Boy bands are back and have millions of girls singing their popular songs and following their every step via social media outlets. One Direction, The Wanted and Emblem3 - for all of you X Factor fans - are all part of this new boy band wave and their current success indicates they are here to stay, for now.
I am personally a fan of boy bands. On my way to school, I used to blast 'Nsync and Backstreet Boys tunes and drive my mom crazy. I knew them all by heart and went to every single concert they performed near my town.
So, where are some of these former boy band stars now?
Nick Carter
Carter was my favorite Backstreet Boy and, after the group first separated, I kept buying and listening to all of his solo albums, such as "Now or Never" and "I'm Taking Off."
Carter has also had several TV appearances after leaving the band. In 2006, he and his siblings starred in their own E! reality show called "House of Carters." He has also made guest appearances in "8 Simple Rules," "American Dreams" and most recently the CW's"90210."
Howie Day
Throughout the band's ups and downs, breakups and reunions, Day has ventured in different projects that have also kept him in the music, television and entrepreneurial world.
He has guest-starred in "Roswell" episodes, as well as in "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch." He also released his solo album "Back to Me" in 2011 and toured with Britney Spears that same year to South America.
Currently, Howie manages Canadian band Neverest and works at his own real-estate development company, which he founded with his older brother John in 2010.
Joey Fatone
Funny-man Joey Fatone was one of my favorite 'Nsync members. After the band disintegrated in 2002, he continued to have a strong presence in the television world.
In 2007, he came in second place in ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," and was also the host of the American and Australian versions of "The Singing Bee."
Currently, Joey is the announcer of "Family Feud" and is also a guest host for "The Price is Right Live!" in Las Vegas.
Justin Timberlake
Last but not least, former boy bands' most popular member, Justin Timberlake, has had great success post-'Nsync.
After he left the band, Timberlake released two solo albums that sold millions of copies worldwide. He won six Grammy Awards and four Emmy Awards for these two albums.
In addition, Timberlake has starred in successful films, such as Oscar-winner "The Social Network," "Bad Teacher" and "Friends With Benefits" alongside actress Mila Kunis.
Timberlake is also a triumphant entrepreneur. He has his own record label, Tennman Records, his own fashion label, William Rast, and two restaurants, Destino and Southern Hospitality both in New York City.
In October of this year, Timberlake married long-time girlfriend and Hollywood actress Jessica Biel. They had a private wedding in Fasano, Italy.
Contact Maria Fernandez at mfernan5@nd.edu
