Nick Lachey Suffered Identity Crisis as 98 Degrees Was Crafted into ‘the White Jodeci,’ Told to Attend ‘Black Churches in Harlem’

**90s Boy Band 98 Degrees Reflects on Pressures of Fame and Identity Struggles in New Documentary**

The members of 98 Degrees, consisting of Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, Justin Jeffre, and Nick Lachey, have opened up about their complex journey to fame, revealing feelings of disconnection from their authentic selves during the early days of their career. Signed to the iconic Motown Records in early 1997, the band found themselves caught in a whirlwind of pressures as they attempted to carve out their identity in the competitive realm of pop music.

In ID’s new documentary, “Boy Band Confidential,” the group share their experiences of navigating fame while grappling with the expectations placed upon them by their label. The documentary provides an insight into how the band members were moulded into what Motown sought, struggling against the imposed identity of being “the white Jodeci.”

Nick Lachey recalls the surreal moments they faced during this transformative period, citing instances where they were encouraged to immerse themselves in environments vastly different from their own. “The president of Motown wanted us to be the white Jodeci,” he explains. The group was pushed to engage with Black churches in Harlem, which led to experiences that raised significant questions about their safety and purpose in the music scene.

Lachey shares a particularly vivid recollection of a studio visit in Rochester, New York, where they encountered DeVanté from Jodeci, who was reportedly being fitted for a bulletproof vest. “I remember looking around like, ‘Do we need a bulletproof vest? What did we just walk into?'” he reflects, highlighting the bewilderment that accompanied their rise to stardom.

Despite their gratitude towards Motown for the opportunity, Lachey admitted the constant pressure to conform to a manufactured image sparked feelings of self-doubt. “It does make you question, ‘Well, why did you sign us if you didn’t want us to be who we are?'” he questioned. Jeff Timmons, reflecting on the group’s internal dynamics during this time, expressed how their status as a new act left them vulnerable to the label’s direction, stating, “We were not making any money… this is our shot.”

As the pressures mounted, Timmons opened up about his struggles with severe depression, feeling unauthentic and burdened by the expectation to perform. “I just didn’t feel good about myself,” he admitted, explaining the sleepless nights and emotional turmoil he experienced. “I felt so worthless… to the point where I thought, ‘Just end it.'”

In a pivotal moment, Timmons reached out to their manager for help when the emotional burden became too much to bear. After voicing his struggles, his manager found him a psychiatrist, which marked the beginning of his path towards feeling better. “Within three months, I felt better than ever,” Timmons noted, attributing his recovery to both professional help and dietary changes.

The documentary not only captures the highs and lows of their career but also shines a light on the importance of mental health within the entertainment industry. Timmons’ journey serves as a reminder that even those who appear to live glamorous lives often encounter deep-rooted struggles.

“Boy Band Confidential: A Hollywood Demons Event” is set to premiere on Monday, 20 April at 9pm ET/PT on ID, with streaming available on HBO Max. As the members of 98 Degrees continue to share their story, viewers are reminded of the complexities entwined with fame, particularly the ongoing conversation about mental health and the pressures faced by performers.

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, it is crucial to seek assistance. Support is available 24/7 through resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, reachable via call or text at 988 or through their website at 988lifeline.org.