A Night Of Confetti, Lasers, And Thousands Of Screaming Teen-age Girls
Lachelle Seymour
The Advocate
Friday, June 30, 2000

Have you ever been surrounded by 60,000 (OK, maybe I exaggerate) screaming teenage girls?

I have.

Do you know what it feels like to truly believe that you were going to be trampled by those chunky-heel wearing, baby-blue loving, crazed fans?

I do.

Has your heart ever pounded so hard that you were sure its thumping could be heard over the pulsing of a bass guitar?

Mine has.

Why, you ask, would any self-respecting citizen put oneself in such a harrowing position?

It was all for the love of *NSYNC.

Yes, *NSYNC - that super popular boy group-was in Columbus Tuesday. But, of course, everyone that has been within earshot of any teen-age girl knows that.

That’s right. Area girls flocked to the Schottenstein Center and the Ohio State University to catch a glimpse of Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, J.C. Chasez, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone.

When my friends (names will be omitted to protect the innocent) and I arrived at "the Schott," I was struck by the creativity of *NSYNC fans.

Some sashayed in superman costumes. (For the *NSYNC illiterate: Joey loves Superman.) Others sported Fu Man Skeeto gear (the clothing line owned by Chris.)

Most carried various posters, pictures, and signs.

However, the most striking and overwhelming statistic of all was defiantly the masses of baby blue.

Let me explain to you. Baby blue happens to be Justin’s favorite color.

Still confused?

All right. Here is a small pop music survival kit designed especially for the *NSYNC impaired.

Some of the most vocal followers are Justin fans.

(Not to undermine the screaming talent of those devoted to another member of the band. Trust me, they are all vocal.) We sat in a circle for a few hours, waiting for admittance. All the while, a few strains of "It’s Gonna Be Me" taunted us from speakers.

Around 7p.m. the doors opened and hoopla began. However, it was a false alarm. A second set of doors remained closed preventing the straining masses from entering.

The taunting continued.

Just when I had given up all hope of ever seeing Chris (umm, I mean *NSYNC) the finale obstacle was removed and we all entered the land of promise.

Once the awesome fivesome took stage there was no turning back.

The boys put on a fantastic show. Laser, lights, and other pyrotechinics complemented the lyrics and sent many into a swoon. (Personally, I enjoyed the confetti.)

Walls of every pitch continued to echo throughout the Value City Arena while the group performed older favorites such as "God Must Have Spent" and new hits like "It Makes Me Ill," "This I Promise You," and "Just Got Paid."

One of my friends (I’ll shall call her Betty) predicted that the last performance would be "Bye Bye Bye." She was indeed, correct. It seemed only fitting that it should be the last tune.

By the end of the concert, I was screaming as much as the next guy. I mean, girl. Was it worth the 50 bucks? Defiantly.

Will I go again? Probably. Will I ever wear baby blue again? I’ll have to think about that one….