In a recent interview, Marsha Ambrosius, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and one half of the duo Floetry, confirmed that a significant portion of Justin Timberlake‘s hit “Cry Me a River” was actually sung by her. Ambrosius, credited as a background vocalist on Timberlake’s 2002 debut solo album Justified, shared her insights on The TERRELL Show, explaining that fans are often surprised to learn she performed some of the memorable falsetto lines and the outro of the track.
Demonstrating her vocal prowess, the 47-year-old artist revealed, “Apparently, according to Twitter, that was, ‘Oh, did you hear that falsetto? He can absolutely come to the barbecue.’ But years later, they will find out that that part was actually me.” Ambrosius humorously referred to herself as the “barbecue sauce” of the song, emphasizing her role in those iconic moments.
Ambrosius has previously discussed her contributions to the song, noting that during the recording process, Timbaland recognized the need for additional elements, which she was able to provide. Reflecting on her experience, she recalled, “I went into the booth, matched my vocal with Justin’s and did it a couple of times to get the feel.” Her vocals complemented Timberlake’s so well that many listeners remain unaware of her involvement.
The conversation gained traction on social media, leading to widespread discussion about Ambrosius’s role in the classic track. Despite the revelation, a representative for Timberlake has yet to comment.
This isn’t the first time Ambrosius has addressed her background work on “Cry Me a River.” In previous interviews, she expressed her surprise at how integral her contributions were to the song’s success, highlighting its lasting impact in popular music.
As the discussion around Ambrosius’s vocals continues, it’s clear that her talent played a crucial role in shaping one of the defining tracks of Timberlake’s career.
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