One could see a spark in the boy behind 'Cry Me A River' and with time he proved to be more than just Britney Spears's boyfriend with smashing vocals, sexy looks and a spanking debut album, Justified.
The album made it to second place in the Billboard 200 charts, clutching two Grammys, one being the Best Pop Vocal Album and the other being Best Male Pop Performance for 'Cry Me A River'. The singer was also nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Where Is The Love' with the Black Eyed Peas and Album of the Year and Record of the Year for 'Cry Me A River'.

After Timberlake's success, fellow band mate JC Chasez followed up with Timberlake with songs like 'Blowin' Me Up With Her Love', 'Some Girls (Dance With Women)' and 'Bring It All To Me' but Timberlake swept the audience away with his buoyant Justified.

Justified rocked as an album and gave Justin a gateway to making it to the top. Most of the tracks of this album are heard on the radio, clubs and parties till today, just like Elvis or Jackson!

An actor, beat-boxer and collaborator; an entertainer all in one!
Justin is best known for his vocal percussion; beat boxing brought him into the limelight after 'Pop' and this brought beat boxing back into the pop culture, which had faded away in the '80s. On the flip side, this pop idol tried to strike a pose with acting and appeared in films like Alpha Dog, Edison Force, as young Elton John in The Train Don't Stop There Anymore, voiced Prince Artie in the third sequel of Shrek and is now seen in Mike Myers's The Love Guru. Not only that, Timberlake is said to be the executive producer in My Problem With Women, an upcoming venture with NBC.

Timberlake recorded with artists like Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am, Snopp Dogg in the fresh and funky 'Signs', Nelly's 'Work It', Nelly Furtado in 'Promiscuous Girl' and 'Give It To Me' and Timberland in 'My Love' and 'Cry Me a River'.

One could hear the conviction with which Timberlake sang in all these collaborations and he seemed to sound much more mature and in control of his vocals in each and every track. This change was noticed by millions who now look up to the singer as an influence, a role model or in other words, an idol.

Justin also endorsed McDonald's. The 'I'm Lovin' It' campaign featured the artist singing to the beat, chasing a stick thin model around in the video and vocals proved to of a pop deity in the making.
His films might have not won him any Oscars, but his music was always on the go as one saw him on and off screen, performing concerts and coming up with his own record label, JayTee Records and of course, his second solo album.

From pop to pop idol- Future Sex/Love Sounds
'Sexy Back' is all one thinks of when recalling Justin's second solo album, which transformed him from a boy into a mature musician, as Future Sex/Love Sounds was retro in sound with modern compositions.
This album debuted on the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart and was the biggest album to be pre-ordered on iTunes and beat Coldplay's record, pushing Timberlake far ahead in the pop world.

In addition, this singer/actor/producer/dancer has also taken hosting in his stride with European MTV Awards and Saturday Night Live. Not only that, Timberlake is known as an invincible performer and judging by his combination of groundbreaking music with fantastic performances (specially his performance of 'Sexy Back' at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards) he is often compared to legends like Prince and Jackson.

His second album tuned Timberlake from a young boy dancing away to 'Tearing Up My Heart' to the pop sensation of the youth. He hasn't only produced his own two solo smashing albums but Justin has now moved on to producing music for collaborative purposes. For starters, he co-wrote, produced and provided vocals for 'Nite Runner' and 'Falling Down' for the very famous Duran Duran. Justin is the man behind five of Madonna's tracks from latest album Hard Candy, out of which 'Four Minutes' topped charts in Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, UK and the States! Now if that isn't the record of a phenomenal pop idol then what is?

JT 'popped' it up at NY Fashion Week!
The sexy singer of 'Sexy Back' seems to be on the go, not only when it comes to acting, stage performances or producing super hits but the singer seems to have a finger on the fashion industry too.
This time, he made news but for his fashion sense. Under the label William Rast, a three year old label founded by the pop prince, Justin showed off his flare for fashion. He showcased his clothing collection for the very first time at the New York Fashion Week, which he owns with business partner Trace Ayala.
Models showcased leggings, vests, tuxedo jackets, denim shorts, sweatshirts, leather jackets and oversized tees on the ramp and Timberlake was much appreciated for his style sensibility.
Justin recently worked with diva Beyonce and among other things in the pipeline is an album for current girlfriend Jessica Biel.

With millions of records sold and collaborations with some of music's biggest names, it is no wonder why Justin Timberlake has taken on the pop idol mantle from Michael Jackson.