Lasting Legacy of Justin Timberlake: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Justin Timberlake—a timeline of influence.

Justin Timberlake, an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer, is widely recognized as the "Prince of Pop." Billboard has acknowledged him as a top-performing male solo artist. With over 117 million records sold globally, he is among the best-selling recording artists of all time. 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, highlighting his significant impact and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2003: "The New King of Pop"

In 2003, Rolling Stone named Justin Timberlake the biggest pop star of the year and featured him on the magazine's cover, declaring him "The New King of Pop".

2006: Popularizing the catchphrase "I'm bringing sexy back"

In 2006, Justin Timberlake popularized the catchphrase "I'm bringing sexy back", according to Sia Michel of The New York Times.

2007: Appeared on Time 100 list

In 2007, Justin Timberlake appeared for the first time on the Time 100 list of most influential people by Time.

2007: Sex-symbol edge projection

In 2007, The New York Times' editor Sia Michel noted that Justin Timberlake had learned how to project a sex-symbol edge since his last tour for 2002's multiplatinum Justified album.

2012: "It's Gonna Be May" internet meme

In 2012, Justin Timberlake's pronunciation of "me" on "It's Gonna Be Me" was popularized as an internet meme titled "It's Gonna Be May".

August 25, 2013: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at MTV VMAs and NSYNC reunion

On August 25, 2013, Justin Timberlake received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and reunited with his former NSYNC bandmates.

2013: Second appearance on Time 100 list

In 2013, Justin Timberlake made his second appearance on the Time 100 list, with Stevie Wonder writing about his accomplishments and charitable contributions.

October 2015: Inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame

In October 2015, Justin Timberlake was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, becoming its youngest member.

2015: Adele Surpasses NSYNC Record

In 2015, Adele's third album, 25, surpassed NSYNC's record for the fastest-selling album of all time, which had been set by 'No Strings Attached'.

2015: Led "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials" list

In 2015, Justin Timberlake led the "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials" list in Nielsen Music's U.S. report.

2016: Premiere of Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids concert film

In 2016, Justin Timberlake's concert film Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and Timberlake dedicated the film to Prince.

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2016: Considered one of the greatest entertainers

In a 2016 article in The Hollywood Reporter, Justin Timberlake was described as one of the greatest all-around entertainers in the history of show business by editor Scott Feinberg.

2017: Ranked at number 5 on Billboard's list of "Greatest of All Time Pop Songs Artists"

In 2017, Billboard published a list of "Greatest of All Time Pop Songs Artists", where Justin Timberlake ranked at number 5, being the top male soloist.

2018: Billboard critics discuss Timberlake as "the Best Male Pop Star of the 21st century"

In 2018, Billboard critics discussed whether Justin Timberlake is "the Best Male Pop Star of the 21st century," citing his crossover appeal, career longevity, showmanship, and credibility within the industry as reasons.

2018: Ranked 25th on "The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time"

In 2018, Justin Timberlake ranked 25th on Billboard's "The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time" list.

2019: Ranked 20th on Billboard's decade-end chart for "Top Artists" of the 2010s

In 2019, Billboard ranked Justin Timberlake 20th on their decade-end chart for "Top Artists" of the 2010s.

2019: Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2019, Justin Timberlake received a Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2020: Billboard Retrospective on Celebrity

In a 2020 retrospective article, Billboard considered NSYNC's 'Celebrity' album "the group's swan song, setting the stage for Timberlake's equally massive solo career".