Can Justin Timberlake Save MySpace?

Timberlake strategizing in The Social Network

Move over Mark Zuckerberg! Justin Timberlake is taking his role in The Social Network off screen. The performer now has a stake in MySpace—you know, that thing you forgot your password to when Facebook came around? Timberlake noted that he believes “there’s a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers," and he hopes to "bring artists and fans together." But what about his music? He hasn't put out an album since 2006! (Though he's been plenty busy acting, co-founding a fashion line, starting his own record label, launching his own brand of tequila, and co-owning restaurants—including one in NYC).

The company that officially bought MySpace, Specific Media, made the announcement, saying that "as part of the deal, Emmy and Grammy winning artist Justin Timberlake will also take an ownership stake and play a major role in developing the creative direction and strategy for the company moving forward." It will look something like this:

Somewhere J.C. Chasez is trying to get a hold of the Friendster head honchos (which, by the way, is back!)

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on June 30, 2011 12:59 PM

Comments [rss]

jibbly

I actually deleted my account a year ago because they started spamming me. No thanks, JT!

Rocknrope

Timberlake understands that he was just playing internet entrepreneur Sean Parker, and that he's just an actor/musician, right? Right?

LazyNanny

Nice try to jump on the Ashton bandwagon. I hope you get paid up front Justin, cuz there is no way to sell this shitsicle.

ashkatz123

While MySpace may be bleeding active users, you really can't underestimate good marketing and JT's brand power. And at the $35M price tag, Specific Media has a lot of room for redefining the MySpace experience while leveraging the millions of existing accounts and email addresses. Think of it this way: if you (as someone who registered for myspace 8 yrs ago and never went to the site since then) got an email today from JustinTimberlake@MySpace.com telling you that you ABSOLUTELY had to check out their new offering, I'm betting you would!