Original NSYNC Member Jason Galasso Opens Up About Departure Before Band's Rise to Stardom
In a candid new interview, Jason Galasso, the original fifth member of the iconic boy band NSYNC, has shared his reflections on leaving the group just before they achieved global fame. Galasso's departure occurred in 1995, prior to the band signing a pivotal record contract with music mogul Lou Pearlman, and he was subsequently replaced by Lance Bass.
The Early Days and a Fateful Decision
Galasso was part of NSYNC's initial lineup alongside Justin Timberlake, J.C. Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. Speaking in an upcoming episode of Investigation Discovery's docuseries Boy Band Confidential, he explained his reasoning for not signing the contract with Pearlman. "At that juncture with NSYNC, it didn't feel right. So I didn't do it," Galasso stated, highlighting a moment that would alter the course of his life and the band's history.
Despite his exit, Galasso left a lasting mark on the group. The name "NSYNC" was conceived by Timberlake's mother, Lynn Harless, and ingeniously incorporates the last letter of each original member's first name. This includes the "n" from Jason, though notably not the "e" from Lance, who joined later.
Reactions and Life After NSYNC
Galasso revealed that his decision was met with disappointment from the other members. He recalled J.C. Chasez's frustrated reaction: "JC was pissed, calling me like, 'What are you doing? What are you doing?' And I don't blame them. I kind of left them high and dry. So I get it. I'd be pissed at me too." Galasso, who knew Fatone from high school choir, acknowledged the strain his departure caused.
After leaving NSYNC, Galasso pursued a different path. "I went back to college and got my degree. Then a buddy of mine I went to school with, he was in the mortgage business, and I've been doing that ever since," he explained. When asked if he ever wonders about the "what if" scenarios had he stayed, Galasso responded thoughtfully, "There's always going to be those 'what if' moments, it's just human nature." After a pause, he added wistfully, "I don't know, I don't know."
NSYNC's Legacy and Lou Pearlman's Notorious Past
NSYNC went on to become one of the most popular boy bands of the 1990s and 2000s, selling over 70 million records worldwide. Their success was built on the foundation laid by the original members, including Galasso's brief tenure.
The record deal they signed was with Lou Pearlman, a controversial figure who also managed the Backstreet Boys. Pearlman was later convicted of fraud for operating a $300 million Ponzi scheme through his Trans Continental companies. He fled to Indonesia but was captured in 2007, sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2008, and died in prison in 2016 at age 62.
Docuseries Release Details
Boy Band Confidential is scheduled to air on Investigation Discovery on Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will also be available for streaming on HBO Max, offering fans an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes stories of boy bands like NSYNC.
