Justin Timberlake Wows At The 2015 CMA Awards — The ‘Suit And Tie’ Singer’s Rise To Fame


Justin Timberlake can add another achievement to his growing list of accomplishments – country superstar! Timberlake made his CMA debut last night, and the famous faces in the audience could not get over his duet with country music newcomer Chris Stapleton. The two wowed the crowd while performing “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Drink You Away.”

Minutes after their performance, some of country music’s biggest names took to Twitter to praise them, according to E! News.

“To all of the artists that have to follow @ChrisStapleton & Justin Timberlake….we’re sorry,” Kelly Clarkson tweeted. “Should have closed with this #CMAAwards2015.”

Miranda Lambert added that she would “never get over that performance. #CMAs.”

From his success in the music world, first as a member of ‘N Sync then as a solo artist, to his credits and awards as an actor, the Grammy award winning singer can now add being a member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame to his career endnotes.

With all of his accomplishments in mind, just how did the “Suit and Tie” singer rise to stardom?

According to Biography, Timberlake’s career started with his role on The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he starred alongside Christina Aguilera, J.C. Chasez, and Britney Spears. From here, the up-and-coming singer merged his talents with Chasez, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick, and together they created the hit boy band ‘N Sync.

Justin Timberlake (far right) and some other famous faces on the Mickey Mouse Club. [Image via Disney]
Justin Timberlake (far right) and some other famous faces on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club.’ [Image via Disney]

After achieving great success with ‘N Sync, Timberlake decided to go solo in 2002 and released his first song, “Like I Love You.” Timberlake followed this hit single with Justified, an album for which he won multiple Grammy Awards.

However, the singer’s legacy is not without its share of controversy. Most notable, Timberlake was involved in the highly shocking Super Bowl scandal when he ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson’s dress, uncovering her breast to the entire world.

Justin Timberlake reunited with N'Sync for his performance when he was presented with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 VMAs. [Photo By Larry Busacca/Getty Images]
Justin Timberlake reunited with N’Sync for his performance when he was presented with the Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 VMAs. [Photo By Larry Busacca/Getty Images]

Meanwhile, following his apology for the Super Bowl incident, Timberlake began to appear in numerous films. According to CNN, his list of credits include The Social Network, Trouble with the Curve, and his hosting of Saturday Night Live. For his work on The Social Network, Timberlake was nominated for an Academy Award.

At the same time, Timberlake’s career did not end there. In fact, after marrying Jessica Biel in Italy, Timberlake released his newest album, The 20/20 Experience. This album, which features the likes of Jay-Z, sold some 900,000 copies in its opening week alone.

Jessica Biel shared a rare photo with her husband at the 2015 CMA Awards. [Image via Jessica Biel Twitter]
Jessica Biel shared a rare photo with her husband at the 2015 CMA Awards. [Image via Jessica Biel Twitter]

Following the success of his latest music project, Timberlake was recently inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. According to Entertainment Weekly, Timberlake’s acceptance speech, which lasted around 30 minutes, was filled with heartfelt appreciation for his hometown.

“This is the f**king coolest thing that has ever happened to me,” Timberlake stated. “This is really, really a surprise for me to be honored here tonight. I felt like it was sort of unwarranted when I first looked at the list of my fellow inductees, but I’ve also never been one to turn down a reason to come home and spend time in the city that I grew up in that holds such a special place in my heart.”

Timberlake went on to thank his wife for her support throughout his career, stating that he was very appreciative for everything she puts up with.

“Baby, I love you,” he added. “More than I could put into words and more than any song I could ever write.”

Meanwhile, Timberlake added that being a part of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is something he is immensely proud of, especially considering that Memphis is the city where he was born and raised.

“I am truly honored to merely stand on the shoulders of all these legends that I grew up listening to, that I grew up admiring,” he shared during his speech. “And to say I stand alongside them now… Memphis, the greatest city in the world, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, you have given me and my family — who is clearly half of this section — the greatest honor this evening, and made us all very proud, and I only hope that I can continue to return the favor for as long as I live and breathe.”

Tell us! Were you blown away by Justin Timberlake’s performance at the CMAs? Sound off in the comments and rewatch it below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KkoYOexplQ

[Photo By Rick Diamond/Getty Images]

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