of Beyoncé's self-titled fifth album.
2013: Release of "The 20/20 Experience" and Supporting Tours
In 2013, Justin Timberlake released "The 20/20 Experience", a neo-soul album inspired by 1960s and 1970s rock structures. He supported the album with the Legends of the Summer tour, co-headlining with Jay-Z, and The 20/20 Experience World Tour, which introduced his backing ensemble, the Tennessee Kids.
2013: Timberlake Ranked Third Highest-Paid Musician of 2013
In 2013, according to Billboard, Justin Timberlake was the third highest-paid musician with earnings of $31 million.
February 25, 2014: "Not a Bad Thing" Single Release
On February 25, 2014, "Not a Bad Thing" was released as the third single from Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 album.
May 14, 2014: "Love Never Felt So Good" Music Video Release
On May 14, 2014, the music video for Michael Jackson's "Love Never Felt So Good", which was produced by Timbaland, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, and Justin Timberlake, was released, featuring clips of Jackson and Timberlake.
2014: Timberlake Ranked 26th on Celebrity 100 List for 2014
In 2014, Justin Timberlake was ranked 26th on the Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $57 million and was listed at number three on the Billboard Money-Makers List.
2015: Timberlake and Biel Receive Inspiration Award at GLSEN Respect Awards
In 2015, Justin Timberlake and his wife, Jessica Biel, received the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN Respect Awards for their vocal support of the LGBT community and charitable work that improves the lives of youth.
2015: Performances on Saturday Night Live and Country Music Association Awards
In 2015, Justin Timberlake performed in the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary's cold open with Jimmy Fallon and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also performed with Chris Stapleton at the 49th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
2015: Timberlake's Performance with Chris Stapleton at the Country Music Association Awards
In 2015, Justin Timberlake performed with Chris Stapleton at the Country Music Association Awards. Katie Rogers of The New York Times highlighted Timberlake's crossover appeal following the performance.
2015: Timberlake Ranked 19th on the 2015 Celebrity 100 list
In 2015, Justin Timberlake was ranked 19th on the Celebrity 100 list with $63 million in earnings.
2015: Timberlake leads "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials"
In Nielsen Music's U.S. report for 2015, Justin Timberlake led the "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials" list.
May 6, 2016: "Can't Stop the Feeling!" Release
On May 6, 2016, Justin Timberlake released "Can't Stop the Feeling!" as the lead single from the Trolls movie.
May 14, 2016: Eurovision Song Contest Performance
On May 14, 2016, Justin Timberlake performed "Can't Stop the Feeling!" live at the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.
November 2016: Trolls Movie Release
In November 2016, Justin Timberlake voiced the lead character and served as executive music producer for DreamWorks Animation's musical comedy Trolls, which was released in theaters.
2016: Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids Premiere
In 2016, Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids, a concert film showcasing the final date of The 20/20 Experience World Tour, premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival on September 13 and was dedicated to Prince.
2016: Fifth Album Influences
In 2016, Justin Timberlake discussed the influences behind his fifth album, citing his upbringing in Tennessee and the diverse musical landscape of Memphis and Nashville. He mentioned working with producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, aiming for a modern sound rooted in Southern American music.
February 26, 2017: Academy Awards Performance
On February 26, 2017, Justin Timberlake opened the 89th Academy Awards with a performance of "Can't Stop the Feeling!".
2017: The Book of Love Soundtrack Composition
In 2017, Justin Timberlake composed the soundtrack and served as music supervisor for the film The Book of Love, which was produced by his wife, Jessica Biel.
February 2, 2018: Man of the Woods Album Release
On February 2, 2018, Justin Timberlake released his fifth album, "Man of the Woods", two days before his Super Bowl halftime performance. The album's first single, "Filthy", had been previously released and charted in the U.S. and Canada. Several other songs were also released with music videos before the album.
March 13, 2018: Man of the Woods Tour Kickoff
On March 13, 2018, the "Man of the Woods Tour" began in Toronto, Canada, supporting Justin Timberlake's album. The tour became one of the highest-grossing tours of the year.
October 30, 2018: Release of Autobiography "Hindsight & All the Things I Can't See In Front of Me"
On October 30, 2018, Justin Timberlake's autobiography, "Hindsight & All the Things I Can't See In Front of Me", was released. The book contains candid images and covers his early life and song inspirations.
April 13, 2019: Man of the Woods Tour Conclusion
On April 13, 2019, Justin Timberlake's "Man of the Woods Tour" concluded in Uncasville. The tour was the sixth-highest-grossing tour of 2018.
2019: Timberlake Ranked 41st on Forbes Celebrity 100
In 2019, Justin Timberlake was ranked 41st on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with earnings of $57.5 million.
