*NSYNC News

(7/13/01, 6 p.m. ET) -- *NSYNC took time out before a performance on its PopOdyssey world tour at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, on Friday (July 13) to talk to reporters about its new album Celebrity, due out July 24.

At that time, *NSYNC also shared its thoughts on Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean's July 10 announcement that he was entering rehabilitation for depression and alcohol abuse. Singers J.C. Chasez and Lance Bass told LAUNCH that they wish McLean all the best for a speedy recovery.

"You know, I really don't know what to say about that except for, you know, I hope he gets better," Chasez said. "It's kind of sad that he has a problem like that and, I mean, I wish the guy the best. I hope he pulls it together. At least he's admitted to himself that he has a problem and that's pretty much the first step."

Added Bass, "Our prayers are with him, you know?"

Chasez added that *NSYNC, just like Jive Records labelmates the Backstreet Boys, must sometimes deal with the pressures that accompany fame and celebrity. "Dealing with pressures, we kind of lean on each other," he said. "We're not really fazed as much by pressure--we're pretty strong-minded and things like that. We've gotten to a place where we have a decent amount of self-esteem and things like that, and we lean on our friends, which are us, if we do get bummed out about something."

Among the 13-tracks featured on NSYNC's Celebrity are the hit single, "Pop," written by Wade Robson and NSYNC's Justin Timberlake, and "Selfish," written by Brian McKnight. Other tracks include "Tell Me, Tell Me...Baby" from songwriters Max Martin and Rami, and "Girlfriend," penned by Timberlake and the Neptunes. The album's title track "Celebrity" comes from producer extraordinaire Rodney Jerkins.

*NSYNC's upcoming television appearances include stops at ABC's The View (July 23), NBC's The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (July 23), and NBC's Today (August 20).

-- Jason Gelman, New York

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