Justin Timberlake (yes, that’s what I said)

Okay, so I'm going to gush about some guy that I don't usually care all that much about, but the potential is there for him to become one of the 21st century's greatest entertainers. Personally, I could care less about Justin Timberlake's singing career, his days with NSYNC, his relationship with Brittany Spears. He can dance with Janet or Madonna all he wants. The truly impressive thing about JT is that he does all this so well. Last week, I watched the 2008 Espy Awards, along with my mom, who immediately connected Timberlake with the person who ripped off Janet Jackson's "wardrobe" at the end of halftime at the Superbowl. Well, at least the awards would be good.

The amazing thing about this year's Espys was that the awards were banal, but JT's comedy, his performance, the one-liners as the commercials ended that were perfectly dry and instantly hilarious, stole the show completely. It turned out to be the Justin Timberlake Comedy hour. Even the Hollywood reporters on Headline News were shocked to find out how great of an "entertainer" JT is. It put Jay Leno's monologues to shame, and brought comparisons to such legends as James Dean and Johnny Carson. He's truly a renaissance man, and can do anything he set's his mind to. Further, he's launched his career past the doldrums of his female cohorts on the Mickey Mouse Club, and has kept himself out of all the trouble his friends have gotten themselves into.

I hope that Timberlake sees his performance at the Espys as a starting point for the rest of his life. Once he finishes his teen idol stage, he can become a true celebrity and do whatever he wants. He could light the fire under a night-time talk show, with comedy, skits, interviews, and charm that our current hosts (with the exception of Conan) know little about. He could host a Variety show much as the stars of the 1970's did, but without all the useless Reality show acts that flood the airwaves today. He could continue his singing and performing career far past his boy band friends and join the rock n roll hall of fame as a legend in his time. But it's his torch to pick up, his choice to make. Let's hope he fulfills his potential.