Justin Timberlake's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Justin Timberlake. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1998: NSYNC's Debut Album Release in the United States

In 1998, NSYNC rose to prominence in the United States with the release of their self-titled debut studio album, 'NSYNC', which sold 11 million copies and included the single "Tearin' Up My Heart".

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2001: Release of Celebrity

In 2001, NSYNC's fourth studio album, Celebrity, was released and was financially successful, selling 1.8 million copies in the first week and spawning top-five singles such as "Girlfriend".

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2002: Release of 'Justified'

In 2002, Justin Timberlake released his first solo album, 'Justified', which sold over 10 million copies and received triple platinum certification by the RIAA.

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".

October 2005: Grammy Association Award for Humanitarian Efforts in Tennessee

In October 2005, the Grammy Association presented Justin Timberlake with an award for his humanitarian efforts in Tennessee, alongside writer/director Craig Brewer.

September 12, 2006: Release of "FutureSex/LoveSounds"

On September 12, 2006, Justin Timberlake released his second studio album, "FutureSex/LoveSounds", which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart.

December 16, 2006: Saturday Night Live hosting

On December 16, 2006, Justin Timberlake hosted Saturday Night Live, acting as both host and musical guest. During the show, Timberlake and Andy Samberg performed "Dick in a Box," an R&B song that became a viral hit and was later featured on The Lonely Island's debut album.

2006: Release of 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'

In 2006, Justin Timberlake released his second album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds', which sold over 10 million copies, received triple platinum certification, and became his first US Billboard 200 chart number-one album.

January 2007: FutureSex/LoveShow tour

In January 2007, Justin Timberlake began the FutureSex/LoveShow tour. Singles from the FutureSex/LoveSounds album such as "LoveStoned/I Think She Knows (Interlude)" and "Until the End of Time", peaked within the top 20 on the Hot 100.

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: FutureSex/LoveShow third highest-grossing concert tour

In 2007, Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow was the third highest-grossing concert tour overall and the highest-grossing solo tour, according to Billboard.

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".

June 2008: Ranked among top-paid musicians by Forbes

In June 2008, Justin Timberlake was ranked as the 4th best-paid music personality in the world by Forbes, earning $44 million between June 2007 and June 2008. He was also ranked twelfth on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list and second on the "Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30" list.

October 2011: Futures Award at the Environmental Media Awards

In October 2011, Justin Timberlake received the Futures Award at the Environmental Media Awards for his green-conscious golf course.

March 19, 2013: Release of The 20/20 Experience

On March 19, 2013, The 20/20 Experience was released through RCA Records and set a digital sales record on the iTunes Store.

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.

September 30, 2013: Release of The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2

On September 30, 2013, Justin Timberlake's fourth studio album The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 was released and debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200.

2013: Third highest-paid musician of 2013

According to Billboard, in 2013, Justin Timberlake was the third highest-paid musician, with earnings of $31 million.

2013: Artist of the Year with the top-selling album by iTunes

For the album The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake was named 2013 Artist of the Year with the top-selling album by iTunes' annual list of best-sellers.

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.

2013: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards

In 2013, Justin Timberlake received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.

2013: Releases of 'The 20/20 Experience' and 'The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2'

In 2013, Justin Timberlake released 'The 20/20 Experience' and 'The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2', both of which topped the Billboard chart. 'The 20/20 Experience' became the best-selling album of the year.

2013: Timberlake tops nine Billboard Year-End charts

In 2013, Justin Timberlake topped nine Billboard Year-End charts, including Billboard 200 Artists and Billboard 200 Albums.

2013: MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for "Mirrors"

In 2013, Justin Timberlake won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for "Mirrors".

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2014: Seven songs exceed 3 million digital downloads in the United States

As of 2014, Justin Timberlake has had seven songs exceed 3 million digital downloads in the United States, including "SexyBack", "4 Minutes", "Dead and Gone", "Suit & Tie", "Mirrors", "Holy Grail", and "Can't Stop the Feeling!".

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2014: Billboard Top Male Artist

In 2014, Justin Timberlake was named Billboard Top Male Artist.

2014: Ranked 26th on Celebrity 100 list for 2014

In 2014, Justin Timberlake was ranked 26th with earnings of $57 million on the Celebrity 100 list and was listed at number three on the Billboard Money-Makers List of 2014.

2014: Billboard Music Awards for Top Artist with the Top Billboard 200 Album for The 20/20 Experience

In 2014, Justin Timberlake won the Billboard Music Awards for Top Artist with the Top Billboard 200 Album for The 20/20 Experience.

2014: The 20/20 Experience World Tour highest-grossing tour led by a solo artist

In 2014, Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience World Tour was the highest-grossing tour led by a solo artist and one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade.

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: Received 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 being vocal and committed allies to the LGBT community.

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.

2015: Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards

In 2015, Justin Timberlake received the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

2015: Ranked 19th on Celebrity 100 list for 2015

In 2015, Justin Timberlake was ranked 19th on the Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $63 million.

2015: Lord & Taylor's Fashion Oracle Award

In 2015, Justin Timberlake's clothing line, William Rast, earned him a Lord & Taylor's Fashion Oracle Award at the Fashion Group International's Night of The Stars Gala.

2016: Decade Award at the Teen Choice Awards

In 2016, Justin Timberlake received the inaugural Decade Award at the Teen Choice Awards for his continuous achievements since the release of FutureSex/LoveSounds in 2006.

April 30, 2018: NSYNC receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On April 30, 2018, Justin Timberlake reunited with his NSYNC bandmates to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2018: Release of 'Man of the Woods'

In 2018, Justin Timberlake's album 'Man of the Woods' topped the Billboard chart.

May 2019: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In May 2019, Justin Timberlake received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, alongside Missy Elliott and Alex Lacamoire.

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.

2019: Honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music

In 2019, Justin Timberlake received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.

2019: Ranked on Forbes Celebrity 100 list in 2019

In 2019, Justin Timberlake was ranked 41st on the Celebrity 100 list by Forbes, with earnings of $57.5 million.

March 2024: Report on Forget Tomorrow World Tour's Success

In March 2024, it was 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 from over 70 dates and expecting more than one million attendees.

May 20, 2024: Additional Shows Added to Forget Tomorrow World Tour

On May 20, 2024, Pollstar announced that nine additional shows were added to the Forget Tomorrow World Tour due to "overwhelming demand" and reported that over 1 million tickets were already sold, becoming Justin Timberlake's fastest selling tour to date.