Perhaps you've heard by now: Chris Stapleton — who took home Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist and Album of the Year trophies at last night's CMAs — joined no-introduction-needed pop sensation Justin Timberlake on renditions of George Jones' "Tennessee Whiskey" and Timberlake's "Drink You Away" during the CMA broadcast. At an event that has come to be known for its lowest-common-denominator-pandering, middle-of-the-road, high-gloss country music in recent years, it was a clear standout. Watch the "Drink You Away" half of the performance after the jump and decide for yourself.
But here's something you might not know: Last night's performance was not JT's first appearance on the CMAs. Sixteen years before climbing on the CMA stage with Chris (Stapleton), Timberlake got up there with Chris (Kirkpatrick) and the rest of his boy band, 'N Sync, for a performance with longtime country-rockin' outfit Alabama. As pointed out by Rolling Stone Country, 'N Sync and Alabama performed a mildly countrified version of the former's ballad "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You" at the 1999 CMAs. It was — prepare yourself for an understatement — not as good as Timberlake and Stapleton's duet.
But perhaps you disagree. After you've headed past the jump and watched "Drink You Away," check out the Alabama/'N Sync (Syncabama?) performance. If you think you can handle it.
RIP, Joey Fatone. What's that? Joey Fatone's still alive? Hmm. How do you like that.
NSynk & Alabama (Please Vote & Coment Thanks)
