Justin, in assuming the role of the cute one cannot, by definition also be one of the talented ones. People don't look at him and assume that he can also sing. The lines are drawn and whoever looks over them is strict in the handing out of titles. It's a rule that as long as Justin remains 'the cute one' he cannot very well be 'the talented one' as well. That is when you ask. Which would he like to be? We all have also noticed that Justin's appearance has changed some. His hair has become fuller (??? lol ???) and he makes no attempts to hide his tired eyes. Popular belief is that his appearance has "gone downhill" (note: I would still bare his child if asked...). We all know the boy owns a mirror and realizes that fickle female fans have been turning their attention. 
My theory is that this has all been done purposely. A grand scheme if you will. Hear me out... The role of "heart throb" or "stud" has never been something Justin felt comfortable with. He made that clear to anyone who has ever taken time out to watch him. So now he has this time off, the screams die down and he realizes "I like this somewhat quieter lifestyle". So what does he do? He decides he no longer wants the title of "stud" and "let's himself go" (this isn't my opinion). This very well might just be part of a transformation we are seeing. No longer "just a pretty face with a hot body". More like... 'I'm 18 and want to practice my craft without drool and wagging tongues pointed my way'.
Maybe it's time for him to be taken seriously as a musician, as a performer (and a damn good one at that). Maybe it's another 'N Sync members chance to assume the role of "heart throb". This also explains the transformations we have seen in Lance, Chris and JC. The competition is heated. We'll try and break it down for you.
JC 
STEPS TOWARD STUDLINESS:
-muscles
-wearing of leather pants
-ever changing hair do (blonde tips, glitter)
-facial hair
WHY HE SHOULD BE THE NEXT 'N SYNC STUD:
JC is the model for all forms of sex appeal. He can work any and every outfit that can be purchased. He's pulled off orange for goodness sake. Any guy that can do that deserves to be known as a 'heart throb'. And those leather pants... nothing screams SEXY like some leather pants, and he wore them... AND WELL! And there is no denying that he is somewhere in a land far far away from all the mere mortal men who can only dream of looking like that. Plus, he already sings lead for most of the songs and people KNOW he's talented. If given the opportunity he could totally reinvent the title of 'the cute one'.
LANCE 
STEPS TOWARD STUDLINESS:
-buffer look
-better dancing
-his chain
-more talkative
-the way he holds a mic
ARGUMENT WHY HE SHOULD BE THE NEXT 'N SYNC STUD:
He has undergone the most transformation since the group started. In Europe no one payed any attention to him. He was feminine and couldn't dance. He used to be the butt of all my 'N Sync comedy, but not any more. Lance also has the ability to hold down the younger audience. I mean he's only 20, the 2nd youngest (next to Justin) a definite advantage. Having Lance as the next 'N Sync stud would be validation for him and acknowledgement of his vast improvement. From Ellen look-a-like to Lance the huggable Mississippian. I mean JC's transformation wasn't all that grand. JC would still look WOW without the arm muscles, blonde streaks and leather pants... we've seen him pull it off before! He went from already beautiful to OH MY LORD HOTTNESS!! Is that really such a stretch?
CHRIS 
STEPS TOWARD STUDLINESS:
-hair cut
-more conservative dress (note VH1 Concert of the Century). He blended in, something he never did before.
ARGUMENT WHY HE SHOULD BE THE NEXT 'N SYNC STUD:
How much longer does he have? That's really the only argument that can be made. He's getting older, and maybe he should just have the little perk of being then 'N SYNC stud. Plus he does have a great sense of humor.
JOEY 
-we are convinced he is comfortable with his post as group flirt. I mean... he's still getting laid so I don't think he's complaining!
Well the competition is tiresome and the changes have been exhausting. But it's nice to see the title of 'THE CUTE ONE' isn't being taken lightly.
*~*BlueC*~*
