Remember When Justin Timberlake Was Country?
Justin Timberlake raised some eyebrows when he said he'd like to give country music a try, and his new album does dabble in some country influences. But it's actually nothing new for Timberlake.
The native Tennessean is one of the decade's most successful pop artists, with multiple solo hits and tons of smashes as a member of the boy band 'N Sync under his belt. His interest in country music is nothing new, however.
Don't believe it? Here's video proof.
In the early '90s, Timberlake appeared on Star Search as Justin Randall — Randall is his middle name. The singer looked like a miniature Garth Brooks as he took the stage to sing Alan Jackson's "Love's Got a Hold on You." It was an impressive performance (see it at the 1:40 mark), and there's no doubt Timberlake could have dominated country like he'd later dominate pop if he had decided to go that route.
However, 10-year-old Anna Nardona was better on this day, sending Timberlake home to iron his country duds and work on his dance moves.
Of course, he'd bounce back, but what would come of Nardona?
ABC caught up with her in 2001 and she shared that she was knocked out of the competition by a five-year-old — a crushing defeat that silenced her. From there, she lived a normal childhood. After high school, she took jobs at a daycare and a day spa. She didn't realize who she beat that day until many years later.
Five Times Justin Timberlake Went Country