JC Chasez Sits in the Judge's Chair
Source: By CHLOE TEJADA
Posted: 03/17/08 10:01AM
Filed Under: Television
We all know what Justin Timberlake’s been up to since he left ‘Nsync: He dumped Britney, made two record-smashing albums, starred in movies such as 'Alpha Dog,' dated Cameron Diaz, and just released a duet with Madonna.
But whatever happened to ‘Nsync’s other popular singer, JC Chasez?
He hasn’t completely fallen off the face of the earth like Chris Kirkpatrick or come out of the closet like Lance Bass. And he hasn’t been on Dancing With the Stars like Joey Fatone...yet.
JC released a solo album, Schizophrenic, in 2004, but since then the public hasn’t seen much of Chasez except for TV cameo appearances.
So of course it was inevitable that he land a reality show gig. Chasez is a judge on the show America’s Best Dance Crew, in which dance groups compete to be crowned, well, the best dance crew.
Joining Chasez at the judging table are rapper Lil Mama and choreographer Shane Sparks. The groups are given challenges (one week the groups had to perform to a track from Michael Jackson's Thriller) and each week one crew is kicked off.
JC talked to AOL Canada about who is the best dancer in 'Nsync, how he became a judge and who he would like to steal dance moves from.
What do you love about dance?
JC: It’s a great way to release. It’s so physical and it’s a great way to release your energy and your emotions.
Did you dance as a kid?
JC: Not when I was little but as a 13-year-old kid I danced, I was into everything. My friends were into rock and roll and I was their headbanger.
Who are your favorite choreographers you’ve worked with?
JC: I’m working with Shane Sparks and he’s worked on a lot of music videos and movies and he’s just amazing, he’s incredibly talented. I’ve worked with Wade Robson, Marty, Justin [Timberlake’s] choreographer Darren.
Out of all the members of ‘Nsync, who was the best dancer?
JC: Everybody brought something to the table. Justin was smoother, his dancing had more energy than mine.
Was there a dance routine you hated performing while in ‘Nsync?
JC: We played the same songs at every show and on the tour so we changed up the moves to make it interesting for us and for the fans. When you’re doing it initially, you have fun because you’re passionate and then after you’ve done the moves for a while you do it to make people happy. But no, there was not a move I didn’t like.
How has being in a boy band prepared you to be a judge in a dance competition?
JC: Well, the show is based on dance crew groups and I got a lot of practice being with ‘Nsync. I have an understanding of spacing of the chemistry between the dancers. I know what it takes. Every person has their own style but they have to mesh well together and be synchronized.
Which group in the competition has impressed you so far?
JC: All the groups have impressed me. Every group had a highlight for me. Each group has style. We give them challenges based on how well they incorporate their own style.
When you’re judging the groups, what qualities are you looking for?
JC: I want to watch people grow, I want them to get better. If they don’t become better then they haven’t learned anything.
I’ve heard you’ve been working on a new album, when is it being released?
JC: The new album is a lot of fun. Music is the biggest part of my life and I’m working with other artists too. It’s a work in progress, I always want to change things on it so it’s taking time so there is no release date yet.
How did you get involved in the show?
JC: Randy Jackson (the producer of the show) and I see each other all the time. He came up with the concept and gave me a ring and said ‘it’s right up your alley.’ Knowing his knowledge of this kind of show I knew it would be a high quality show.
What is it like working with the other judges?
JC: The judges see the competition in totally different ways. We all respect each other. Once we talk about likes, dislikes, there is nothing heated in our discussion.
How difficult is it for the dancers in the competition?
JC: It’s just hard work. You have to be willing to do the work. These guys are only putting on a minute of dancing. In ‘Nsync, each song we did three and half to four minutes of dancing. They are given a week which is plenty of time to put a routine together. There is no rest for these guys, they have to run on all cylinders. They have to reinvent themselves every week.
Who is a dancer you admire?
JC: Chris Brown is a great dancer. He’s young, energetic and catches your attention.
Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew airs on MuchMusic Sundays @ 7pm ET
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