Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake may have become idols in the music world, but many years ago, they were the so-much-in love pinky and stinky.
It is safe to say that finding childhood stars who knew each other from the onset and grew up together to stardom is rare. But it was far from unusual when music pros Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake found each other.
The pair were a formidable power couple–not in the Hera and Zeus way, but still influential enough to pull millions of fans. However, just as their love burned bright, so did the embers die out. Here’s how it all went down.
The “Not So” Humble Beginnings
Spears and Timberlake met when they were tweens in the early 1990s, and the beginning was not so humble because they were regulars on “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club.”
The pair started on the child-friendly show alongside would-be stars, including Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling. As youngsters, their feelings on the show did not go past adventurous fun and a tiny crush on each other.
During their coming-of-age years, Spears and Timberlake’s fame was already burgeoning, and it was apparent they would get to a desirable peak. Timberlake went on to become a member of NSYNC, a successful boy band.
Britney had a solo career, and it came with the right amount of talent, hard work, and glamor. By 1999, the duo reconnected, and soon enough, their romance started.
Inside the Ups and Downs of Their Romance
Their love was part of the catalyst to their global fame. The pair thrived in their career and romance. The duo nicknamed “Pinky and Stinky” gave fans hope that young love could make money and still burn bright.
The “Oops I did It Again” crooner and the “Mirrors” rocker were so iconic that their red carpet appearances always proved to be the showstopper. One unforgettable couple glam was the denim look they pulled at the AMA in 2001.
Well, it seemed that the memorable moment was the chef’s kiss on their love life because the following year came with drama, heightened fans’ curiosity, rumors, and the ultimate breakup.
There was a unified rumor that Spears cheated on Timberlake, and the relationship went from all things nice to irreparable. It was indeed a messy breakup because Timberlake seemed to allude to it in songs.
The Drama
The star had left NSYNC by that time to focus on his solo career. His single “Cry Me A River” sounded so familiar to the “Pinky and Stinky” fans because it was as though the track was about his failed relationship with Britney.
The Grammy-winning singer also released her song around that time. The track “Everything” was an apology to lost love, and Britney did pour out her heart.
The music stars were on many interviews addressing their break up and promoting their music. Despite the subtle back and forth, Spears and Timberlake seemed to agree on one thing– not to share the reason for their split.
Where Are They Now?
As the world knows, Spears and Timberlake are mega superstars, influential in real-time and on social media. As of 2020, Britney made it to news headlines again.
After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time.
Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right.
No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) June 24, 2021
This time, it was for the messy conservatorship squabble with her father. She has been trending on social media under the #FreeBritney topics. So far, Spears has worldwide support, and she seems to be making progress.
Timberlake, who is married to Jessica Biel, has lent his voice in support of noting that a person who worked hard for their money and fame should be in control of their life.
