> *NSYNC Unveils Plans for Challenge for the Children III


  After raising over $700,000 last year for their foundation, Challenge For The Children, the men of *NSYNC are at it again as they prepare for their third annual Challenge For The Children charity event. This year the event has grown into a three-day weekend, taking place in Las Vegas, NV on July 27th, 28th and 29th.

Kicking off the weekend, celebrity guests will attend *NSYNC's show at Sam Boyd Stadium, then it's on to the Kick-Off Party at a private location. Saturday, fans will get a chance to see *NSYNC and their celebrity friends duke it out at the Celebrity Skills Challenge. During the Skills Challenge, celebrities on the Daze and Knights teams will compete in games such as Sumo wrestling, Shaq Shoe Race, an obstacle course and many more. The grand finale on Sunday will be the basketball game. Both events will be held at UNLV's Thomas & Mac Center. To wrap up the weekend, there will be a Championship Celebration at an exclusive nightclub.

Last year CFTC brought out celebrities like PINK, Beverly Mitchell, Stephon Marbury, Ananda Lewis, Dean Winters, Isiah Thomas and Jordan Knight. This year some of the people on their wish list include Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Ben Stiller, Lil' Bow Wow, Usher, Cuttino Mobley, Dream, Ludacris, Ahmad Rashad and Pat O'Brien just to name a few. This year's confirmed participants will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for Saturday's Skills Challenge and Sunday's basketball game will go on sale during the second week in June.

Challenge For The Children is an established 501c3 and was founded by the members of *NSYNC in 1999. The main goal of CFTC is to offer financial support to children's programs and charities throughout the country. Every year *NSYNC chooses various charities to benefit from the event. Some of the charities that have benefited from the foundation are the Arnold Palmer's Hospital for Children & Women, Lifebeat, Childplace, The Justin Timberlake Foundation, Child Watch and Camp Good Days.

``What a better way to celebrate children than by playing a game. It is our privilege to bring a good time and a smile to all for a good cause. Isn't that what charity is all about? Feeling good and helping others feel good. Our foundation is doing just that with your help.'' - JC

-Source: PRN

> Review of Pop: "*NSYNC's new single will be an enormous hit"


  Don't bother to fight the future, *NSYNC's new single will be an enormous hit.

"Pop," the group's latest single from their upcoming album "Celebrity" has all the elements of an *NSYNC smash: a repetitive chorus, a catchy beat, and lots of vocal effects that give the boys that digital sound their fans (and their flashy live shows) demand.

Last time around, the boys exploded onto the charts with an angry number about saying "Bye Bye Bye" to a girl.

This time, Justin, Joey, J.C., Lance and Chris are really mad at the Eminems of the world who poke fun at pop music and boy bands.

The single kicks off with Justin Timberlake's (a.k.a. *NSYNC heartthrob's) trademark twangy vocals:

"Sick and tired of hearing all these people talk about/ What's the deal with this pop life and when is it gonna fade out?/Think you've got to realize/ what we're doing is not a trick/We got the gift of melody, we're going to bring it till the end".

Then the other group members join in as *NSYNC lets their fans know that it isn't clothes and money they demand.

"It doesn't matter/ 'bout the car I drive or the ice around my neck/All that matters is that you recognize that it's just about respect".

"Pop" moves so fast that it's hard to picture the five crooners managing to maintain both their trademark fancy-footwork and the break-neck speed of the vocals during a live show. But fear not, the producers have already thought about that. A break in the song provides the perfect platform for an *NSYNC live dance-off.

"Man, I'm tired of singing," whines one of the boys (possibly J.C.) before the vocals take a brief break, providing the ultimate opportunity for the boys to dance and most likely provoke screams from their rabid audiences.

"Pop" was co-written and produced by *NSYNC's Justin, Wade Robson and BT, and proves once again why *NSYNC has the edge on the rest of the boy-band market.

Late last year, former pop heavy-weights the Backstreet Boys unleashed their new tune to the pop market. But "Shape Of My Heart" was a slow-moving ballad that wasn't able to pump up the hyperactive radio crowd or send thousands of audience members into a digital music frenzy -- two things "Pop" will accomplish with ease.

