Justin Timberlake says he wrote the N'Sync hit, "Gone," for Michael Jackson. Opening up for the first time about the song, the "FutureSex/LoveSounds" singer tells "Oprah's Master Class" that Michael Jackson requested to do the song as a duet with him, but it didn't work out because Jackson initially turned the song down and later, when he came back to request they do it as a duet, it was too late because the song was cut by N'Sync for their last album ("Celebrity," 2001).
"He called me on the phone and said he wanted to cut the record, but he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I. And I said, well, it's already out. You know we've already cut this song as an N'Sync record. I'm on the phone and I'm literally punching myself in the face," the Grammy winner says in video below. "I said I can't do that (the duet). Can we do like a N'Sync featuring Michael Jackson or Michael Jackson featuring N'Sync? He was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I."
Looking back, Justin Timberlake says the situation with "Gone" led him to think more about going solo.
"It's the first idea that I ever got about doing something on my own. It was the first time I ever felt the confidence to do it," says Timberlake.
"Oprah's Master Class," featuring Justin Timberlake, premieres Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m. on OWN.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to collaborate with a music legend? Well, imagine being in Justin Timberlake’s shoes when he turned down the opportunity to work with none other than Michael Jackson himself. In a recent episode of his Master Class series, Timberlake opens up about this missed opportunity and gives us a glimpse into the story behind one of his hit songs, ‘Gone’.
In the world of music, collaborations can make or break an artist’s career. So it may come as a surprise that Timberlake turned down the chance to work with the King of Pop. But as he reveals in his Master Class episode, there was a reason behind his decision. With a second-person point of view and using active voice and contractions, this article will take you on a journey as we dive into why Timberlake made this choice and how it impacted his career. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also get an inside look at the inspiration and personal significance behind one of Timberlake’s most beloved songs, ‘Gone’.
Get ready for some fascinating insights from one of today’s biggest music icons.
Missed Opportunity: Collaborating with Michael Jackson
Justin Timberlake missed out on a golden chance to collaborate with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It’s hard to imagine what could have been if these two musical powerhouses had joined forces. Their unique styles and talents would have undoubtedly created something groundbreaking and unforgettable.
However, it’s not uncommon for artists to turn down collaborations for various reasons. In this case, Timberlake explained that he was hesitant because he didn’t feel like he could live up to the expectations set by Jackson’s legendary status. He wanted to make sure that if they were going to work together, it would be something truly exceptional.
In hindsight, it may seem like a missed opportunity, but Timberlake has had an incredibly successful career on his own terms. Although fans will never know what magic could have been created between these two icons, we can still appreciate their individual contributions to the music industry. Sometimes, saying no can lead to even greater personal growth and artistic achievements.
The Story Behind ‘Gone’: Inspiration and Personal Significance
While listening to ‘Gone’, you can’t help but feel the deep emotional connection and personal significance that this song holds for its creator. Justin Timberlake has spoken about how this track was inspired by a difficult breakup he went through, which adds another layer of vulnerability and authenticity to the lyrics.
The raw emotions conveyed in ‘Gone’ make it relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or loss, and it is clear that Timberlake poured his own experiences into this masterpiece.
The story behind ‘Gone’ goes beyond just a breakup song. Timberlake has revealed that the inspiration for the track came from a particularly challenging period in his life when he was questioning his own identity and purpose. This introspective journey led him to create a song that not only captures the pain of lost love but also explores deeper themes of self-discovery and growth. As such, ‘Gone’ becomes more than just a catchy tune; it becomes an anthem for those who are searching for themselves amidst life’s uncertainties.
For Timberlake, ‘Gone’ holds personal significance as it marked a turning point in his career. It was one of the first songs where he took creative control and pushed boundaries with its production style. This willingness to experiment showcased his growth as an artist and set him apart from his boy band image.
Additionally, the success of ‘Gone’ solidified Timberlake’s status as a solo artist and paved the way for future chart-topping hits. Ultimately, this song represents not only personal growth but also professional triumph for Justin Timberlake.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a missed opportunity for Justin Timberlake to collaborate with the late Michael Jackson. Despite being offered the chance to work together, Timberlake turned down the opportunity due to various reasons.
It’s interesting to think about what could have been if these two iconic artists had come together on a project.
In addition, Timberlake also opened up about the inspiration behind his hit song ‘Gone’ in his Master Class. He revealed that the track held personal significance for him and was born out of a place of vulnerability.
It’s always fascinating to hear artists speak about the stories and emotions behind their music, and this insight into ‘Gone’ adds another layer of appreciation for the song.
Overall, it seems that even though he may have missed out on collaborating with Michael Jackson, Timberlake continues to create impactful music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