February 26, 2020: "The Other Side" Release
On February 26, 2020, Justin Timberlake and SZA released "The Other Side," a single from the Trolls World Tour soundtrack, along with a music video.
March 9, 2020: "Don't Slack" Teaser Release
On March 9, 2020, Justin Timberlake released a teaser for his upcoming song "Don't Slack", featuring Anderson .Paak, which is also part of the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
March 10, 2020: "Don't Slack" Song Release
On March 10, 2020, Justin Timberlake released the song "Don't Slack", featuring Anderson .Paak, which is part of the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
September 2020: Teasing Collaborations
In September 2020, Justin Timberlake and producer Timbaland teased potential upcoming collaborations with Justin Bieber, Justine Skye, Hit-Boy, and Ty Dolla Sign.
December 2020: "Better Days" Single Release
In December 2020, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons released the single "Better Days", which premiered on the Rock the Runoff virtual concert held by Stacey Abrams' organization Fair Fight.
January 2021: Inauguration Performance
In January 2021, Justin Timberlake performed his collaboration with Ant Clemons during the Celebrating America special as part of the inauguration of Joe Biden from his hometown of Memphis. Timberlake later performed at Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water festival in Washington, D.C.
June 2021: Timberlake supports Britney Spears during conservatorship battle
In June 2021, Justin Timberlake publicly supported Britney Spears during her court battle over her conservatorship, stating that no woman should be restricted from making decisions about her own body and expressing his support for her freedom.
May 2023: Sixth Album Completion Teased
In May 2023, Timbaland revealed that Justin Timberlake's sixth album was completed, adding that the pair had revived the sound from the FutureSex/LoveSounds era.
September 1, 2023: "Keep Going Up" Release
On September 1, 2023, Timbaland released the single "Keep Going Up", in collaboration with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake.
January 19, 2024: Free Concert in Memphis
On January 19, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed a free one-night-only concert at the Orpheum in Memphis, where he live-debuted his new single "Selfish" after teasing a new project on social media.
January 25, 2024: Tonight Show Appearance
On January 25, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote his new music. He announced the release of "Selfish" and revealed that his upcoming album had been in production for four years.
January 27, 2024: Saturday Night Live Musical Guest
On January 27, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, where he performed "Selfish" and "Sanctified".
February 22, 2024: The Graham Norton Show Appearance
On February 22, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared as the musical guest on The Graham Norton Show, recorded in London, where he performed "Selfish".
February 23, 2024: Cancelled London Concert and "Drown" Release
On February 23, 2024, Justin Timberlake cancelled his "A One Night Only" concert, scheduled to be held at the Roundhouse in London, due to illness. The promotional single "Drown" was released on the same day.
March 11, 2024: Complex Networks Sneaker Shopping Appearance
On March 11, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared on Complex Networks Sneaker Shopping and mentioned the upcoming release of his new album.
March 13, 2024: Concert at The Wiltern with NSYNC Reunion
On March 13, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed a concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The show featured a surprise reunion with his NSYNC bandmates, who performed a medley of hits and the new album track "Paradise".
March 15, 2024: NPR Tiny Desk Concert and "No Angels" Release
On March 15, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed on NPR's Tiny Desk series for a half-hour-long concert. The second single from the album, "No Angels", was also released on the same day and so was his album.
March 2024: Album Release Announcement
In March 2024, Justin Timberlake announced the release of his sixth album, "Everything I Thought It Was."
March 2024: Fastest-Selling Tour to Date
In March 2024, Trace William Cowen of Complex reported that the Forget Tomorrow World Tour had become Justin Timberlake's fastest-selling tour to date, amassing over $140 million globally in initial ticket sales.
April 2024: iHeartRadio Music Awards Performance
In April 2024, Justin Timberlake opened the iHeartRadio Music Awards, performing "Selfish" and "No Angels" from his new album.
April 29, 2024: Forget Tomorrow World Tour Start
On April 29, 2024, Justin Timberlake began his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Vancouver, Canada, to promote his album.
May 20, 2024: Additional Shows Added to Tour Due to Demand
On May 20, 2024, Pollstar announced that nine additional shows were added to Justin Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow World Tour due to "overwhelming demand", with over 1 million tickets already sold.
June 21, 2024: Timberlake addresses arrest at Chicago concert
On June 21, 2024, at a concert in Chicago, Justin Timberlake addressed his recent arrest, acknowledging the challenges he faced and expressing gratitude for the continued support from his fans.
January 2026: Tribute to Pharrell Williams
In January 2026, Justin Timberlake performed at the Recording Academy Honours Presented by the Black Music Collective in tribute to Pharrell Williams, who received the Dr. Dre Global Music Icon Award. Timberlake performed his Williams-produced singles "Señorita", "Rock Your Body", and "Like I Love You".
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