A perfect summer tune for the active pop set, "Pop" will be a sure crowd-pleaser on *NSYNC's North American tour and will probably help the upcoming "Celebrity" beat album-sales records set by their previous album, "No Strings Attached", when it is released on July 24.

That's not saying "Pop" is the most brilliant piece of music ever written - it isn't. It's a tad overproduced, Justin's a bit too twangy, and there isn't anything on here we haven't heard before.

In the far-off future, "Pop" may not be regarded as the definitive pop song of the 21st century, but it is an *NSYNC classic.

-Source: allpop

> MSN Chat with Melinda Bell Transcript


  DishDiva : Hi Melinda, it's great to see you!
melinda_live : Hi everybody! I am back!
DishDiva : Let's see what the fans want to ask!
DishDiva : Let's go!

DishDiva : Melinda, for those who don't know who you are, let's talk about that.
melinda_live : I work for the Wright Entertainment Group. I am the Vice President of Special Projects, which means I work on all the events of the artist's career, outside of touring like photo shoots, marketing and charity events. With *NSYNC, I am their special projects producer.

DishDiva : LadyGuinever says: How is Joey doing since the accident?
melinda_live : Joey is just fine. His leg is a little sore but he moves more on it everyday.

DishDiva : boogijalay says: Is the song "Pop" sending a particular message out to anyone specific?
melinda_live : No, not that I know of.
melinda_live : It is just taking pop music to another level.

DishDiva : nsync4ever2 says: Hey Melinda, why is nsync moving their tour and album back?
melinda_live : They moved the tour back because of all of the technical elements in the show and they still have one song to record on the album and they'll be finished.

DishDiva : LearnMeJC says: How did you get started in working with *NSYNC?
melinda_live : I worked at Walt Disney World as an entertainer and I served as a host and we were there hosts when they visited. I hosted New Kids on the Block and met Johnny Wright who managed them. We became friends. He moved to Florida and we started Wright Entertainment.

DishDiva : Do you still like Disney World?
melinda_live : It is the happiest place in the world.

DishDiva : jc_fedex_me says: Do fans ever recognize and approach you? Does it bother you?
melinda_live : No, not really. Sometimes they do . Would it bother me? No. As long as you don't wake me up in the morning. (laughs)

DishDiva : JoeyGirl12877 says: DID JC'S DAD REALLY DIE
melinda_live : No, That is a rumor. I saw Roy last week and he is perfectly fine. I don't think JC would be rehearsing and shooting music videos if that had happened.

DishDiva : LearnmeJC says: What do u think *NSYNC's best feature is?
melinda_live : Their work ethic and their loyalty to their fans.
melinda_live : And their dedication to their craft.

DishDiva : CPAGal says: Rumor has it the guys have solo contracts signed. Is this true?
melinda_live : No. Not true. All the guys have solo projects that they work on. For example. Lance's movie. JC producing with other groups and artists.
melinda_live : They all work on their own individual things when they can find the time.

DishDiva : jadednsynctifiedangel says: how have they evolved in your eyes from the last album to this one?

melinda_live : They have grown up. They have grown into their craft. They have written and produced most of the songs on this album and have a huge say creatively.

DishDiva : Going Fishing says: Hi Melinda, My name is Erin and I asked the question on the board about what you get to do when you are in a town. You mentioned that the guys like to go bowling. When you go, who wins?
melinda_live : (laughs) Me, of course!
melinda_live : It varies. We always tend to change teams and partners. But it never fails. Justin and I always have a bowl off! If he ever asks you, I always win!

DishDiva : hannahB says: What's going on with Challenge for the Children?
melinda_live : It is July 27, 28, 29 in Las Vegas. The concert is on the 27th and then two days of sporting competition and parties.
melinda_live : All the big celebrities will be there.
melinda_live : Tracy McGrady, Ahmad Rashad, Britney Spears, Ludacris, Sterling Sharpe among others. We'll keep you updated.
melinda_live : Tickets will go on sale mid June.

