The whole idea of ex-Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake clamouring for attention to promote his upcoming CD, FutureSex / LoveSounds, by insulting American Idol Taylor Hicks is just plain random. It amplifies the fact that though he has put together an album with adult themes at its core, mentally he hasn't left those mouse ears far behind.
In numerous reports, Timberlake bashed Taylor Hicks' singing, saying, "He can't carry a tune in a bucket." In an interview with Fashion Rocks, a supplement of Vanity Fair, Justin went so far as to speculate about Taylor Hicks' sexual orientation.
In a one-two punch, he simultaneously mocked Mississippians by providing his impersonation of their reaction if Taylor Hicks were found to be gay. He rolled out a thick Southern accent for the reporter, saying, "Oh my god, I voted for a queer!" Mr. Timberlake either assumed Hicks was from Mississippi rather than Alabama or simply enacted his interpretation of how folks from Mississippi might view homosexuality.
I find this humorous considering the look Justin sported in the not so distant past, featured on the website Queerty. "We decided to put things in perspective for you by publishing the above photo from the days when everyone thought Justin Timberlake was a lesbian."
Taking into account the former N'Sync boyband member first drew national media attention by performing on the talent show, Star Search, and now criticizes Hicks for gaining national attention by winning the talent show, America Idol, Timberlake’s words certainly ring hypocritical.
He continues to astound by now announcing to the world he's unable to perform in the bedroom with music playing because he finds it way too distracting. At the same time, he's out promoting a CD with a focus on sex. Apparently Justin's world is full of conundrums.
I have been surprised at how so many reports in the media covering Timberlake's comments robotically quoted his remarks without questioning the motive for this random attack on Taylor Hicks. I can only surmise that, in Timberlake's thinking, Taylor Hicks is a rival of some kind. Timberlake's musical focus has evolved more in line with what's termed 'blue-eyed soul' and less boy band pop, so perhaps he may feel threatened or envious of newly recognized national celebrity Taylor Hicks.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - sandy
Justine Tumbleballs is his own worst enemy. What a joke he is. His new song Sexy-Back sounds like it was manufactured in front of a huge fan. The mousekateer has no voice. He best hope that someday he has 1/2 the class of Taylor Hicks so he(Justine) can handle all the rude remarks that are going to be made about him...Go Taylor can't wait for your CD to come out....
2 - holly
Taylor Hicks can outsing and outperform JT anyday! Not smart of JT to make these statements as he will lose fans fast. Glad Taylor has class. Watch him become an international superstar! His fanbase is growing everyday.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Collectively, they were both spawned from the Hit Factory and will not even leave a mark,on music history, the size of a zit on Elvis' dead hairy ass. Why don't they both go get F*cked and let someone with real talent(Brandi Carlile without her shitty backing band)get a chance to make the ends meet. These f*cking useless hacks piss me off!!
4 - Laura Hawkins
I find your comments on JT baseless. Your article is malicious and ignorant. Anyone who has follows Justin knows that those comments were taken out of context to make him look bad. It is out of character for him to attack someone,as he explained. .
5 - kat
LOVED the article; FINALLY somebody actually said in writing the real reasoning behind JT's attack on Taylor Hicks. Taylor is quickly becoming not only a fine performer, but one of America's most loved citizens. You certainly have never heard Taylor slam anyone! He doesn't need to say nasty things about others to try to make himself look good.....
6 - Bev
To begin with JT is not and never will be Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake. JT is James Taylor. Justin is a man behaving like a spoiled child. Taylor Hicks is a class act, and wisely did not fire back. Watch Taylor GO!!
7 - Jewels
Guppusmaximus, man, don't be shy, let out whatever's on your mind, it's freeing for the soul. (? wow ? )
Laura Hawkins, there's nothing malicious in this article, just reporting what JT said and the conflicts in his thinking/theories/life. It just struck me as so bizarre. If they were taken out of context(the comments) why hasn't anyone stepped up and filled in the world on the true story? Sounds like a load of BS to me. His comments on Taylor were just random; he's the one being ignorant and unkind, lord he doesn't know if Hicks is from MS or AL.
Isn't he supposed to be out promoting his CD? What's his focus on Taylor got to do with anything in his life. Sheesh. Since you seem to think you know these were taken out of context perhaps you would be so kind as to enlighten everyone else.
8 - Metallicat
Thank you so much for this article.
I'm so glad someone finally said what we were all thinking: that Justin Timberlake's remarks about Taylor Hicks were not only unnecessary, but reminiscent of a child's temper tantrum.
