'NSYNC Talks About Leading VMA Pack

It probably comes as no surprise that Eminem and 'NSYNC were at the head of the class when the nominations for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards were announced on Tuesday.

Somewhat more surprising, however, might be the fact that the guys of 'NSYNC are sweating their shot at actually taking home a statuette.

"We didn't think that by this time this year we'd even get tickets to sit down at the Video Music Awards, and hey, we're still here," 'NSYNC's Justin Timberlake told MTV News after the nominations were announced on Tuesday.

"I am a bit nervous," J.C. Chasez said after pondering his group's chances.

All modesty aside, the reigning kings of the pop realm should have no trouble cashing in at least one of their six nominations come September. The group's "Bye, Bye, Bye" is up for an embarrassment of awards, including Video Of The Year, Viewer's Choice, Best Group Video, Best Dance Video, Best Pop Video, and Best Choreography In A Video

While the pop tide has churned out such hitmakers as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and the Backstreet Boys, no one had a bigger year than 'NSYNC. The group was on hand for Tuesday's announcement of this year's field of nominees and also announced that it would perform at the show, seemingly marking the fivesome as a VMA favorite.

"I think 'Bye, Bye, Bye' was a great video for us this year, and it really was effective," the group's Lance Bass said of its entry into the VMA sweepstakes. "I mean, a lot of the fans started doing the dance moves after that video. They loved the whole car-chasing and all of that kind of stuff."

Despite their pack-leading six nominations and their status as MTV favorites, the men of 'NSYNC know that the pressure will be on when the winners are announced in September.

"Now this year, if we lose, it's really going to suck," Chris Kirkpatrick said.

'NSYNC and the rest of the pack will learn their fate on September 7, when Marlon and Shawn Wayans host the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards live from New York's Radio City Music Hall.