*NSYNC REUNITES AS JT LIGHTS UP THE WILTERN

If you’re anything like this 20-something, you walked into the Wiltern Wednesday night brimming with nostalgia in anticipation of hearing some of the biggest hits of Justin Timberlake’s nearly three-decade career, along with songs from the RCA star’s new album, Everything I Thought It Was, out today (3/15). And while many of us had a glimmer of hope that he’d perform some *NSYNC songs, none of us were prepared to see the boy band perform for the first time in many, many years.

With his trademark ’90s-inspired dance moves and soulful falsetto, Timberlake commanded the stage for an hour-and-a-half, delivering a string of back-to-back classics including “SexyBack,” “Señorita,” “My Love,” “Suit & Tie,” “Rock Your Body” and “Cry Me a River.” And nestled among the classics were captivating renditions of new songs “Selfish” and “Sanctified,” the latter of which featured Tobe Nwigwe. Grammy-winning R&B sensation Coco Jones also graced the stage for a duet on their remix of “ICU.”

And after giving fans nearly everything they could’ve hoped for at the free, One Night Only concert, the opening notes of *NSYNC’s “Gone” sent shockwaves of excitement through the crowd. At that moment, I found myself muttering into my phone, “If *NSYNC comes out, I’m launching myself off the mezzanine.” And sure enough, the curtain rose to reveal JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass and Chris Kirkpatrick (though my feet stayed on the ground, rather unsteadily, as the floor shook from the crowd’s excitement).

Fans erupted in cheers, savoring a moment that transcended time as the quintet took them on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. After performing “Gone” with their signature harmonies, they jumped into ’90s hits “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me” and even debuted the new collaborative track “Paradise,” featured on JT’s new album.

Prior to *NSYNC’s surprise reunion at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, the last time the five-piece stood complete was during the 2013 VMAs, when Timberlake received the Video Vanguard Award.

As Timberlake bid farewell with a heartfelt performance of “Mirrors,” everyone in attendance knew that we’d witnessed something truly extraordinary. With his new album and world tour on the horizon, the future looks brighter than ever for this musical icon. And while the prospect of more *NSYNC reunions may linger in our minds, for one unforgettable night, JT gifted us a performance that will be forever etched in our memories.