Lance Bass Opens Up

Saying 'Bye, Bye, Bye' to 'N Sync

Bass said that he and the rest of the band supported Timberlake's solo album, but they always thought he would return to the group. According to Bass, Timberlake kept promising to come back every few months, and for more than a year, the group waited.

"It meant a huge sacrifice, 'cause I gave up so many opportunities," said Bass. "There were some television projects that I personally wanted to do, but I knew I couldn't."

After more than a year, Bass said Timberlake finally broke the news that he would not be returning to 'N Sync. "Justin was like, 'OK, I don't see myself doing another album anytime soon,' meaning probably not ever," said Bass.

The slow breakup of 'N Sync also marked the beginning of the end of Bass' secret personal life. Even as he began privately exploring his true sexuality, there remained one seemingly insurmountable reason to stay in the closet: his Southern Baptist parents.

His closest friends, including "Sopranos" actress Jamie Lynn Sigler, became co-conspirators in keeping Lance's secret. Bass said, "If we went out at night, and we were dancing, or going out, you know, I was usually the — kind of the distraction. I was always sort of on her arm, and maybe her boyfriend would be on the other side."

Bass is just as protective of his friends and remembers rushing to Las Vegas when he heard friend Britney Spears was about to make a terrible mistake.

"They're like she's gettin' married just for fun. … We were in her room and we watched the video of the wedding and I remember looking at her as she watched it and that's where I just saw it in her eyes that night. … She was just really lost."

Spears' fateful 55-hour marriage became instant tabloid fodder.

Last year, Bass faced his own battle with the tabloids, when they began reporting sightings of him with men. He decided then it was time to tell the truth — to his family and the entire world. He came out on the cover of People Magazine.

Today, Bass is living in New York and doing what he loves best — singing. He is currently playing Corny Collins in the Broadway show "Hairspray." And he's looking to the future.

"The great thing about writing this book is I have closed the first chapter, and I have many chapters to write."