I can only assume Justin Timberlake needs all the publicity he can get for his new album..... and apparently, he isn't above bashing the "newbie" Taylor Hicks to get it. That's not only low, but its really sort of sad and pathetic.
Taylor Hicks has more talent than Justin Timberlake ever had - or ever will have.
Justin Timberlake's comments have only helped Taylor Hicks, by allowing Taylor to show what a gracious, mature, and classy guy he is by not stooping to JT's level.
9 - Jewels
Metallicat, I could not agree more.
(Groove on Soulman.)
10 - msdog
I was amazed that Justin showed great immaturity in making such mean spirited comments about Taylor Hicks.
Why would you want to aliniate yourself in an industry that is so challenging. I just don't know what Justin was thinking.
I can tell you this though, I love Taylor Hicks and I would not give Justin Timberlake the time of day after those comments.
11 - JSNorris
Don't understand Timberlake's comments...was it necessary to bash Taylor? What has he ever done to you? I've noticed that Taylor is being a class act on this one...he did not retaliate with a snarky remark...just wished Timberlake well. To me, that shows what a gentleman Taylor Hicks is and why he so awesome. And, yes, he will make an impact on music...because Taylor is so extremely talented!!! Yep, I love Taylor Hicks...and I am darn proud of it!!! Timberlake = childishness. Taylor Hicks = CLASS & TALENT!!!
12 - jus2cusmile
When people have no faith in their own talents to promote themselves, or their 'talent' they result to making childish and nonsensical comments in effort to get SOME kind of publicity.
Sad...really.
13 - Judy
Justin must be so insecure that he has to bash others to boost his ego.The problem is in doing so he has made himself look like a fool.The music industry has room for many different types of performers so why would you feel the need to discredit someone else.Justin should grow up and concentrate on his own shortcomings instead of criticizing Taylor or anyone else.P.S.Justin your immitation of a robot singing your new song is laughable.
14 - sanch
Justin, these comments you made about Taylor Hicks will come back to haunt you. They are not going to help you with sales of your cd, they are just going to make lots of people shun you for your childish antics.
My question is, what serious musician would make such remarks about another artist?
Taylor Hicks shows remarkable poise and confidence in himself with his response to Justin.
By the way, I will certaintly avoid buying your music.
15 - Natalea
I love this article. Justin is trying to sell his album, and he needs advertising. Too bad he was so ignorant to pick bashing Taylor Hicks to do it. Taylor is hot and it's Justin's style to grab on to somebody else's coat tails. Well Taylor's NOT Brittney and the "Soul Patrol" really will make him cry a river.
16 - Jewels
Natalea, it is sad the boy has apparently no one strong enough to tell him when to shut up. When I kept getting article after article quoting him bashing on Taylor Hicks, simultaneously promoting his new CD I just thought, "What?" Completely ridiculous.
This is for you: (no, not the Timberlake version ;) )
Cry Me a River
17 - JAG
Justin,Justin,Justin you have unleashed the wrath of so many with your ridiculous comments.What could you have been trying to accomplish?Taylor Hicks is here to stay and I guess you see him as a very serious threat,why else would you make such stupid remarks.Justin your five minutes of fame are about up,so exit gracefully and let someone with real talent take center stage.
18 - Natalea
And on your way out take your bucket with you!
19 - Bamarules
Well it sounds to me like Justin is still coked up... no one in their right mind would make statements this brash about one of the most famous men in American right now. Does he honestly believe this kind of publicity will help him? He looks like a has-been grasping for straws.
20 - Cheryl
Sounds like to me Cameron voted for Taylor and JT found out - Groove on Soulman!
Justin there is just one word for you - STUPID!
I never have and never will buy anything with your name on it!
21 - Cheryl
Oh yeah - I love the pic of "lesbian" Justin!
22 - MaryJo
Oh what a Titty Baby! Can't beleive he would make such immature comments about someone else in the industry, especially Taylor Hicks. I wouldn't touch anything with Justins' name on it. I WILL BE BUYING EVERYTHING TAYLOR RECORDS!
23 - Shar
Best article out of all of the dozens of articles written about this clown Justin. Great job Jewels for doing your research and filling in the holes others left in their reporting.
Taylor is the real deal...Justin is just a real pain.
24 - JAG
Natalea,love that take your bucket with you.Had a good laugh when I read that after a horendous Monday at work.Jewel's blogs are the best,always interesting and to the point.We all have a great love and respect for Taylor and will defend him always.
25 - Kim
Justin is really a disgusting person if he thinks being hooked on cocaine is no big deal. That shows the root of his problems right there.
Anyways, GREAT article. I love it!