DishDiva : EmraldNMyst says: When you you were on the NSA tour, what was it like to hangout on the bus and backstage with the guys? Do they get really wild and goofy?
melinda_live : No, actually, it was quite tiring. There were so many shows. It is like having 5 brothers. Some days they are in a good mood. It is like being in one big family and I wouldn't change it for anything.

DishDiva : hearts4lance says: What can we expect at the Sound Check Party?
melinda_live : You'll come in and you'll hear the guys do two songs and then a question and answer session Oprah style. Then you'll receive something from the guys and it will be over.
DishDiva : How do we find out more information?
melinda_live : If you attend a sound check party, you will find out all the info when you get there.

melinda_live : KarenNSync2000 says: Can you tell us anything about the costumes for the Pop Odyssey tour?
melinda_live : The costumes are being designed by our stylist Stephen Gerstein, along with Levi's and Dolce and Gabbana.
melinda_live : They are very flashy, very cool. . .
melinda_live : Something everyone will want.

DishDiva : JCsTrueLove says: What do you think *NSYNC would say to their fans if they could only tell them one thing?
melinda_live : Thank you for all that you have done for us.

DishDiva : ashleymarie03 says: Hey Melinda! My name is Ashley, I'm so happy I get to talk to you! I was wondering if we will get to take pictures WITH *NSYNC at the soundcheck parties... And if not, why? Also, what made you change from Meet 'N Greets to sound Check Parties?
melinda_live : We went from Meet and Greets to soundcheck parties so more people can attend. We think it is a neat idea that people will love. You can take as many pictures as you want with a non professional camera OF the guys, but unfortunately not WITH the guys because this is too time consuming.

DishDiva : FloatMyBoatJ says: Posers seem to be a huge problem,and sometimes they can be dangerous..is there anyway we can bust them? melinda_live : I am not sure if there is a way to bust them. My advice to all of you is KNOW that people who are famous very rarely, if ever, just go online to chat.
melinda_live : It is usually and Official chat, like one on MSN.
melinda_live : You should be very wary of anyone you for money or to meet you anywhere or things like that.
melinda_live : Get as many facts as you can and then turn them over to your parents or an authority figure. They make me as angry as they make some of you.
melinda_live : One more thing, we never ever ever ever sell backstage passes. Don't be fooled. Don't buy them. You will only be disappointed when security stops you at the door.

DishDiva : nsync4ever2 says: Is there ever gonna be a time that *NSYNC will soon do a live chat
melinda_live : Sure., We are going to try to get them all on this summer. Especially when they are featured as Artists of the Month in July!

DishDiva : GoingFishing says: Is there any song that, as a group, you wished you never heard again after the last tour?
melinda_live : No, not really. Not the songs on our tour. I know the gusy get sick of singing "Tearing Up my Heart."

DishDiva : Curlysbabe says: Hey Melinda, my name is Gabriela and I was wondering if the guys plan to record a full spanish album? Can u tell Joey I said congrats? thanks!
melinda_live : No, there hasn't been talk of a Spanish album but we will let you know if that comes up.

DishDiva : LancelsSupaFly says: Is Lance going to keep his hair black or die it back to bleached tips? It looks great black.
melinda_live : It is already dyed back to it's normal state. Brown with blonde.

DishDiva : iluvdestiny says: Has fame changed the guys? Are they stuck up now? Or still mellow... I've been a fan for over 2 years now, and I've noticed changes in their behaviors.... I am talking about like how they won't do meet and greet. Why is that? Do they still love us? Dani
melinda_live : They love all of their fans and they came up with Sound Check parties so they could be involved with MORE of their fans. They are not stuck up. They are the same guys I started with years ago. They are just a little taller and they have a little more facial hair. (laughs)

DishDiva : boogiejalay says: I know there are a gabillion fans out there, but are there some who have come just a little to close for comfort?
melinda_live : Yup.
melinda_live : Unfortunately, in every scenario, there are some people who go beyond the boundaries they should go.
melinda_live : We have a great team of people that work with us.
melinda_live : Hopefully, that situation doesn't become a reocurrence.

