Bass: Of course Fatone's a ‘Dancing’ sensation

Singer harkens to their *NSYNC days to explain reality sensation's appeal

Carol Kaelson / ABC

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson perform March 26 on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’

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updated 2:24 p.m. ET April 17, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Joey Fatone has become the one to watch on "Dancing With the Stars" this season, with his smooth moves, slimmed-down body and consistent high scores.

Fatone's former bandmate, Lance Bass, isn't at all surprised — he knew Joey would be a sensation before he even started.

"Of course," Lance tells "Access Hollywood." "There's a reason (Joey) was in *NSYNC!"

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In fact, Lance says that Joey's dancing is what got him noticed for *NSYNC in the first place. "He was actually noticed by Justin (Timberlake) and Chris (Kirkpatrick) on the dance floor at a club, and they were like, 'You need to be in our group.' "

When asked for details, Lance is happy to tell the story:

"It was at Pleasure Island, and they were at some '80s (club) back in the day, and Joey was dancing on the dance floor. Actually, Chris knew him because they worked at Universal Studios together."

Of course, Fatone accepted the invitation, and the rest is history ... but with a twist. "He was originally going to be the bass singer," Lance reveals. "But he couldn't sing bass, so then I came in."

And what does Lance think of Joey's chances to win the "Dancing" competition? "You know what I think? He's a little too good right now," he says, tongue in cheek. "I told him to bring it back a little, because people are going to get sick of him being so good. Like he's got the encore dance every week."