The four walls of Libby Baldwin's bedroom contain 74 photos of 'N Sync. Actually, that figure is probably low, but we lost count after tallying up the posters and magazine spreads. Then there are the concert programs, the refrigerator magnets, the basketball, the board game.
Like 'N Sync's countless other unwavering devotees, Baldwin, 20, listens to the now-defunct boy band every day. But hers is an orderly obsession. In the Brandon home Baldwin shares with her parents, the five pillows, each bearing the face of a different band member, are neatly tucked at the head of her waterbed. The marionettes, inspired by the group's No Strings Attached album, are lined up on a dresser. There's an identical set of puppets in the closet, still in the boxes for prime eBay condition. The Chris posters are by the closet door. The Lance wall is behind the bed. And beside the mirror? Justin. Lots and lots of Justin.
With the other members of 'N Sync wrapped up in acting projects and botched attempts at space travel, Mr. Timberlake is left as the primary object of the public's - and Baldwin's - affection.
Her boyfriend has learned to tolerate the obsession. Her mom, Mary, hunts down 'N Sync swag at Christmas. And her grandma helps her bake cakes for each band member's birthday. Baldwin blows out the candles.
'Hi, Justin. I love you.'
In 2005, Baldwin and her mom flew to Chicago and paid $150 apiece to attend Challenge for the Children, a charity basketball game organized by 'N Sync. The tickets included a meet-and-greet with the guys.
"Justin was at the end of the line. I was like, 'Hi, Justin. I love you.' And he was like, 'Hi, sweetie. Thanks for coming out.' And he shook my hand, and I about died," Baldwin said. "It was definitely the best two days of my life."
Justin Timberlake or bust
Baldwin will be skipping math class at Hillsborough Community College on Thursday. She'll wear the tour T-shirt she pre-ordered online. She'll spell out Justin Timberlake or bust in foam on her white Chevy Cavelier. She and a friend will camp out in front of the St. Pete Times Forum so they can get a spot near the stage.
Baldwin realizes that her infatuation with JT might seem over the top, but she keeps on donning her Timberlake T-shirts, despite the flack she gets.
"My best friend Ashley, she likes to say, "I love how much you love 'N Sync, 'cause it shows how dedicated you are to the people that you love," Baldwin said.
By the numbers
1 Peach cobbler - his favorite dessert - Baldwin baked in honor of JT's 26th birthday on Jan. 31
3 Drawers she's filled with VHS tapes of Justin's TV appearances
5 'N Sync bobblehead dolls Baldwin owns, still in the boxes
6 Times Baldwin has seen Justin in concert, including five with 'N Sync and once as a solo artist
32 T-shirts she has that feature JT, including one homemade, one thrown into the crowd by Lance Bass at a charity basketball game and one worn by a No Strings Attached tour crew member, bought from eBay
41 Approximate number of 'N Sync and Justin CDs Baldwin owns, including imports ordered online
$45 Annual cost of belonging to the Official Justin Timberlake Fanclub, of which Baldwin is a member
$103 Amount she paid for a pre-sale floor seat at JT's Tampa concert on Thursday.
365 Days per year Baldwin used to wear the silver 'N Sync necklace her mom gave her for Christmas; it's a replica of the gold one Justin wore in the group.
1998 Year Baldwin saw 'N Sync performing in on the Disney Channel, thus beginning her JT obsession. The exact date was July 18. "I call that my 'N Sync anniversary," she said.
$9,530 Total amount fans (including Libby) collected to pay for this ad that ran in Billboard for N Sync's 10th anniversary. She "really would rather not say" how much she contributed.
Snag some swag
You're no super fan, but you'd like some JT swag for yourself. Try these options at www.fanfire.com:
- Sexy Back short-shorts for $34.95
- Love Show shot glass for $8.95.
- Motorcycle Photo sleeveless tee for $34.95.
The show
According to Entertainment Weekly, JT performs on an elaborate, in-the-round set with a laser show and ramps that shoot out in four directions - ensuring the superstar gets close to the crowd. (Are you reading this, Libby?)
A fan sounds off
On Justin's choice in women: "I was never too happy with the Britney thing. I thought he could do better. We saw how that worked out. I totally called that! Cameron? I thought Cameron was a good match for him. I don't know why they broke up, but I was kinda sad for him because I know it must've been really hard on him after 3 1/2 years together or whatever."
On Justin's evolving style: "I miss the little baby blond curls. I miss those. That was my favorite. The 'fro got a little bit outta hand. Back in like 2000 he had a really big white boy 'fro."
On his Dec. 16 Saturday Night Live "D--- in a Box" appearance: "That's hilarious. I watch that like every day on my TiVo."
On how to get Justin's attention: "He wants to be treated like a human being. He doesn't want to be put up on a pedestal."
