INTRODUCTION Justin performs a song for adoring fans at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
Dy August 2013 Justin Timberlake was used to performing and winning awards But this time was different This time he was being honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards After years of hard work in the entertainment business he'd reached a new level of stardom He was on the same playing field as other major musicians who'd won the Vanguard before him Michael Jackson Madonna the Beatles the Red Hot Chili Peppers the Beastie Boys and Britney Spears to name a handful Justin holds his Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
Members of N Sync joined Justin CENTER onstage during the VMAS Justin proved he'd earned the spotlight with a VMA performance that rocked the house The show opened with a video montage of his solo hits Then he appeared live onstage dancing singing and shouting out to the crowd As he made his way through Like I Love You Cry Me a River Señorita and other favorites celebrities in the audience went wild Taylor Swift Lady Gaga Rihanna and Selena Gomez sang along danced clapped and cheered Through it all Justin's energy never quit And near the end of his show he gave fans a rare treat His former N Sync bandmates joined him onstage to perform their classic hits Girlfriend and Bye Bye Bye It was a musical reunion that showed Justin remembered his roots
While accepting his Vanguard Award Justin was humble and grateful He ducked his head and covered his eyes as presenter Jimmy Fallon listed his accomplishments calling him a legend When audience members chanted his name Justin joked that he'd paid them to do it I don't deserve this award But I'm not gonna give it back he said with a smile He went on to thank his video directors his manager his family and N Sync all the people who'd helped him along the way Justin had reached a real high point in his career But with his enormous talent he was likely to rise even higher Jimmy Fallon presents Justin with the Vanguard Award
