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 known as the "Prince of Pop." Billboard recognized him as a top male solo act and one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. He is among the best-selling music artists ever, with over 117 million records sold globally. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Sections (7)

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

1998: Rise to Prominence with Debut Album

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

2000: Release of 'No Strings Attached'

In 2000, NSYNC released their third studio album 'No Strings Attached' which sold 2.4 million copies in the first week, becoming the fastest-selling album of all time.

2001: Release of 'Celebrity'

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

2003: Timberlake named biggest pop star by Rolling Stone

In 2003, Rolling Stone named Justin Timberlake the biggest pop star of the year and featured him on the magazine's cover. The magazine commented that he "attained the one thing most pop stars don't, and the one thing he wanted more than anything else: credibility".

October 2005: Grammy Association Award

In October 2005, Justin Timberlake received an award from the Grammy Association for his humanitarian efforts in Tennessee.

2006: Release of 'FutureSex/LoveSounds'

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

2007: Timberlake appears on Time 100 list

In 2007, Justin Timberlake appeared for the first time on the Time 100 list of most influential people by Time. This recognition highlights his significant impact and influence in the world.

2007: FutureSex/LoveShow Tour Gross

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

June 2008: Timberlake ranked as 4th best-paid music personality by Forbes

In June 2008, Forbes reported that Justin Timberlake was the world's 4th best-paid music personality, 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 that year.

2009: Repeat Hosting of Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

In 2009, Justin Timberlake repeated his hosting of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and was also recognized for his contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children as the most valuable celebrity endorsement in the U.S.

October 2011: Futures Award at Environmental Media Awards

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

2013: iTunes Artist of the Year

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 his spirit of giving back. This marked another significant recognition of Timberlake's influence and contributions.

2013: MTV Video Vanguard Award and "Mirrors" win

In 2013, Justin Timberlake received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and also won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for his song "Mirrors".

2013: Billboard Year-End Charts

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

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

In 2013, Justin Timberlake topped the charts with the release of 'The 20/20 Experience' and 'The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2'. The 20/20 Experience became the best-selling album of the year.

2013: Timberlake Ranked Third Highest-Paid Musician by Billboard

In 2013, Justin Timberlake was ranked as the third highest-paid musician by Billboard, with earnings of $31 million. This achievement underscores his financial success and prominence in the music industry during that year.

2014: Digital Download Success

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!".

2014: Billboard Top Male Artist

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

2014: Timberlake Ranked 26th on Celebrity 100 List

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

2014: Billboard Music Award for Top Artist

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

2014: The 20/20 Experience World Tour Success

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

October 2015: Inducted into Memphis Music Hall of Fame

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

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. They were recognized for being vocal and committed allies to the LGBT community and for their charitable works that improve the lives of youth.

2015: Timberlake leads 'Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials' list

In 2015, Justin Timberlake led Nielsen Music's U.S. report for the "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials" list. This achievement highlights his continued popularity and influence among the millennial generation.

2015: iHeartRadio Music Awards Innovator Award

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

2015: Timberlake ranked 19th on Celebrity 100 list

In 2015, Justin Timberlake was ranked 19th on the Celebrity 100 list, earning $63 million. This ranking reflects his continued financial success and popularity in the entertainment industry.

2015: Lord & Taylor's Fashion Oracle Award

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

2016: Teen Choice Awards Decade Award

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.

2017: Billboard's 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's The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time

In 2018, Billboard ranked Justin Timberlake 25th on their "The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time" list and 64th on "The Hot 100's Top Artists of All Time".

May 2019: Timberlake Receives 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: Billboard's Top Artists of the 2010s

In 2019, Billboard ranked Justin Timberlake 20th on their decade-end chart for "Top Artists" of the 2010s, and 74th on "Top 125 Greatest of All Time Artists Chart".

2019: Awards from Songwriters Hall of Fame and Berklee College of Music

In 2019, Justin Timberlake received a Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.

2019: Timberlake Ranked 41st on Forbes Celebrity 100 List

In 2019, Justin Timberlake was ranked 41st on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with earnings of $57.5 million. This ranking reflects his continued financial success and presence in the entertainment industry.

March 2024: Forget Tomorrow World Tour Becomes Timberlake's Fastest Selling Tour to Date

In March 2024, the "Forget Tomorrow World Tour" became Justin Timberlake's fastest selling tour to date, amassing over $140 million globally in initial ticket sales.

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

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 Timberlake's fastest selling tour to date.