Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez of Nsync pose for a photographs circa 1998 in New York City
Just because almost every former member of *NSYNC was spotted in Justin Timberlake’s VIP section at his Miami concert with Jay Z on Friday doesn’t mean the band will play at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. Or does it?
Whether or not *NSYNC is reuniting Sunday has turned into a full-fledged rumor saga and, without anyone outright denying the event, we’re left to speculate. After all, “I Want You Back,” *NSYNC, “This I Promise You.”
The rumor started “Tearin’ Up My Heart” sometime after MTV announced Timberlake would perform at the awards show and receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. Then there was the oddly timed *NSYNC get-together in Miami on Friday—attended by Lance Bass, Joey Fantone and Chris Kirkpatrick, with J.C. Chasez reportedly missing the outing because of work obligations in California. Then, Bass stirred the pot by posting “Love this pic- Florida boys back together -watching JT and Jay Z- amazing show” on his Instagram account.
The result: *NSYNC fans still around from when the band went “Bye Bye Bye” in 2002 were in full freak-out mode.
The excitement soon turned to confusion when, yesterday, Bass addressed the rumor on his Sirius radio show. His statement that he knew rumors would fly when the gang showed up together in Miami was read by some as a denial; others think he did little to dispel the notion that he’d join his erstwhile bandmates on stage for some “Pop” in at the VMAs, which will be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Bass recapped how the rumors got going and said it was “so cute to see how many people are supporting” *NSYNC on social media. But, oh, small detail: he never actually denied the reunion.
For their part, MTV hasn’t responded yet to a TIME.com request for comment. You wouldn’t think they want us to watch and see if the reunion happens, would you?
At this point, just days away from the show, *NSYNC’s potential get-together is “It’s Gonna Be Me” or “Gone.” Either way, we still get Timberlake.