*NSYNC News

(3/20/01, 5 p.m. ET) -- 'N Sync had the honor of inducting Michael Jackson into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Monday (March 19) at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Singer Justin Timberlake stepped up to the podium and gave a poetic turn to Jackson's introduction.

"For more than 35 years, Michael Jackson has been the 'Man In The Mirror.' He thrilled us with the Thriller, the largest-selling album of all time, beat us at our own game with 'Beat It,' he rocked us to our souls with 'Rock With You.' He's 'Bad,' he's 'Dangerous,' and if he thinks we're gonna let him stop because we've had enough, as they so often say in this city, 'Fugheddaboutit!' There ain't no stoppin', there ain't no enough. He's the 'King Of Pop'--the one, the only Michael Jackson."

Backstage, Chris Kirkpatrick said that 'N Sync was honored to toast Jackson after paying tribute to his sister Janet Jackson earlier this month when she was celebrated as the first-ever "MTV Icon": "It's such an honor for us to get to do Janet and then to be here with Michael. It's incredible."

Timberlake added that 'N Sync would proudly show up for any event that pays tribute to the Jackson siblings: "You're talking about a whole family that inspired us as a group, so it's an honor to honor them--any of them."

Since 'N Sync has spent so much time with the Jacksons, reporters asked 'N Sync if there was any truth to the rumor that Michael would duet with the group on its upcoming album, due in June. Timberlake said with a smile, "Who said that? Keep saying it...maybe it will happen." Reporters then asked Timberlake if 'N Sync would collaborate with Michael if he offered, and the singer responded, "You're asking us if we would do it? Are you kidding? Is that like a joke?"

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony airs on VH1 tonight (March 21) at 9 p.m. ET.

-- Jason Gelman, Bruce Simon and Darren Davis, New York

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