JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

I like him. 

He seems to be a normal, un-theatrical, creative guy, who participates, and innovates, but goes with the flow of the times.

I don't buy anyone's CD's or learn lyrics of songs, but whenever I see Timberlake -- hear him, hear about him -- yes, even if it's fan gossip -- I pay attention.

Researching his background gave me a sense of an ordinary person growing up -- a smart kid with an aptitude for music and real talent -- with a winner's self-confidence, plus a business man's instinct of what to do with his talent. 

Was this inherited from his father, who was a Baptist minister in a small town on the outskirts of Memphis? I skimmed the family stuff -- it didn't seem important to know. What drove the young man seemed to be personal, practical thinking.    

Actually,  whenever I see Justin Timberlake in today's news, or performing, he seems relaxed and just there -- he IS what he Is -- not a guy who decorated himself with a style, a speech pattern, or personality that he chose from other males whom he admired.

I keep feeling this guy has a lot of nerve -- he listens to his inner voice, a voice that we don't hear.

How did he grow into being 32, producer, actor, performer -- a star in music as well as films -- a performer who's  been awarded six Grammys, four  Emmys, has his own recording label, and co-owns two restaurants?

Timberlake was discovered on "Star Search," a  popular talent show back in the days before "American Idol."  He became the youngest member of a group called "N Sync" that grew into a very famous boy band.  During their hiatus, Timberlake released his solo albums, "Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds, which spawned "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body," and his singles "SexyBack," "My Love," and "What Goes Around...Comes Around,"  The albums sold more than seven-million copies worldwide.

I know Timberlake is now married to actress, model, singer, Jessica Biel. I know he was romantically involved with Britney Spears, and later, with Cameron Diaz.  I was one of  the140 million viewers that saw the 2004 super bowl show when he, while dancing with Janet Jackson, tore off a part of her costume that exposed her breast briefly. I liked the way he apologized, later, and said it was something they'd actually rehearsed.

What delights me is the way Justin Timberlake has been expanding himself as an artist for the past five years, putting his music career on hold while focused on acting -- starring in the films, "The Social Network," "Bad Teacher," and "Friends with Benefits."

Recently he released a third album, "The 20/20 Experience," which includes his hit single, "Suit &Tie."

He's still that same, regular sort of guy -- not outlandishly wild -- no hair all over his face or weird outfits, but that easy-going, natural way he moves, dances, sings -- and his choice of songs, I really like.

He fits in, wherever he goes. Here's a bit of what he recently  did when he performed at the White House for the President and Michelle.

And yay -- here, after his five-year hiatus, is Justin Timberlake now.