DishDiva : KareNSync2000 says: I heard Lance say in an interview on Much Music that the guys were thinking of having fans at the concerts dress up as their favorite celebrities. The best 20 would be able to go on stage. Is this going to happen?
melinda_live : Lance has always talked about that idea. But I don't think it will happen. Some radio stations may do that to give away tickets. I would listen to your favorite radio station.

DishDiva : jrt_in_The_shower says: How are the guys in person? Are they nice as they seem on t.v or do they just act that way?
melinda_live : They are as nice as they seem on TV. I am not making that up.
melinda_live : That is what sets them apart from another boy group I used to work with but I am not naming any names. (laughs)

DishDiva : JuJu_Nsync says: What's the funniest joke the guys have ever pulled on you?
melinda_live : JuJu, hmmm. There are so many I can't remember. They pick on me all the time.

DishDiva : boogiejeley says: personal note. I am 31 years old and they look like they are so much fun I want to go to Toys R Us and run around with them!
DishDiva : Why? (laughs)
melinda_live : Why? I would much rather go putt putt golfing? (laughs)

DishDiva : ashleymarie03 says: Are you gonna be present at the soundcheck parties where people can meet you?
melinda_live : Yes, I actually run the soundcheck parties. I will be the "Oprah" with the microphone so you guys can ask the questions.

DishDiva : JCsTrueLove says: Melinda, you're such a sweetie for doing this chat. I would love to have a job like yours. What advice would you give me? Thanks!
melinda_live : Meet as many people as you can in the field. Go to college. Get your degree. Follow your dreams and work hard.

DishDiva : StevesTrustyFlashlight says: Do you ever get tired of the guys? I mean they ARE guys. I'm sure they get annoying at times lol
melinda_live : Like I said earlier...they are like 5 brothers. Do you love your siblings all the time?
melinda_live : Don't get me wrong. They are always fun to be around except when I have deadlines and they are running in the opposite direction of me.

DishDiva : JustJen28 says: Since fellow NSYNC Community/NSYNC@MSN memebers were under the impression that this was a "private" chat just for us, will there be an event like that just for us in the future?
melinda_live : According to the people I spoke with at MSN. This is a private chat just for *NSYNC members.
DishDiva : Right.
DishDiva : There will be other chats down the line.
melinda_live : We'll try to get the gusy too.

DishDiva : Antlesrips says: Melinda, the life of a celebrity has as many negatives as it does positives....there must be days that they just want to go out and remain anonymous. What do they do on these days?
melinda_live : You are right. The guy's private time is very precious to them. They are very normal like you and I. They like to go shopping, the movies, stay at home with their families. Even go to the grocery store.

DishDiva : DanciNSYNCSoccerMom says: Where did *NSYNC get the ideas for bubbles in his i promise you?
melinda_live : That came from the guys and the director. It was a way to get the vignettes tied to the different story lines. Wait till you see the new video for "Pop." They just shot it last weekend. Watch MTV for "Making of the Video."

DishDiva : LadyGuenivere says: My sister and I have a bet going on about the stage. I heard there are conveyor builts. Where are they located as part of the stage?
melinda_live : There is more than one conveyor belt and they are all over the place. You have to go to the show to see it.

DishDiva : ashleymarie03 says: Are you really good friends with Britney? I know she is busy with her own stuff most of the time, but does she hang out with the guys often?
melinda_live : Yes, I am very good friends with her. At one time I was her tour manager. Yes, she hangs out with the guys. She is a great person.

DishDiva : boogiejalay says: Who can we contact to get more information about the charity event?
melinda_live : Check my Diary and NSYNC.com for updates

DishDiva : IrisDeA says: I have started a group of my own but need help getting us up and noticed, what do you suggest I do?
melinda_live : Do a demo tape. Get your pictures taken and send out your packages to everyone in the industry. Don't ever give up!

DishDiva : Melinda, it was so great to spend time with you tonight. Thanks for being here to talk about *NSYNC.
melinda_live : Thanks you guys.
melinda_live : Let's do it again soon!
melinda_live : Now go call the radio stations and request that new single!

-Source: MSN Chat with Melinda Bell May 16th